“Students here need help in making informed decisions when it comes to their sexual health,” shares PNG Family Health Association’s (FHA) Michelle Tovebae. FHA is one of several organisations rolling out Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Papua New Guinea. Michelle joined representatives from the National Department of Education and ChildFund for a learning session on CSE for key partners as part of UNFPA’s work in ending gender-based violence. CSE is a curriculum that covers healthy and respectful relationships, rights and values, sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy, and parenting. UNFPA, together with Family Planning NSW, delivered the two-day learning sessions with 16 attendees from the National Department of Education, National Department of Health, and civil society organisations. These groups include members of the CSE steering committee, a group intended to coordinate the national roll out of CSE in Papua New Guinea. The goal is to extend CSE to both in- and out-of-school youths, contributing to reduced incidence of adolescent pregnancy, STIs, and HIV. Addressing stigma on sexuality education remains a critical challenge. “Addressing sensitive issues in PNG is difficult with our culture,” said ChildFund project officer McCleen Pikacha. “Through CSE we hope to include better teaching approaches and open discussions in classrooms.” “I’m looking forward to teaching my peer educators about what I’ve learned from this training,” said Michelle. “With this they can be well equipped to teach other youths in the communities.” The national CSE roll out is part of implementing the Adolescent Health Policy. This current training is funded through the Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls. Effective implementation of the Adolescent Health Policy contributes to preventing intimate partner violence. About Comprehensive Sexuality Education Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), also known as ‘Family Life Education’, is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. It aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will empower them to: realize their health, well-being, and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.

The EU Funded UN Joint STREIT Programme in Papua New Guinea has made progress in delivering technical assistance to the beneficiaries since the beginning of 2020. To address existing the challenges induced by COVID-19 Pandemic, there is a need to further scale up cooperation and partnership among stakeholders to speed up the pace of implementation of the envisioned support to improve agri-enterprise activities and livelihood of rural communities in the Sepik provinces. This was the highlight of the Programme Steering Committee's meeting held on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 in Vanimo, the capital of Sandaun Province. "The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, funded by the European Union for the benefit of the people of the Sepik provinces, represents the largest opportunity ever to initiate, make and deliver a change for the better, in the daily lives of women, men and youth, from this region," said H.E. Jernej Videtič, the EU Ambassador and the Head of Delegation to Papua New Guinea. Adding "The Programme is part of EU-PNG’s long-lasting partnership in providing innovative solutions for sustainable development to the marginalised agri-rural communities."  "To build back better after experiencing the severe impact of COVID-19 Pandemic, the team, including the implementing agencies, public authorities and development partners, need to take new measures and scale-up coordination mechanisms at national, provincial and local levels to accelerate tackling protracted challenges and find solutions for emerging issues," underscored Roger Kara, Deputy Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. "Stressing "only by paying attention to local ownership and alignment will the long-term sustainability of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme be assured." "The Programme has rolled out a good level of interventions, directly supporting a large number of beneficiaries,” highlighted the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i, Dirk Wagener. He further stressed that "the Programme is a joint endeavour of, not only the UN family in Papua New Guinea, but also the National Government, Provincial Administrations, and local counterparts in Greater Sepik region, and we all need to put our best to deliver the support and empowerment the people deserve." Appreciating the contributions made by all partners in delivering support to the target beneficiaries in the Sepik, Takayuki Hagiwara, the FAO Asia-Pacific Regional Programme Leader, called on all involved parties to take firm measures to roll out the planned activities on the ground for the benefit of the rural population in the region to help them have better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. He also emphasized the increased coordination with the Government, EU and other UN agencies to bring back the project on the right track and recover from the delay, while affirming FAO’s strong commitment on the delivery of the workplan. Since January 2020, the Programme has reached out and provided technical assistance and support to 55,000 households and 331,000 people in 40 Local Level Governments (LLGs) in Greater Sepik. Regarding its work plan, this joint project has achieved the following results for community benefits: Distributed nearly 290,000 cocoa pod borer-tolerant seedlings from main and satellite nurseries. Established more than 250 cocoa budwood gardens in strategic locations across different districts, LLGs and wards in the Sepik. Created and supported the registration of more than 300 cluster groups and cooperatives in cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains. Trained nearly 13,000 lead farmers and extension officers (including 20 percent women and 25 percent youth) in the cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains. Organised sensitisation and awareness campaigns on the important role of women and youth in the agri-food value chains and the need to mainstream gender and youth perspectives in these value chains. This benefited 9,241 women, youths, students, and men. Provided maintenance to 120 km of farm-to-market roads out of the initial 310 km targeted (18 feeder roads). Capacitated 140 entrepreneurs from 70 local companies (contractors) in road construction, e-bidding, contract management, contract procurement, control quality, decent works and quality delivery for competitive bidding, including in EU-STREIT PNG projects. Developed and officially launched the web-based Road Transport Information Management System (RoTIMS), tailored for conditions in PNG and trained 40 Government officers its usage. Supported the connection of 13,681 beneficiaries to mobile wallets and 16,398 rural people to bank accounts, and the creation of 80 new banking access points across the Greater Sepik region. Developed E-Agriculture Strategies for 2 Sepiks and draft of the national "Quality of Service Framework" for NICTA on improved Mobile Broadband Connectivity. Trained 90 agripreneurs, NGOs' members and lead farmers and government officers, on Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion. The EU-STREIT PNG, as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. Being implemented in close cooperation with the National and provincial government institutions, research entities, civil society organisations, and private sector enterprises, the Programme aims to help improve the lives of the people from East Sepik and Sandaun provinces, by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains while strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure development.

A young woman was brutally killed while another man is in a critical condition at the hospital following a knife wielding retaliatory attack by four men at the Madang Town Market early yesterday morning. Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang said the four men of Enga Province origin have been apprehended by police and will each be charged for wilful murder and attempted murder. He said the incident happened after a fight between youths from Sepik origin with the Engan men earlier on in the morning at the entrance of the market. "A Sepik youth had earlier stole from a customer at the Service Station belonging to the Engans and was chased where he ran to his fellow youths who usually loiter around the entrance to the market," Mr Rubiang said. "The group of youths then badly beat the Engan man who went back to the service station and returned with three others armed with four one-meter-long bush knives." "By then the youths had already dispersed and these men started attacking anyone that were in their way with the bush knives." "This happened as businesses and workers were making their way to open up shops and offices and everyone went fleeing when these four men went through with their rampage." He said the young woman was trying to buy flour balls for breakfast when she was severely struck from the back of her neck killing her instantly. The security guard received cuts to his back. Following this, the public turned on the four men and went on to the damage the service station where the fight lasted for over 30 minutes before police brought calm to the situation. Details of the deceased and injured are yet to be established by police.

The USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) works with the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) to increase financial literacy in PNG, particularly rural and remote communities with an emphasis on women. Working together, CEFI and USAID’s LGP graduated 19 participants as financial literacy trainers on May 13 in Lae, Morobe Province. The 19 participants became newly certified trainers after completing an intensive five-day financial literacy “training of trainers” (TOT) could delivered by CEFI support of LGP which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Working together, CEFI and LGP already successfully certified 21 trainers in Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Morobe, and Simbu provinces and next plan to certify new financial literacy trainers in Milne Bay and Madang provinces. Expanding the pool of trainers for financial literacy promotes financial inclusion and security for people in rural and remote communities who otherwise cannot access formal financial services or start their own family or community based enterprises. USAID’s LGP-CEFI partnership focuses on strengthening financial inclusion in remote and rural areas in six provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG): Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Madang, Milne Bay, Morobe, and Simbu. Through the financial literacy TOT, newly graduated trainers learn the basics of teaching others about saving, budgeting, and online digital finance. These skills are the foundation for creating new enterprises and increasing household and personal financial security, particularly for women. Importantly, the newly certified trainers deliver the kind of training required to open bank accounts with MiBank PNG, another LGP partner that develops mobile banking services specifically for rural and remote communities. After completing the financial literacy TOT course, Gregory Tepe said he now has the knowledge and skills to train others in financial literacy. In his role as a MiBank representative, as a newly qualified financial literacy trainer he is able to better serve both MiBank and MiBank customers and people in his community. “The most exciting thing for me is that this financial literacy training helps us include those who are now financially excluded!” said Mr. Tepe. Newly certified trainer Fredah Wele, from Wau-Waria District, said people in her local community make a reasonable living selling alluvial gold but struggle to manage their income to meet family household needs. “The cash flow is there, but they don’t know how to manage money. Now, I can help people in my community better understand how to manage money, so they have enough to pay for things like school fees and health costs,”, she explained. USAID’s LGP will provide financial literacy training to at least 1000 entrepreneurs, family business representatives, and women in PNG to help these people fully participate in the formal economy and access financial services like banking and small-scale village savings and loan schemes. A key aspect of LGP’s partnership with CEFI is that in return for the opportunity to become a certified trainer, each trainer commits to training at least 50 other individuals in their respective communities. Developed by USAID’s LGP, this cascading approach is expected to provide financial literacy training to at least 7,500 individuals in the coming months. Led by Cardno International Development, LGP works in partnership with PNG governments, a range of implementing partners, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations. USAID and its implementing partners are empowering people in rural communities to access economic opportunities that improve their livelihood prospects, thus reducing pressure on forest resources and helping protect PNG’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

The Surfing Association of PNG is in the planning stage to host the SAPNG National Titles in Kavieng, New Ireland Province this year. Following the 2017 PNG KUMUL World Longboard Championship event at Tupira, Madang Province, the SAPNG has been in regular contact with the World Surf League [WSL] to plan the second major event in Kavieng, NIP. According to SAPNG President, Andrew Abel, SAPNG alongside the WSL are also looking at a major planned event for March 2023. “Of course 2022 NGE is the main focus of 2022 and once things have settled and the government in place and we know who are the respective National and provincial Government leaders, we can then start formal process,” he added. In the meantime, the SAPNG is in the process is planning a two week window event to stage the for the National Titles, from which 2 athletes will be selected [1 male & 1 Female] as wild cards and 2 reserves [1 male & 1 Female] will be additional to represent the country against the visiting WSL surfing athletes from around the world. The second week of the window will be the staging of the planned 2023 PNG KUMUL World longboard Championship which the SAPNG surfing athletes will compete. SAPNG has 11 clubs around PNG and one in Central Bougainville. All clubs have qualified ISA accredited surf coaches and judges. SAPNG supplies surf boards and training material including online courses hosted by the International Surfing Association (ISA) which SAPNG has been member of for last 33 years.

The Port Moresby International Airport’s Domestic Terminal will soon have a new Baggage Screening System in place which will minimise the passenger queue being experienced during travel peak times at the terminal. This project is progressing smoothly and is anticipated for completion in September 2022. “Most of the work has been done at the back of house where the system is being set up. We are now awaiting two new baggage screening machines to be shipped to Port Moresby at the end of August this year to be installed and to be ready for use beginning in September 2022,” NAC Managing Director and CEO, Rex Kiponge said. “Once this system is up and operational later this year, it will free up entry into the terminal, minimise passenger queuing and ensure free flow and processing of outbound passengers as well as tenants,” Mr Kiponge added. The new baggage screening machines cost three-point-two-million Kina (K3.2m) and were funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program. The Back of House Baggage Screening Project will replace the existing machines which are more than twenty years old and have become obsolete. Mr Kiponge added that this is part of NAC’s plans to improve Jacksons Airport facilities and services to cater for the growing population and the increasing demand for air travel. In April this year, the existing baggage screening machine at the front entry of Jacksons Domestic Terminal which is more than 20-years old had broken down due to wear and tear and is awaiting repair and maintenance very soon. To ensure business continuity, NAC had relocated another baggage screening machine from one of our other terminals to process security baggage screening at the domestic terminal. Due to only one operating-screening-machine at the entrance of the Domestic Terminal at this time, traveling public and tenants will experience a bottleneck situation at the domestic terminal thus creating congestion in the processing of baggage and passenger screening as they enter the terminal during morning peak hours. NAC would like to appeal to out-bound passengers at Jacksons Domestic Terminal to support us and the airlines during this time by coming to the airport early in preparation for check-in to avoid the rush hour. In addition, we would like to appeal to the passengers that once you are in the terminal awaiting your flight, please try as much as possible to remain in the terminal to avoid congestion. NAC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused and would like to appeal for your patience and understanding as we work together with all stakeholders to effectively manage the large movement of out-bound passengers during the morning peak hours.

An elated 23-year-old Dylan Habitein who resides at 8-Mile, Port Moresby, won himself a Toyota Corolla last Friday. The Toyota Corolla was part of a Win A Toyota Corolla promotion run by South Pacific Brewery (SPB) and Boroko Foodworld. The promotion started during Easter and ended last Thursday. The promotion required customers from Boroko Foodworld’s liquor outlet to purchase any SPB product to enter a draw. Habitein was one of many customers who purchased SP Brewery products and participated in the promotion. His receipt was picked in a draw on Thursday 19th May 2022 and the Toyota Corolla presented to him, the next day. Present to witness him receive his prize were SP Brewery Sales staff, Boroko Foodworld staff, media, and his sister Geralda Habitein. “I thought someone was pulling a prank on me when I got the call from SP Brewery,” said Dylan, who hails from East New Britain and AROB. “I didn’t expect to win. The products we purchased were to celebrate my big sister’s graduation from UPNG. “Thank you so much SP Brewery and Boroko Foodworld.” Dylan plans to start a hire car business with his Toyota Corolla.

Commissioner of Police David Manning says the mainstream media is a key enabler for the security forces in delivering a free, fair, and safe 2022 national general elections. Commissioner Manning made this comment during a “meet and greet” session between the media and the senior hierarchy of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Mr Manning the security forces can deliver a safe and successful election in partnership with the media. He said the security forces would be more effective in providing security for the elections with the help of the media in disseminating correct and timely information. The “Meet and Greet” with the members of the media and the senior police officers coincided with the presentation of the body worn cameras by the PNG Australia Policing Partnership Commander Jamie Strauss to the Constabulary. The events were held at the Police Officer’s Mess at the Centre of Excellence in Bomana in the National Capital District. The informal meet and greet and presentation of body worn cameras was attended by Deputy Commissioner Operations Mr Anthon Billie, Assistant Commissioners, Commander Strauss, senior officers of the constabulary, the PNGAPP and the members of the media. Mr Manning was pleased to receive the body worn cameras which he said would allow police personnel to be more accountable and improve their performance.

Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina said smaller Pacific countries like Papua New Guinea benefit momentously from Combined Joint Training especially when it comes to supporting and delivering government intent. “One example of such training was APEC 2018 when bilateral partners came and trained PNGDF personnel to support Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in delivering of APEC in respect to security of the leadership summit,” General Goina said “Another example of such training was deployment of PNGDF Force Elements to Solomon Islands in 2003 to quell civil unrest. PNGDF personnel were trained alongside Australian Defence Force and other Pacific Countries prior to deployment in Solomon Islands,” said Major General Goina. Major General Goina made this statement whilst speaking at the Land Forces of the Pacific Symposium and Exposition (LANPAC) held in Honolulu, Hawaii from the 17-19 May, 2022. The Chief of PNG Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina was invited on the second day of the Symposium to be a member of panel to present on Combined Joint Training in the Indo-Pacific region. In his presentation, he also acknowledged the continuous and unwavering support of bilateral partners such as Australia, United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia and China among others who have always been supportive and still continue to maintain presence and engage in various capacities with PNGDF. (LANPAC) is an event where Senior Army and Land Forces Leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region discuss and share valuable insights and affirm cooperative commitments to the region. Topics discussed in the symposium included Deterring Aggression through Joint and Coalition Readiness, Role of Land Forces in Deterrence, Strategic Environment; COVID-19, Climate Change & other Catastrophes; Lessons for Future Preparedness and Preparedness to meet Future Challenges amongst others. The event also served as catalyst for discussion on individual perspectives, common challenges and collective opportunities where Senior Military Leaders of twenty-six countries within the region of Indo-Pacific attended including Australia, NZ, UK, Japan, Germany, Israel, and Canada. Apart from the LANPAC Symposium, there were one to one bilateral talks with bigger Allied partners including NZ, the United Kingdom, Deputy Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka and General Charles Flynn, the Commanding General of United States Army Pacific. The Chief of Defence Force and his party returned home yesterday.

Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has partnered with one of the country’s biggest business solutions, print technology, and service-led organization, Remington Group, to provide more value for Nasfund contributors. Through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP), Nasfund members can now enjoy the following discounts from services across Remington Group’s three business units; 12.5% discount on all Konica Minolta small office & home office devices from Remington Technologies nationwide, 15% discount on all FujiFilm small office & home office devices from FX Business Centre, and 10% discount printing, banners, business cards, photos & Corflutes from BizPrint & Scan. Remington Group CEO Peter Goodwin said this partnership is one that seeks to provide more value for Nasfund contributors, especially during this challenging economic environment. “Since 1948, Remington Group has developed an extensive portfolio of businesses. We are pleased to offer these discounts exclusively to Nasfund members, through our three business units, Remington Technologies, FX Business Centre, and BizPrint & Scan. Nasfund members are required to show their Nasfund membership card to benefit from these discounts. This offer is available immediately, nationwide, for the next 12 months.” According to Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, he welcomed the Remington Group as its latest discount service provider to the Nasfund membership. “We thank Remington Group for coming on board the Fund’s MDP to provide discounts to our contributors. This offer certainly provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times. We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today. We are committed to supporting our MDP partners, as we work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow.”

The Equal Playing Field University Action Group (UAG) are setting boundaries and consent in Mahuru Village here in the Nation’s capital. The UAG is currently facilitating their first community intervention here in the Nation’s capital in their first community, Mahuru village, which will culminate to a mini celebration on the 28th of this month. “The program started on the 14th of April and we will be hosting a Graduation ceremony this Saturday, the 28th of May," said Media Liaison Officer Natalie Cholohei. She also added that the UAG are students from the University of Papua New Guinea. They UAG had planned on expanding to other universities but due to issues with funding, they had to work within their budget. "This is the first time they have gone out into a community to facilitate their programs as they have only been working with schools," Ms Cholohei said. "So far they have covered all topics in the EPF Manual, which includes topics that cover positive behavioral change in the community with 24 youths attending the program." The program, Project Badiri Youth, was initiated in April this year and is now in its final stages, having been run for almost six weeks.

22 candidates have nominated so far as of 4pm this afternoon to contest the Gazelle Open seat in East New Britain Province since the opening of nominations last Thursday. Gazelle Open Returning Officer John Wartovo said of the 22 who nominated, 20 are males with only two female candidates. Among those who nominated includes current MP Jelta Wong who is endorsed by the United Resources Party and former MP Malakai Tabar who was endorsed by the National Alliance Party. “We are expecting more than 30 candidates to be nominated by the end the nomination period at 4pm on Thursday,” Mr Wartove said. “So far, so good, the supporters who turned up for their candidates nominations have behaved responsibly and we also made aware to them to respect their fellow contestants when going about with their campaign activities.” The nomination for Gazelle Open is taking place at the Gazelle District Administration headquarters at Kerevat.