A week-long intensive Standard Based Curriculum (SBC) Science Training Module 2 workshop for Junior Primary Teachers (Grade 3 - Grade 5) ended on a high note at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby last week. The SBC workshop for trainer of Trainers was attended by 51 participants comprising of Senior Standard Inspector Basic Education (SSIBE), Standard Inspector Basic Education (SIBE), Education Officers (Eos), Provincial Training Coordinators (PTCs), and primary school head teachers. These participants will then go back and implement trainings in 37 clusters in 17 districts in 6 provinces under the BEST PNG project. The workshop focused on Component 1, which is, Primary in-service teaching training on SBC maths and science under the Boosting Education Standards Together (BEST) in PNG program. BEST PNG is a three-year program led by the National Department of Education and supported by the Global Partnership of Education (GPE) with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency(JICA) as the coordinating Agency and the Save the Children as the Grant Agent. The BEST PNG program has 6 different components; Component 1 is on Primary in-service teaching training in SBC maths and science, Component 2 is on Primary pre-service maths and science unit outline dated, Component 3 is on increasing more female maths and science teachers, and Component 4: Variable Part is on equity, efficiency and learning outcomes, Component 5 is on Gr 1& 2Maths and Science teacher manuals, and Component 6 focuses on program management and monitoring. The trainer of trainers who attended the workshop represent the six provinces where the BEST PNG project is implemented which is Milne Bay, West New Britain, West Sepik, Gulf, Western and Oro Province. A total of 19 sessions were covered during the workshop which included topics on why teach science, new approach to teaching and learning science, planning an inclusive lesson, baseline findings, student centered lessons and expectations for planning a Science Based Curriculum (SBC) lesson, among others. The expected outcome of the training for participants to know the workshop materials, reflect on the BEST baseline study findings, share examples of science lessons taught using SBC materials, review their science development action plans, identify knowledge and skills, analyze active learning strategies, explain the differentiation methods and others. Participant and BEST PNG Provincial Trainer for Oro Province Wesley Pasire said he found the training very useful as it was informative. Wesley said: "I learnt new skills and strategies for our teachers to use and said the training was more child setting and oriented, adding, the new teaching methods could save a lot of teacher's time. Another participant, Provincial Training Coordinator for Milne Bay, Phillip Elliot said: " The sessions were interesting and informative with presentations very clear and the new curriculum easy for child learning. He said these new techniques would replace the old method or style of teaching. Notable Senior Officers from the Department of Education who attended the closing ceremony and gave speeches included First Assistant Secretary for the Teacher Education and school Inspections Wing, Mr. Paul Ainiu, Assistant Secretary TED, Mr. Allan Jim, JICA's Assistant Secretary, Curriculum development Division, Mrs. Philipa Darius, and Save the Children's Operations Director Ms. Joy Wong.

Teachers in remote Telefomin were recently were trained on how to use the Remote Area Community Hotspot die Education (RACHEL) Plus device. The training was conducted by the National Department of Education (NDoE) ICET Team with support from Save the Children's Education in Emergency Response Recovery Plan (EERRP) project. A total of 15 participants from Telefomin Primary School consisting of 7 females and 4 male teachers as well as 2 teachers from Telefomin Technical Vocational Education Training Centre and the District Office staff attended the training. RACHEAL Plus is a portable device containing world class educational materials that can be accessed by students and teachers, such as encyclopedias, video lectures, textbooks, educational games, medical resources, coding programs, previous exam papers and many more. The installment of the RACHEAL Plus device in these schools means a total of 340 students will have the opportunity of improving and continuing their learning during school disruptions. Telefomin Primary School Teacher Helen Wanori said: "RACHEAL is an interesting and amazing device and suits a very remore place like Telefomin". District Child Protection Officer Moreng Laori was impressed with the device saying that it is amazing and does not need flex card for data. "We may be disadvantaged geographically but with out RACHEAL device, we can travel the world within an hour", he said. Both teachers and District Education Officers asked if other schools in the remotest parts of Telefomin could be considered for the installment of the RACHEAL device in the future. The EERRP project is targeting 80 schools in Telefomin; 52 are elememtary, 26 primary and 2 secondary schools. It is supported by Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the 2 secondary schools. It is supported by Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Australian Government under the PNG-Aus Partnership. It is implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with Save the Children together with the National Department of Education (NDoE).

The first possible case of human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox -- recently reported in two men and their pet in Paris -- had been a theoretical risk up till now, said Dr. Rosamund Lewis, technical lead on the monkeypox response for the World Health Organization. The men, who live together and are in a non-exclusive relationship, were diagnosed with monkeypox at a hospital in Paris in early June. Twelve days after their symptoms started, their 4-year-old Italian greyhound also started showing symptoms, according to a report published last week in the journal The Lancet. The dog developed lesions and tested positive for the same type of monkeypox as one of the owners. According to the report, the men said that they let their dog sleep in bed with them and that they had been careful to keep their pet away from other animals or humans from the start of their own symptoms -- before the dog's symptoms started. "To the best of our knowledge, the kinetics of symptom onset in both patients and, subsequently, in their dog, suggest human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus," the authors of the report wrote. "Given the dog's skin and mucosal lesions as well as the positive monkeypox virus PCR results from anal and oral swabs, we hypothesise a real canine disease, not a simple carriage of the virus by close contact with humans or airborne transmission (or both)." The authors suggested that the study should prompt discussion on whether pets need to be isolated from their owners if they have monkeypox, and they called for further research. Lewis said that previously, only animal-to-human transmission of the virus was reported, referencing a monkeypox outbreak in the US in which people were infected with the virus through pet prairie dogs. "This is the first incident that we're learning about where there is human-to-animal transmission," Lewis said during a Washington Post Live event on Monday. "This has not been reported before, and it has not been reported that dogs have been infected before. "On a number of levels, this is new information," she said. "It's not surprising information, and it's something that we've been on the watch out for." She noted that within WHO, experts have been working with partners such as the World Organization of Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization to address the issue. "The messaging that has been given up until now is that pets should be isolated from the family members who may be infected," she said. "This has been an example of precautionary approach, precautionary messaging, because we didn't have the information that this had ever happened before, it had not been reported before, but it was a reasonable, cautious message to give. And now we have the first incident where this has actually occurred." Lewis said it isn't clear whether the infected dog will be able to transmit the virus back to humans. But sometimes, even when they don't have all the evidence, public health profesionals have to figure out the most useful messaging that will allow people to appreciate their level of risk. "This is an example where most pets will not be at risk, it may only be those who are actually in the household of someone who's infected," she said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its page on monkeypox in animals to acknowledge that dogs can be infected with the virus. "We are still learning which species of animals can get monkeypox," the agency said. "While we do not know if reptiles, amphibians, or birds can get monkeypox, it is unlikely since these animals have not been found to be infected with other orthopoxviruses." The CDC also notes that infected animals can spread the virus to people, and it is "possible that people who are infected can spread Monkeypox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food." The agency advises people with monkeypox to avoid contact with animals, including their pets. Pets who had close contact with someone with monkeypox symptoms should be kept at home and away from other animals and people for 21 days after the most recent contact, the CDC said. Infected people shouldn't get close to their exposed pet; they should ask someone else within the home to look after it if possible. If the infected person and the pet did not have close contact after symptoms started, the CDC recommends asking someone who lives elsewhere to look after the animal until there is a full recovery from the virus. Source: CNN

Round 16 of the 2022 Digicel Cup season kicks off this weekend. The double header preplanned to be held in Minj has been split as the match between the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles and the Central Provincial Government-backed Central Dabaris has been moved to Port Moresby to make it a triple header on Sunday August 21st at the Santos National Football Stadium. Meanwhile the other match planned to be held in Minj between the Jiwaka Provincial Government Waghi Tumbe and PRK Mendi Muruks has been moved to be the main game in Lae on Sunday at 3pm. The match between the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and the Enga Provincial Government-sponsored Enga Mioks scheduled to be played in Goroka has been shifted to Lae to be played on Sunday at 12.30pm. The Agmark Rabaul Gurias will host the West New Britain Provincial Kimbe Cutters on Saturday August 20th at the Gold Spot Stadium in Kokopo at 2pm. The triple header in Port Moresby will see the day begin with the Mt Hagen Eagles to take on the Central Dabaris at 11am, followed by PRK Gulf Isou to do battle with Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers at 1pm. The main match at 3.30pm will see the Kroton Hela Wigmen take on the Lae Snax Tigers. Matches in Minj and Goroka have been relocated for the safety of everyone.

His Excellency, Ambassador Jernej Videtič, the Head of the European Union Delegation to PNG was in East Sepik recently to inaugurate the rehabilitation of a 6.5 km Munji-Haripmo farm-to-market access road being implemented by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. Led by ILO, this project will support 2,200 users as well as open up economic opportunities for the rural communities. Officiating the ground-breaking ceremony, Ambassador Jernej Videtič said: “the European Union is financing this project to support better marketing of cocoa products and create income generating opportunities to improve schools and health services for the people.” On behalf of the Provincial Administration, the Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator, Mr James Baloiloi said: “Because of limited financial resources the EU came to help us, especially the people in the Sepik Plains at the backend of this road so we must say thank you to the European Union.” The EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator, Dr Xuebing Sun also underscored: “Road infrastructure is vital for better welfare and livelihoods of you. This road will provide you with improved access to information, markets, finance, and social services. Maintaining good conditions of the road is key for long term sustainability of your welfare and livelihoods. Thanking to European Union for its generous funding support, we are happy that we are able to reach you and we are here to support you.” A mother of eight children, Mrs Rita Maru, shared on struggles women in the area face: “For 40 years we carry our market produce and walk 6.5 km to the junction. As a mother, I’m very happy today because we’re looking forward to getting on a Public Motor Vehicles at the doorstep of our house.” Contractor for this 12-month road project is Kaystar Construction Ltd which will do embankment filling; scarifying, reshaping, and compaction with construction of retaining structures (Stone masonry and gabion wall), 2 reinforced concrete cement (RCC) causeway, reinforced cement concrete vented causeway, 6.5km gravel surface, 28 traffic signs and signages, plastering and painting works and construction as well as maintenance of 7 pipe culverts. This project is the fourth road out of fifteen farm-to-market access roads that are planned to be rehabilitated by the ILO under the EU-STREIT Programme in the Sepik region, as part of the Programme’s stream of works to provide sustainable, climate-proof transport infrastructure aimed at improving agri-food value chains and agri-business enabling environment.   Ambassador Videtič also had the opportunity to overview first-hand rehabilitation work which has started last month on a 7.8 km Banak-Wautogik road in Wewak District by local firm Hiawani Ltd. This road will serve more than 2000 farmers/villagers of Boikin and Dagua LLG of Wewak District, ESP. This is another 12-month farm-to-market access road project implemented by ILO under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and will generate lots of work for the rural communities. The EU-STREIT PNG is being implemented as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the Country and the Pacific region. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through increasing the economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains and strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment and supporting sustainable, climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure development.  

As part of efforts to provide and improve our services to members, the first batch of staff from the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund), recently undertook financial literacy education training, through the Centre for Financial Inclusion, (CEFI). The 19 Nasfund staff, from the Fund’s Member & Employer Services Division, completed CEFI’s Training of Trainer’s (ToT) course. Nasfund Head of Special Projects Judah Waffi spoke of the importance of this partnership, which aims to ensure maximum value for the Fund’s membership right throughout Papua New Guinea. “An agreement was signed earlier this year, to promote a closer working relationship between the Fund and CEFI. This is the first of more engagements between both parties, in our endeavor to provide value to our membership, especially in the area of positive financial habits. Under CEFI’s Training of Trainer (TOT) program, this is the first batch of a total of 60 selected Nasfund staff to undergo a 5-day training session conducted by CEFI, aimed at equipping and upskilling our staff on the planning, delivery and monitoring of financial literacy training to our members. This batch included members from our Member & Employer Services Division, who are at the forefront of our engagements with members. This training adds value to our interactions with members, a good number of whom are approaching the retirement age. With the training received, our members can be assured that the advice being provided by the Fund is sound, and in their best interest. This partnership enables both organizations to work together in providing financial literacy training to Nasfund’s more than 636,000 members, families, and within our communities. Through this training, the Fund is playing our part in increasing coverage through education awareness to the unbanked population, many of whom are active participants in the informal and SME sector, and who also save with the Fund through Eda Supa. Our participants who have undertaken this training, can now train more of our staff to who will be able to provide relevant financial literacy training to our members, with the confidence that the advice provided is certified by CEFI. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming months, with staff from other Divisions to take part in this ToT course.”

Womin Dyarum, Conillah Thomas and Paul Ralph are teachers at Kiunga Callen Services in Western Province. They feel fortunate to have attended an Education in Emergency Response and Recovery Plan (EERRP) training targeting Inclusive Education Resource Centers (IERC) that was carried out in selected provinces in the country. The purpose of the training was to train IERC staff to improve their skills and Knowledge on how to use and adapt Home Learning Packs (HLP) and Booster Packs for children living with disabilities, particularly for children with hearing impairment and learning disability, for IERC staff to plan how to support students with disabilities and parents before, during and after an emergency. They share what they earnt from the training. Womin Dyarum says he took part in the training because he works with persons with disabilities especially children in schools with hearing-impairments and those with learning disabilities. He says, "I didn't have any idea to plan for the child but for now I can adapt the curriculum (OBE/SBC) to plan for individual learner's needs. The training gave me knowledge, skills and attitudes to work towards adapting the Home Learner Pack (HLP) and Booster packs to plan for a child's learning needs before, during and after an emergency strikes." Paul Ralph says the training helped him to capture knowledge that will enable him to impart back to his school. He says, "Before the training, I had no idea regarding the home learning pack kits. The training activity helped me to unpack learning materials at my school to deliver to the children". Female teacher Conillah Thomas says she took part in this training to equip herself with knowledge and skills so she's able to help children during any disaster that may happen in future. She says, "Prior to this workshop, I had no proper information/knowledge on how to go about using the materials provided". The EERRP project is supported by Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the Australian Government undeer the PNG-AusPartnership. It is implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with Save the Children, together with the National Department of Education (NDOE). Save the Children has been working in PNG since 1974. Our work covers 70% of the country, and we have an estimated reach of 1, 000,000 children from working across 6 field offices located in 5 provinces- Morobe, Western, Eastern Highlands, East Sepik, and Autonomous Region of Bougainville. SCPNG is guided by 2022-2024 Strategic Plan that is aligned to Government of PNG's (GoPNG) policies and priorities and has a model of delivery that embeds staff in key sector agencies of Government at national and provincial levels. SCPNG invests in GoPNG priority sectors of Education, Health, Wash, Protection of Women, Girls  and Children and more recently in cash programming.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) campuses were buzzing yesterday as classes for Semester 2, 2022 got underway. Some students are gradually settling with professors and lecturers introducing them to their courses and assignments. Students who have yet to arrive at class can be assured that they will not miss any vital class time. This comes as USP has announced an extension on Semester 2 Registration Deadlines. Late registrations, adding of courses and campus transfer deadlines have been extended to 26 August 2022 while the dropping of courses has extended to 2 September 2022. Students who are awaiting to receive their offer letters for any of their courses at undergraduate, postgraduate or master’s level can contact the Student Administrative Services (SAS) by email: asksas@usp.at.fj Arieta Vocea who applied to USP to pursue Postgraduate studies acknowledged the work of SAS and the School of Business Management (SBM) in getting the assistance she needed to apply while pursuing her career. She said, “With a busy working schedule, I can only do so much, so I emailed and called and eventually was referred to SBM and was able to complete my application.” “I have just received an offer letter and will begin registrations soon so I can then start this journey I had out off long enough,” she added. Meanwhile, USP is also providing financial payment plans for students concerned about their fees. This semester, USP is offering the following fee discounts: - 10 per cent discount for full fee payment by 26 August 2022; and - 5 per cent discount for full fee payment by 9 September 2022. There are also payment plan options available together with the University’s Bursary Scheme for existing students. For more details on Semester 2 orientation, students can access this link https://www.usp.ac.fj/orientation-2022/ to find out more regarding their respective Schools.

The Queensland Rugby League has informed the PNG Hunters that their Hostplus Cup match against the Burleigh Bears in Port Moresby this weekend will unfortunately not proceed as scheduled. The QRL has sought ongoing independent advice in relation to the proposed Hunters’ home match on Saturday, August 20. Based on this advice and the need to ensure the health and safety of all teams and club personnel remains a priority, the Board has not approved travel to PNG this weekend. As a result, the Round 19 game between the Hunters and Bears will now be played at Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast. The QRL remains in open dialogue with the Hunters and will review the latest advice before a decision is made about their request to play the Mackay Cutters in Port Moresby on August 27. “We will meet again this week to discuss the proposed scheduling and we will continue to explore opportunities to provide additional support for the PNG Hunters,” QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said today.

One of the major concerns frequently raised by the general public in Mt Hagen city is the weak law and order situation. Michael Nita, councilor for Ward 7 in Mt Hagen Urban LLG said since his election in 2019 as ward representative, he had been doing his best to address law and order in his ward. Nita, who represents one of the highly populated wards covering parts of Mt Hagen city, said he observed that most of the criminal activities like robbery and rape occurred when perpetrators took advantage of the dark streets with no lights. Nita said he was relieved that with the street lights in place, petty crimes have been reduced and mothers also had the opportunity to do roadside marketing safely. He however said there are other areas of need for his people  and he has plans to assist them. Nita also expressed interest in working closely with business houses, foundations and donor partners through the leadership of the district and provincial administrations to help set up a safe and conducive environment in Mt Hagen city for everyone.

Bougainville-based community groups can now apply for funding to support projects that promote locally driven development activities and community cooperation. The grants are designed to support grassroots initiatives, involving community groups and civil society organisations that seek to promote peace, stability, and local development. Grants will help communities to build small-scale infrastructure, respond to climate change, improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and partner with local government. Eligible groups include Bougainville-based volunteer groups, communitybased development or self-help groups, youth groups, sports groups clubs or sports, women’s groups, school boards of management, health facility boards of management, community health networks or village health volunteer groups and church groups. The grant funding range is from K50,000 to K120,000 with a 10 per cent contribution required from grant recipients towards the cost of equipment and materials. The Bougainville Community Grants Program is funded by the Australian Government through the Bougainville Partnership, working together with the governments of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Applications open 15 August 2022 and will run through to 15 August 2023. Secretary for Community Development, Mana Kakarouts, welcomed the launch of the community grants. “These grants support groups of citizens and their representatives to work together with government to improve service delivery and the use of public resources,” she said. “The program aims to reach the most disadvantaged and the most remote areas of Bougainville.” Australian High Commission First Secretary, Dr Fiona Crockford, said Australia has a long-term commitment to working with Bougainvilleans to support peace and economic development. “Development is always a collective effort and that is why these grants encourage citizens, community groups and businesses to work cooperatively with government to create solutions to local development challenges,” said Dr Crockford. Information packs and application forms are available at District Administrations or the Bougainville Community Grants offices in Arawa and Buka.

Central Governor Ms. Rufina Peter on Thursday (11.08.22) paid her first courtesy call on Department of Personnel Management Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan Secretary Sansan and Ms. Peter had a brief meeting to look at Human Resource employment development for Central Province. “This is my first government department visit. I think it’s logical to come to DPM first because human resources will get the work done,” said Ms. Peter. She added that, “as a female political leader, we all know that space still has a lot of perception that women are not effective political leaders, and so for Kessy Sawang (Raicost MP) and I, we have to be demonstrative and make this perception a myth.” Ms. Peter told a packed conference room full of DPM and Censorship Board staff that she and Ms. Sawang will have to prove that in their five years in Parliament, and said she is looking at Human Resource as very critical to ensure their performances are demonstrated. “We can be political heads, but we need public servants who can articulate our vision and make it happen, and that coming to DPM was logical,” said Ms. Peter. After meeting with Secretary Sansan, Ms. Peter met DPM staff, mostly women who gave her a rousing welcome. DPM National Agency Director, Ms. Roselyn Wrakuavia who spoke on behalf of those present congratulated Ms. Peter, and told her that Papua New Guineans are empowered seeing such female political leaders persevere, determined and have the passion to beat the odds and get elected. “We have staff from Central Province here, but you see a packed conference room because we all want to catch the moment and celebrate your win too,” said Ms. Wrakuavia. DPM Secretary, Ms. Sansan also told Ms. Peter that DPM has a ratio of 60 per cent of women holding executive management positions, and the Department is looking forward to working with the Central Provincial Government in terms of public service job employment and human resource building. Meanwhile, Ms. Peter said she needs to make sure the administration and bureaucrats administer and put people’s interest first by articulating her visions, and making sure that the 300,000 people from Central Province from Amazon Bay up to Goilala are happy that a woman has delivered services.