The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Newmont Corporation, and Save the Children proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 19 dedicated female students who graduated just recently under the Boosting Education Standards Together (BEST) PNG Program, on Friday December 6th. This initiative focuses on strengthening teacher capacity and increasing the number of female educators in science and mathematics in Papua New Guinea. The BEST PNG program, supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and implemented through the National Department of Education (DoE) with Save the Children serving as the Grant Agent, provides scholarships to aspiring teachers across three premier teacher training institutions: St. Peter Chanel Catholic College (SPCC), the University of Goroka (UoG), and Pacific Adventist University (PAU). Since its inception, the program has supported a total of 55 female students, 40 students supported by GPE, 10 students funded by Newmont Corporation and 5 students funded by BSP Financial Group Ltd. Breaking this down in detail, for the 2023 Graduates: total of 9 students (8 GPE-funded and 1 supported by Newmont), while with the 2024 Graduates: total 19 students, including 17 from SPCC, 1 from PAU, and 1 from UoG. These graduates represent a growing number of skilled female educators ready to teach critical STEM subjects in PNG’s schools, contributing to the program's long-term vision of improved educational outcomes. The last batch of students, including those under BSP Financial Group Ltd, will graduate in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape announced the entry into force of the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement today, Monday 9th December 2024. As a legally binding framework for closer security relations, the Agreement is a landmark chapter in the Australia – Papua New Guinea Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership. The Agreement elevates, broadens and modernises our longstanding security relationship, ensures consultation on security-related developments and allows us to work even more closely together to contribute to the region’s security. Since signing the Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice. This includes Australian support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) by commencing construction on new policing facilities, delivering a new police patrol vessel, as well as support for recruitment, training and forensics. Australia has expanded its flagship Australia – Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership to boost delivery of initiatives to promote safe and secure communities across Papua New Guinea. Leaders also welcomed Papua New Guinea’s establishment, with Australian support, of a training centre to help Papua New Guinea build a stronger and more capable police force. As Prime Minister Marape announced in August, the training centre will serve as one of the Centres of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative, a landmark initiative endorsed at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum by pacific leaders. Australia and Papua New Guinea’s security partnership is grounded in the strategic trust shared as close neighbours, close partners and friends. Australia and Papua New Guinea share an interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific and have a proud history of working together to progress this vision.

Great news for the residents of Gerehu in Port Moresby city this festive season, the St Paul's Clinic will reopen today to the general public after a reconciliation ceremony was held on Sunday 8th December between the clinic staff and community members of Gerehu. The ceremony was witnessed by Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central Benjamine Turi and Gerehu Police Station Commander Hanson Tokali. According to Health Manager Catholic Archdiocese of Port Moresby, Sr. Geraldine Arua, the clinic closed its doors after two of its health care officers were physically assaulted on the 30th of August 2024, which resulted in the closure of the clinic for 3 months. Sr. Geraldine thanked the Clinic Security Committee for coming up with this initiative and to stand and apologies for the crimes committed by a few. “It's a heartfelt gratitude to say thank you. Words cannot express that, but our prayers are for you the community and what you will do.” She also appealed to the community to support and care for the health workers when they go into full service when the clinic reopens. She then wished all a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

More than 2, 000 rural people in the isolated Mount Koiari area in the Kokoda Track region will now have access to basic health and medical services thanks to the recent completion of the renovated Kagi aid post. Since the closure of the Kagi Aid Post more than five years ago, community members have had to walk for a day to the Efogi health facility to access basic health services. The Australia Government supported the refurbishment of the Kagi Aid Post through procuring of building materials, airlifting over three tonnes of building materials to site, spending over K3, 000 in airlift, engaging local building contractors working with local community labour and the procurement of medical drug supplies and equipment to rebuild the aid post and the adjoining house for the medical officer in charge. Kagi community representative Mana David said the re-opening of this health facility will mean women and children will not have to walk far to get medical support. “It’s been a long-time people of Kagi especially women and children have had to walk to the next nearest aid post to get medical support. Thanks to our governments of Australia and PNG for thinking of our people of Kagi and surrounding communities. Thank you also to SDA Health Services for the support of a health worker in our community,” said Mana. Over the last five years, Australia has partnered with Papua New Guinea to deliver a range of health, education, and livelihood activities for communities in the Kokoda Track region. Australian High Commission Counsellor Daniel Wells, who officiated the opening of the Kagi Aid Post, said the re-opening of the health facility marks a significant moment in the lives of people in Kagi ward and greater Mt Koiari area. This refurbishment work builds on the original construction of the facilities some 10 years ago by Rotary International volunteer from Australia. Australia also supports the quarterly Maternal and Child Health Patrols across the Kokoda Track region, providing clinical training for health workers, support to village health volunteers and health facility inspections and refurbishments to the 12 health facilities in the region. Australia continues to work with its partners, Central Provincial Health Authority and Seventh Day Adventist Health Service to maintain health service in Kokoda Track region.

The Voice Inc. (TVI) proudly held its inaugural CleanGen (Clean Generation Movement) Film Festival on Thursday, December 5th, at the Paradise Cinema in Port Moresby. The Film Festival featured ten (10) unique films that showcased the work of TVI within the space of youth and community development. In collaboration with the Clean Generation Movement community, TVI has launched and initiated various projects and programs through its’ leadership networks within learning institutions throughout the country. The CleanGen Film Festival marks the celebration of these accomplished works within communities throughout PNG and seeks to shine light on the amazing collaborative efforts by key players and stakeholders within the space of youth and community development. “The Voice Inc. (TVI) is delighted to welcome you to our Inaugural CleanGen Film Festival. This festival is a celebration of the incredible change stories from our community of leaders, brought to life through our CleanGen Spotlight Short Films.” “We are thrilled to premiere and screen a total of 10 short films that highlight the impactful initiatives led by members of the Clean Generation Movement and these films are a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in building a sustainable future,” said Ms. Maliwai Sasingian, Executive Director of The Voice Inc. The CleanGen Innovation Grants Program, a flagship initiative of TVI, has been instrumental in empowering individuals and groups to lead small-scale projects that address critical issues in their communities. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 43 projects across 15 provinces in Papua New Guinea, with a total funding of K322,898.95. By providing grant funding ranging from K500.00 to K10,000.00, the program enables CleanGen members to tackle diverse challenges, from climate change and environmental justice to economic development and social enterprise. The thematic areas supported by the grants program, totaling 10 thematic areas, reflect TVI’s commitment to fostering holistic and inclusive development. The Clean Generation Movement was founded and is supported by The Voice Inc. (TVI). This movement focuses on leadership development, civic participation, and community engagement through various programs and platforms. The CleanGen Film Festival will bring together more than 200 youths and representatives from partner organizations who will have the opportunity to witness the impact of the work of The Voice Inc. through its’ flagship initiative, the CleanGen Innovation Grants program. The Voice Inc. The Voice Inc. extends its’ deepest gratitude to its’ longest standing donor partner Bread for the World (BftW) whose generous contributions over the past 13 years, have been pivotal in the success of its’ programs and the realization of the organization’s (TVI) vision. “As we gather to celebrate the achievements of our community, we are reminded of the profound impact that collaboration and support can have in driving positive change.” “Thank you for joining us in this celebration, and we hope you are inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation showcased in our films,” Ms Sasingian said.

The lack of adequate educational facilities in the Western Province is one of the factors contributing to the decline in the number of Western Province students enrolled in the nation's postsecondary institutions. These facilities are science laboratory, classrooms, dormitories, teachers’ houses among others. In recent years, the Fly River Provincial Government has not been supporting some schools facing such issues which had led to students not concentrating on studies particularly students coming from rural villages within the four districts in the province. One such school is Kiunga Secondary School in North Fly District where its learning facilities need major upgrades for improved learning. The school’s Principal Mr. Jebol Iowa mentioned that six dormitories, six classrooms, four teachers’ houses, two computer labs, science labs, mess hall, and administrative offices are needed at the school to cater for increasing number of students to implement Standard Base Curriculum (SBC). He revealed this during the 25th Grade 12 Silver Jubilee graduation ceremony held at the school on November 28th this year. Kiunga Secondary School has adopted to SBC since last year, therefore learning facilities at the school vicinity need maintenance and upgrade for best learning outcomes. “I appeal to you all stakeholders and development partners. Our students need conducive learning environment so work together and support this school," he said. "If we want to see change in our province, invest in education so our students can achieve their dreams and goals in return, bring change in their different profession.” Despite these ongoing challenges, students have been urged to focus on their education to become good leaders in the future. They have been told to strive for excellence with available teaching and learning facilities on hand, as such issues faced at the school may take some years to address them.

Wingei Junior High School in West Yangoru LLG in East Sepik Province is set to become a secondary school in 2026. This was announced by the Minister for International Trade and Investment and Yangoru-Saussia MP, Richard Maru, during the school’s 4th Grade 10 and 2nd Grade 8 graduation yesterday, Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Wingei Junior High School is a newly established high school in Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province. It was established in 2020 under the leadership of Minister Maru. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 5, 2024, by Late Jimmy Uguro, then Minister for Education, marking the elevation of the school from a junior high school to a secondary school and also to commence the construction of the secondary school. Since then, the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) has spent K2 million (this year alone) to build four new teachers’ houses, fencing around the school, and an administration building which is under construction. “We are preparing Wingei High School to be a secondary school; however, it is currently not ready to be a secondary school because it does not have a library, science and computer labs, and more classroom and teachers’ houses. We have to make sure everything is in order before we become a secondary school. If we rush it, we would destroy the future of our children. We are not ready now, but we will be ready to receive our first grade 11 students come 2026,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru announced that the building of a new library will commence in January next year, followed by three science labs, a computer lab, and four more teachers’ houses to prepare the school for its secondary status. The school being situated at the border of Yangoru-Saussia and Maprik Districts, will serve all West Yangoru LLG and Roma and Ulupurin villages in Yamil-Tamawi LLG of Maprik District. Adding to this, the Member for Maprik Libert Kapris made a commitment, on behalf of the Maprik DDA, to build a state-of-the-art grade 11 block for the school at the cost of K500,000 next year. “I want to thank Hon. Kapris and the Maprik DDA for their commitment. Yangoru-Saussia DDA has a vision that one day Wingei Junior High School will become a School of Excellence (SOE), and one day the school might offer STEM education. That is why it is important that we plan well and develop this school with the type of facilities that will meet the requirements of the Department of Education and facilities that is as good as any SOE in the country,” said Minister Maru. To the graduating students, Minister Maru said, “You have to make a choice on your big day today on who you want to be in the future. No one gets up there without a dream, hard work, commitment, and dedication. You must have a plan and a vision when you are still young and in school. Put God first as your School Motto says, go out there and make us proud.”

The winning design for the 50th Independence Anniversary logo has been accepted and is presently being formalized for usage. Samuel Uge, who entered the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo concept Competition earlier this year in June, created the concept that served as the basis for the finished logo. Uge, a Communication Officer employed with the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea, was present at the National Events Secretariat office last week to complete formalities at a small ceremony. Uge picks up the winner's prize money of K10, 000. Acting NES Director, Robert Wong, and Uge officially signed the Logo design release as part of formalities. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP confirmed that the winning original design inspired the final logo and was slightly modified to suit the 50th Independence Anniversary occasion. The 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations will carry the message theme, 'Celebrate our History, Inspire our Future'. This theme illustrates Papua New Guinea’s journey as a nation since independence to date, and beyond. "Following a thorough selection process through thousands of entries from around the country, the winning design has inspired the final 50th Independence Anniversary logo. The logo symbolizes 50 years of Independence, with the numbers designed in gold, commemorating our Golden Jubilee as a nation, and depicts the 'kumul' bird of paradise - our national emblem, and the stars representing the Southern Cross – our heritage. The Logo will be used by permission ONLY to ensure that promotion of Anniversary Celebrations in Papua New Guinea and abroad, are clearly Unique and Distinct from all other commemorative branding for the occasion. The logo will officially be registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) for intellectual property purposes, and to protect it from general and commercial usage. Minister Tkatchenko thanked and congratulated the thousands of entrants and designers who contributed to the nation-wide competition, and for being a part of preparations for the historic occasion. “Entries were of a high standard, with quality personal artistic impressions and designs portraying each individual's inspiration, and the most suitable and original design was selected.” Uge expressed his appreciation to the competition organizers and the National Events Secretariat for the opportunity. “I am deeply humbled and honored to have my design selected as the winner of the PNG 50th Independence Logo Competition. It is truly a privilege to contribute to this significant milestone in our nation's history," he said “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the competition organizers for providing this platform and to the selection committee for recognizing my work amidst so many outstanding designs from across the country. Uge officially signed the copyright release form to enable the authority to utilize the logo in its preparations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

December 1st marks World AIDS Day and it is during this time the people reflect on the risks of contracting this deadly disease and also the support for those living with HIV, and it's a time to also reflect on the efforts to reducing it and charting ways forward to protecting the people from it. For Papua New Guinea (PNG) the commemoration of World AIDS Day is a time to also reflect on the number of people living with the disease, where PNG has a total record of 77, 000 people living with HIV/Aids since the first detected case in 1987. According to National Department of Health (NDoH) National STI/HIV Program Manager Dr. Nano Gideon, the majority of the people infected are young, the productive age group ages 15-49 years old. These are people who are capable of contributing in various sectors towards the development of the country and the future of our nation. It is estimated that about 6, 700 new infections occurred in 2023, or about 18 new infections per day. And the annual number of deaths is not showing a decline. 1 out of every 100 pregnant women who are tested for HIV is HIV positive. The government has been committed since 2010 to provide free HIV medicines, test kits and condoms for prevention unlike other countries. PNG has over 300 HIV testing facilities and more than 160 ARV treatment facilities in all the provinces. PNG has a record of over 45, 000 people who are on ART and alive and are productive to the country. “Resource allocation has been very challenging. We need to archive National health Plan “95-95” by 2030. And that means, 95% of people who are positive within our population must know their status. They must come and do a blood test.” “The new testing kit that we are using can do two tests. It can test HIV & Syphilis together. So, once they are positive, 95% of those must be receive ART. At the moment we are reaching about 80%.” Dr. Gedion said, they will not know if someone is HIV positive unless they take the test. He is urging everyone to get tested to know their status or if they are exposed to the risk. “Testing should be among the key population and the young people. As well as anyone who wants to get the test because they are exposed to the risk. Knowing one’s status is calling for earlier detection and prevention.”

Attainment certificates were given to a total of 345 students from the Kiunga Technical Vocational Training Centre (KTVTC) in the Western Province's North Fly District. The Kiunga TVET held its 46th Conventional and Second National Certificates graduation on Wednesday November 27th, 2024, which have equipped both men and women in various trade skills for change in the province. These trade courses are Tourism and Hospitality, Refrigeration Mechanic, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing, Mechanical, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Fitting, Auto Electro Mechanics, Commercial Cookery, Business Administration as well as Flexible Open Distance Education, providing a second chance of education to students. The graduation ceremony saw 287 receive certificates in trade courses while 58 students successfully completed their FODE studies Grade 10 and Grade 12. Speaking at the event, Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Andrew Yima congratulated all in their achievements in their education journey. He said the technical institution needs improvement in its teaching and learning facilities with more financial support so that students in Western can received quality education. “Financial support from organizations within the province helped completed this academic year. North Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Middle Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Star Mountains Education Foundation, and Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association under Waitri CMCA Trust region. Thank you all.” Mr. Yima said. He further said more funding support is needed to train and equipped students in this technical institution within the province. Both the graduands and continuing students have been urged to contribute meaningfully to the development in the province with skills and knowledge gain from technical institution. Graduand Cathy Elson, who graduated in plumbing, shared that this trade course is not only for men but women who can also take up pluming among others. “People say it’s a dirty work but in fact it is not. Like other trade courses, it is good. I wanted to work in male dominated field when I’m employed so we all can contribute for change.” she said. Another graduand Adamson Eki who passed out in Auto Electro Mechanics said Kiunga TVET has been the foundation equipping students in trade since early 1980’s providing job opportunities in local business contractor companies in the province. He encourages other students from Western to make use of education opportunities that are available within the province. Mr. Eki said, “Students make use of technical institution available in our province. Our province has more mineral resources so there’s always chances of trade related job opportunities and Kiunga TVET has provided that skill where now I have achieved my dream to become a mechanic.” Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Mr. Andrew Yima informed students and people within the province that the school administration will continue to negotiate with the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) to recognized and register this technical institution as one of higher technical learning college. Kiunga TVET is one of the largest technical institutions in Western Province, delivering both trade courses and FODE programs aimed at transforming lives and promoting international career opportunities.

The member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour & Employment Kessy Sawang recently announced the extension of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) to 2025. Sawang said, the first DWCP was signed in 2008 and the relative consistency in the focus on successive programmes on the key priorities of Labour Law Reforms, Employment Creation, Skills Training Development, and Capacity Building of the institutions of Government’s social partners. “So there has been a consistent team in the Decent Country Work Programme that has come through. I am also pleased that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the government social partners which is the workers and employers’ reps supported my proposal to extend the DWCP 2022.” Minister Sawang stated that under her leadership, she reinvigorated the National Tripartite Consultative Council which was dormant for five years and met three times this year. “Some of the key things we discussed and got approval from the social partners is to extend the DWCP for a year so we can come up with a new one and also review the Minimum Wage after ten years.” She said, though the time frame has been extended, the priorities remain unchanged and that’s to refresh, rearm the team and accelerate the pace of implementation on the priorities that are yet to be completed. Sawang acknowledged the partnership between the Social Partners and the United Nations for their strong and constant support to the many ILO programs that are delivered in PNG. She also challenged the Social Partners and the Government to really improve in the areas such as: : Promote the reform of the Labour Law and labour administration in line with the international standards. : Promote productive and decent employment opportunities, particularly for young women and men, · The Labour Force Survey, · And creating 1million jobs : Promote more effective social dialogue and tripartite cooperation Labour & Industrial Relation Secretary, George Taunakekei, said the decision for the extension of the DWCP is a noble one as it allows concentration, focus and commitment for the team to see it through that the implementation of these priorities are carried out. “The continued commitment and support of ILO to provide technical and policy support is second to none and we are grateful to ILO for the enormous support in resources. We just concluded a long workshop on Social Protection as well as a workshop on fishing for our fishers." "The world of work continues to evolve and our capacity as a government mechanism to deliver continuously faced challenges but with the DCWP platform, we can deliver as one”, said Taunakekei.

Minister for Labour & Employment Kessy Sawang recently announced that the 2024 Minimum Wages Board (MWB) has commenced its work to review the minimum wage in the country. She said, the last review was conducted in 2014 and the MBW are currently conducting hearings from NCD, Central & Gulf province lead by Beverly The Government has allocated a budget of K4.7 million for the MWB of which K2 million has been received. This is based on a 100-day work plan for the establishment, appointment, and the conduct of the 2024 Minimum Wage Board Hearings. Sawang stated, “We know PNG faces considerable development challenges such as high population growth with a significant youth bulge, low labour productivity, high-cost structures and poor health and education outcomes. These are some of the things that have led to unequal opportunities for Papua New Guineans to participate in economic development and to benefit from economic growth.” She added that the Government has not sought to make any unilateral decision on a new minimum wage. There is a process set out in law to review and set minimum wages. It will be the MWB that receives submissions and considers them and makes an informed decision about an appropriate level for minimum wages. It's the MWB’s decision or determination that will be presented to the Government with four months time. MWB Chair lady Beverly elaborated further, stating that with the review underway, it is an open opportunity for employers, employees, workers and the general public to come forward to the board and lay their thoughts on the current minimum wage which is K3. 50. “The Board cannot carry this inquiry without persons that are affected by the minimum wage. We even had the ordinary security guard walk into our hearings to express to us what they are receiving.” She said, apart from the large employers, security guards in NCD are receiving K2.50 an hour, there’s a general consensus for an increase. “We are mandated by the Government to sit and give this opportunity to workers and business houses to come to us and talk to us about what is happening out there. We do not know unless you come and talk to us.” “I’m pleading to all employers, employees/workers to come to the board and speak to the inquiry that we are conducting. We covered NCD in 5 days, then to Central and Gulf province.” She added that, from their hearings to date, there are presentations on industry wages, sectoral wages and whole lot of things that are coming before the board. By next year, the Minimum Wages Board will travel up to Mt Hagen then to Goroka and Lae to carry out the next hearings where they are hoping to complete the hearings by the end of April.