Queenpads PNG successfully completed another year of establishing a cost-effective and better solution for menstrual products by selling and distributing reusable pads as well as carrying out awareness to communities, schools, and organizations. With a number of activities that occurred during the year including the National General Election, Queenpads managed to pull through a tough year. That's according to Founder of Queenpads PNG Anne Shirley Korave. She said despite 2022 being a hectic year, Queenpads managed to reach over their target goal for the year where they reached a total of 10, 441 people with 8% of males and 92% of females. Ms Korave hopes that for this New Year, her team can also reach more men and young boys with the aim of breaking barriers and to normalize menstrual needs. “Menstruation is everyone’s business and not just for young women and girls. We must work together in normalizing this in our communities and in our homes.” In 2022, Queenpads visted a total of 9 provinces across the four regions of the country, visiting 36 schools, 10 communities, and 14 organizations as well as receiving donations to help support the team in their advocacy and also distributions in these respective areas. For this year’s target, Queenpads aims to reach another 10, 000, “Moving forward for 2023, we are looking at taking a next step in improving our products. We’re looking at improving what’s already out there in terms of the quality and production.” As part of improving their products, Queenpads also has an online campaign to help support their business and enhanced collaboration with BSP. Ms Korave further stated with Sir Brian Bell Foundation being the key delivery partner and CPL Foundation also working in collaboration with Queenpads, she is confident Queenpads is going down the right part as they are receiving as much support as they can. Apart from this, Korave has outlined a number of challenges faced during their awareness in different provinces due to cultural hindrance. “Due to our different cultures and taboos, this can cause us to stumble because of the different beliefs and customs. Therefore it is important we advocate but approach people in a way that we feel is best fitting for them to understand especially the male society.” One main factor as well that Korave stated was language barrier; speaking at the level that people in a village community setting will understand and that goes back to the approach towards them. Korave said that the team carried out their awareness with a positive mind set and to get the message across. "The feedback given was generally good and that people responded positively." Queenpads will now be focusing on areas they haven’t visited yet across the four regions of the country and hopes for the best in reaching their target goal.

“People, who have walked in darkness, have seen a great light.” These are the words of Fr. John Curtis, who spoke during the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service held at the St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Port Moresby. Fr. John spoke about how the light, which represented the birth of Christ, has shone light on those who need the presence of God in their lives. According to Fr. John, this is the time of the year where many across the world spend time by exchanging gifts and celebrating with family and friends. He said whilst celebrating, the true meaning of Christmas must remain and that’s to remember the birth of Christ and its significance to mankind. “This is no fairy tale. This is what God has given to us to give us a sense of hope and faith by shining a light on those who need it the most, not only during Christmas time but for our entire lives.” He said just like all other days, we must share what we have with others and Christmas being a festive time, can make it extra special. Fr. John encouraged that all mankind must open up to new possibilities just as Mary and Joseph did when told by God that the Virgin Mary was to conceive a child. He added that we must trust in God as he is working something wonderful for each and every one of us. “God comes into the good and bad times of our lives; the mess, joy, and struggles of our lives. The Messiah has come into our world hoping that we will carry him in our hearts everywhere we go and in everything we do. “ Fr. John continues to remind all that Christmas is about being thankful for the birth of a King who was created by God for us all. “For a child born for us, a child was given to us. His name is Emmanuel which means God is with us,” said Fr. John.

The Port Moresby Basketball Association (POMBA) plans to start its 2023 season in mid- February of next year with eight teams set to take part including Chariots, Saints, Tamaraws, Exodus, Spondai, Uni Chiefs, Ultimax and Koki Dolphins. Basketball Operations General Manager, Mr. Slieve Mohu, said each team must have senior men and women plus junior divisions before they can take part in competitions. “The Junior Divisions include Under 10 mix, Under 13 mix, Under 15 boys and girls, Under 17 boys and girls and Under 19 boys and girls.” Meanwhile, President of POMBA, Mr. John Vere, added that the association is well prepared and ready for next year’s season and this couldn’t have been made possible without the support from major sponsor, Credit Corporation. By playing a big role in a sporting association, Vere said that a few challenges were faced during the 2022 season. “The financial side of the operations was our biggest challenge with the hire cost of the facilities which was the major one. Other challenges included day to day operating costs with match and officials’ fees and amenities.” Despite this, Vere said they were grateful to the facilities management team for the consideration on the hire rates come next year and for Credit Corporation’s major support. “We would like to pass on our sincere appreciation to Credit Corporation CEO Danny Robinson and his team for their huge support.” Vere added that for the previous season, each team had to find their own sponsors, however, a discussion plan was made to organise sponsors in consultation with clubs for next season.

PNG Boxing Union released its boxing calendar for 2023-2024 following a number of major tournaments and championships that will be hosted next year before the Olympic Games in 2024. President of PNG Boxing, Dr. Gideon Kendino officially made the announcement in Port Moresby this week, stating that the programs will officially begin in February starting with the launching of PNGBU five year Corporate Plan Launch that will take place in that month. Kendino highlighted a number of major events in which PNG Boxing Union will be taking part in including the Oceania Youth Championships in February, PNG National Championships in April, Oceania Senior Boxing Championships in June, Melanesian Cup Tournament in July to August and the Pacific Games in November to December. In preparation towards these events, Kendino said their aim now is to create more professional boxers who will represent the country and to win at least any color medals in the upcoming Olympics in 2024. “As per our preparations now, Boxing Union needs full time athletes, coaches and trainers who will deliver the best. We have to work towards being more professional in what we do and by doing so we must follow our mission which is “Growth in Boxing”. ”Kendino explained that the union’s mission is branched out in three groups which are strengthening clubs and Associations, secondly, making sure that all coaches, and referees are trained well according to the International Boxing Association’s standard in which PNG Boxing Union operates under, and finally, to involve more women in the sport of boxing; which the boxing union are now collaborating with schools and communities to involve more young women. In order for the coaches and referees to be trained well in their field, Kendino announced that the union will be appointing two of each to attend the International Boxing Association (IBA) Star Course in Samoa. “Once they have been accredited, they will then return to roll out their first program; that way, we can have more referees and coaches upskilling themselves on the latest IBA techniques in boxing.” According to Kendino, IBA who hosted a number of professional tournaments throughout the year is pushing for more of amateur boxers to take up a professional role and that is to take part in the tournaments that IBA hosts in the future so that they can perform well come the major championships and tournaments. “After attending the recent IBA meeting, we have discussed and have come up with a pathway for amateur boxers to become professional boxers without losing their amateur status.” He further explained that these amateur boxers won’t lose their status as long as they fight in tournaments hosted by IBA. He also said that this was a good opportunity for the boxers at the same time to upskill themselves as they will be fighting internationally. Kendino extended an invitation to other boxing companies such as Oceania Fight Promotions that they can join and fight under PNG Boxing Union as long as they fight under their rules. He added that as long as they fight and perform to the best, they can be able to join in the National Championships which will take place in April next year. PNG Boxing Union will be working closely with PNG Sports Foundation to ensure that their target goal is reached and that’s for the boxers to train hard in order to take part in the tournaments and championships and to win a medal.

The recent graduate teachers from the Papua New Guinea Education Institute (PNGEI) were urged to be one step ahead and be upskilled when it comes to aligning policies and school programs set out in schools. Dr. Zui Neofa the Director for PNGEI, when speaking at the 63rd Graduation held last Thursday in Port Moresby, said that this was a significant time for both in-service and pre-service teachers who graduated with flying colors. “Teachers must be creative and teachers must be innovative. You are going out there to start your ministry so it is important that we align our in-service teaching with policies and programs given by the Education Department to implement in schools. “We need teachers who are passionate, strategic and can do the work and there are no other than those who come out from this institute in which I can say am proud to see them prosper. Our policy makers in the education department will also be very proud because they know we have you in our schools to enforce the policies they have created.” Neofa explained that the school structure and the curriculum reform are being supported by in-service teacher training in which the institute must always align the teachers' in service training to the policies that are changing, otherwise when teachers are alleviated or away from the actual reality and relevance of curriculum and restructure, then there is no connectivity between the teachers and students. A total of 191 in-service graduates and 104 pre-service graduates graduated under the three programs; School of Primary, School of Early Childhood/ Preschool and School of TVET. Each have already received their postings in which will begin their carrier come 2023.

Students and staff of the Warangoi Secondary School in East New Britain Province officially ended the 2022 academic year today. Principal Mrs. Naomi Vuvu expressed how grateful and happy she was with how well both students and staff performed throughout this academic year despite the school facing a number of challenges. Vuvu said one of the challenges faced was the project fees as there were not enough funding coming from parents to whom most failed to pay the full amount required. Though this was a let down from the parents, students were still allowed to complete the year. “Apart from our struggle with fees, the drought season was another issue for the school and the province as a whole. With our water-well dried up and our water tanks running low, we decided to shut down the school by Week 7; however, thankfully the rainy season began so students remained.” Following that same week, the school also received the payment for the final quarter of the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy. An amount of K194, 000 was paid in the last quarter. Vuvu also said the school is now looking forward to next year as there will be a number of projects that will be introduced come 2023 including new FODE classes, a 4 in 1 classroom, and two duplex teachers’ houses. “Once our FODE classes come into place, we will be giving priority to our Grade 11s and 12s to upgrade their marks before moving to the next grade and to a tertiary institution as per the decision from the Provincial Education Office.” However, the school will need funding before construction work on these projects can take place. At the moment, the school has not received any funds from the district authority yet. “For this year and the previous years, we have been managing whatever money we have to fund our school and I just hope that next year, we can be able to receive some funds from the district, especially from the DSIP funds.” Nevertheless, Vuvu has hope that the school will be funded well next year having seen that this school year ended on a good note, especially with outstanding funds for this year eventually coming in. School will resume on the 30th of January 2023.

St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Port Moresby, are now into their 10th and final week of school with school officially closing this Friday 9th December. Principal, Brother Joymon Mathew said students will pick up their report cards on Thursday before they close the school year on Friday. He said for this final week, students are doing extra-curricular activities before they wrap up the year. Brother Joymon added that the National exam results for the Grade 10s and 12s will also be posted this week as well as the selections for the Grade 11s for next year. "Selections for Grade 9 has already been completed with now the grade 11 selection to be done this week."

The La Salle Technical Secondary School in Hohola, Port Moresby will have its first batch of Grade 10s sit for the National Examinations come October. This will be the first if its kind for the school since its establishment as a Secondary School this year. Principal, Brother Antony Samy Pancras, said this was a proud moment and an achievement for the school after being registered this year with the Department of Education. Brother Antony stated that the school was transformed from a Technical College to now a Secondary School. In terms of preparation for the grade 10 students’ exams, Brother Antony said so far the students have been attending remedial classes on the weekends to catch up on anything they might have missed. He added that with the National General Elections out of the way, the students have been studying and preparing well and believes that they will perform well with a total of 171 Grade 10 students who will sit for the exams. Since its establishment as a Secondary School, La Salle Technical Secondary School currently has a total of 634 students enrolled in the school combined of Grade 9s and 10s. Brother Antony stated that he plans on introducing Grade 11 next year, followed by the recruitment of new teaching staff. “We still have a lot to do for the school in terms of infrastructure and academic wise but for now we as a school will put our full concentration on our first batch of Grade 10s who will sit for their exams next month which is on the 10th to the 14th.” Brother Antony further said that once they have registered with the department this year, the school is in no time to waste and are planning on moving things forward for the school. He stated that his task as a principal is to create more infrastructural projects for the school. Being that, Brother Antony has not been more than happy to announce the support from AusAID who will be funding these classrooms for the Grade 11s. “A successful application to AusAID for funding resulted in fourteen additional classrooms and new workshops for auto-mechanics, metal and carpentry, and expansion of the curriculum to Grade 11.” “With the funding made, we are positive that next year we have accomplished most of the outcome of our plans for the school, this including the recruitment of more new teaching staff as well as new staff room.” According to Brother Antony, so far with the 634 students already enrolled in the school, he hopes the number will increase and expects one thousand plus students from 2024 onwards.  

As the country turns another year since gaining its Independence on the 16th of September 1975, we can now say Papua New Guinea has come a long way as we celebrate 47 years of being free and Independent. Many around the capital have high hopes for the future along with what Independence means to them. Students of Jubilee Catholic Secondary School like every other Papua New Guineans around the country celebrated Independence this week whereas a number of them shared their thoughts on what Independence means to them and also spoke about the changes they would like to see as a young generation growing up. The students started off their celebration with a flag parade followed by a brief history of the country’s Independence. Francis, who is currently doing his grade 11, shared his thoughts on what the day means to him saying that Independence has been somewhat gained by the help of our elderlies now who played a part then leading up to the country’s Independence and how they struggled to help in one or another. “I am so proud to be part of Papua New Guinea and to be free and independent now and with the changes I would like to see now is for the young generation to grow in a better position to know what this significant day really means to us in terms of our culture and everything about the country.” A grade 9 student, Deborah David, also gave her insight about her thoughts on independence stating that the day is basically all about celebrating the country’s freedom and that Papua New Guineans get to celebrate its different cultures. “The changes I would like to see now after this Independence moving forward is for Papua New Guinea to continue in its development work and hope that we achieve more good things for our country.” Another student, Joelyn Kora, when asked what Independence meant to her, was more than delighted to say that this is the time Papua New Guineans get to embrace their country and to say how lucky it is to be living in a free one. She further added saying that the changes she would like to see is that more developments are made in terms of creating more businesses and schools. In addition to this, Paul Henry, a grade 9 student shared something more similar in terms of this day being a reminder to him of how the country became independent. Meanwhile, Viola Tuain, also a grade 9 student had a twist to what Independence means to her where she shared her own views about how she feels towards the day itself. “For this year’s Independence, I don’t really feel the fever, well let’s just say it’s another excuse for me to dress up but what I would like to see as part of change is that people take more pride in their culture and to be proud of who they are.”

Minister for Education, Jimmy Uguro, was given a warm welcome by the Secretary of Education, Dr Uke Kombra and members of the Education Department nationwide after being reappointed into the Education Ministry by Prime Minister, James Marape. Kombra on behalf of the Ministry of Education welcomed the return of the Education Minister, at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday and congratulated him for his successful appointment by the Prime Minister for another 5 years. Secretary Kombra mentioned the competency of the Minister as something clearly demonstrated extremely well for him to be appointed the same role in which he has confidently portrayed in his leadership. Upon retaining his Ministerial role, Minister Jimmy Uguro thanked the Secretary of Education and the Department of Education for their kind efforts, continuous hard work and commitment in their respective roles. Uguro emphasized the importance of education in the country and the plans the Government had to further develop the system for the benefit of the young generation. He stated that by doing so, every person in the Education Department each have a respective role and a task to do and that is to implement the government’s interest objective of making sure every child receives the best education by the 2027 leaving none of them behind. “My aim is that by 2027, every child receives a proper education and that there must be a structure put in place designed to address the government’s objective for a better education system in the country.” “Most of the students and teachers nowadays have access to reliable resources such as encyclopedia, reading books and text books which can greatly enhance a child’s learning to capacity and to also help a teacher in his/her teaching.” In addition to this, Uguro commended the teachers for their continuous efforts and has encouraged them to continue that responsibility. “As a way of recognizing teacher's hard efforts, I call upon the Teaching Service Commission to take lead in this by awarding those hardworking teaching staff when needed be so in that way, they will feel motivated to perform better.” He added that the Education Sector is the one that will change the perception of this country and that is to mold young future leaders in the best possible way. He stressed to all teaching staff and members of the Teaching Service Commission to perform their role accordingly which is to learn to be on time and on schedule and also always report to supervisors on a regular basis. This way, he says is how quality in education is promoted more when things are done right. Furthermore, Uguro said the responsibility lies with the parents to make it their duty that their children are sent to school and from there, the teachers will take it on from there. Apart from this, the Secretary of Education, Dr Uke Kombra, also made mention to all staff in the Ministry of Education that education is a principal service in which they have the power and the previlege to change the minds of the young generation and that’s through learning in the classrooms. He added that every student who enter the school system, must successfully complete their studies up to grade 12. “It is our duty now as a Department to continue our delegated tasks, and by doing so, we must work closely with the Minister to ensure this be done moving forward and hope that we can achieve what needs to be done by 2027.”

Markham and Kabwum Open are the two remaining seats in Morobe Province that are yet to fully complete elections. This follows the unfortunate incident that transpired when all elections materials including ballot boxes and papers were burnt down by angry supporters of certain candidates in both districts who alleged suspicious activities taking place during the counting process. Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke said that since the occurrence of these two incidents, he is still awaiting the decision from the Electoral Commissioner on the fate of these two districts and should receive a full update from the Commissioner as to what decision will be made moving forward. “I should expect a confirmed update from the Commissioner by today and to confirm also whether a supplementary election will be done for these two districts.” He stressed that whatever the commissioner decides, there must be some form of security arrangements made due to issues that may transpire again. Soheke said the province has not had any major security issues except for Markham and Kabwum. He has commended his team especially the Provincial Election Steering committee and officials for a good job so far. “I’m happy with what we’ve done so far, and what my hardworking team has accomplished. Though I received many critics, we at least got most of the job done.” So far declarations for all the other seats have been made including the Provincial seat with now Markham and Kabwum Open yet to complete the election proces

It’s been weeks now since students, teachers and staff of Porgera Secondary in Enga province deserted the school following continuous tribal fights. Deputy Principal Mr. Amos Amail said this unfortunate situation led to the temporary suspension of classes until the situation has eased. During that time, Amail reached out to the Provincial Education Director, on a decision on the status of the school and what kind of possible assistance could be given mainly to the teachers and staff. He stated that the Director’s first response was in regards to the Grade 12 Written Expression which is just a few days away. He said the Provincial Education Director had advised them that the Grade 12 students pick up their Written Expression exam booklets from Kopen Secondary school in preparation for the exams on the 12th of August. “With approval and a decision made by the Provincial Education Director, the grade 12 students of Porgera Secondary will combine with the grade 12 students of Kopen Secondary where they will sit for the exams at Kopen Secondary school.” Amail further stated that due to the safety of his students, they have been given a choice whether they would like to sit for the exams and if not, can withdraw from school and return next year. "With the continuous disruptions, this has affected the students’ studies and now during this election period, has created a window of opportunities for more opportunists to cause unnecessary havoc." Unfortunately for the teachers and staff who come from other provinces, they have been forced to reside elsewhere. Amail said for most, are currently living with relatives and friends in the province. “So far we haven’t received a word yet from the director as to what happens to my staff should they stay back and continue teaching or return back to their home provinces.” He added it is crucial they get assistance immediately since most of their belongings were stolen during the raid and that a duplex teachers' house was set on fire while the tribal fight was going on. He stressed that his staff must be assured that they will be taken care when school resumes and their stolen properties replaced. Meanwhile, Amail has confirmed that with the police intervention and the presence of the Defence force, the tribal fights have slowed down and with the election period winding down as well, this has allowed more security forces to attend to these kinds of situation. "For the grade 9 to 11 students, we have not received any advice as yet from the Director regarding the status of their studies." He said for now, the students remain at home. “I have made an appointment with the Provincial Education Director to discuss further on these matters in the hope that I receive a good response.” PC: Erick P Maino FB account