The Vunakunau Primary School in the East New Britain (ENB) province is all set to join the rest of the schools in the country to mark National Literacy Week next week, from the 4th-8th of September. Head Teacher Mr. Steven Taharin said that for their school, they have prepared a weeklong program that will commence on Monday the 4th of September and ending on the 13th of September, when the primary school will be making presentations from the Literacy Week. “All the activities are linked to the up-coming 48th Independence celebrations, like writing the history of PNG through different types of genres, the meaning of the national emblem, the national anthem and many more.” He said, this will enable the students to enhance their skills in creative writing, expand vocabulary, fosters the imagination, and even encourage empathy. Furthermore, Mr. Taharin said literacy development is vital for the overall development for children because it is the foundation for doing well at school, socializing with others, problem-solving, making decisions, developing independence, and managing money and working. “Many Papua New Guineans who complete their education, still do not understand the true meaning of literacy and how it can bring good changes.” “With the current trend that we are having, there is a lot of law-and-order issues because kids and youths who don’t complete their education, tend to do the wrong things because they are not literate.” Mr. Taharin added that with social media at our fingertips and the advanced technology that is used in today’s time, people need to self-educate themselves if they want to see change in themselves, their community and the nation as a whole.

The SP PNG Hunters have officially ended their 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup season, following a presentation dinner at the Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby on Thursday, 31st August. The Hunters 2023 campaign can only be considered a success as the proud Papua New Guinean club oversaw a significant roster overhaul this year alongside various changes in the coaching and high-performance staff. To finish narrowly outside the Top Eight on the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup ladder is a commendable achievement considering the relative inexperience of the Hunters current playing roster. There is no doubt that the club is heading in the right direction and this campaign is another step towards that ultimate goal of being regular finals contenders in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition. The SP PNG Hunters commemorated their 2023 campaign at the Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby on Thursday evening, accompanied by all major club partners and sponsors as well as various media representatives. The club would like to pay special tribute to South-Pacific Brewery, the Australian High Commission & Pacific Aus Sports Program, Kumul Consolidated Holdings Ltd, Kumul Petroleum, Newcrest Mining Ltd and Exxon-Mobil for sponsoring various awards on the evening. SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker said the event was an opportunity to thank all parties involved in the club’s 2023 campaign. “As we’ve highlighted in the past, this club simply could not achieve what we are trying to achieve without the support of our partners and sponsors,” Barker said. “We are extremely proud to be partnered with some of the most established and reputable brands in Papua New Guinea and we look forward to working closely with them into the future.” The Hunt is now officially over for season 2023 but preparations have already begun for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup competition.

There’s no sign of “Messi mania” abating anytime soon. Ticket prices for this Sunday’s match between Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC are the most expensive for a Major League Soccer game ever, according to TickPick, an online marketplace. Average prices are around $690 — a 527% increase over the average ticket price of an MLS game, which used to cost $110 before soccer superstar Leo Messi joined the league. Currently, just days from the game, the cheapest ticket to see Messi take on last year’s MLS Cup winners will cost $785. Without Messi, prices fall sharply, with the cheapest ticket for the following LAFC game being 80% less expensive at $151 for seat, according to TickPick. However, this could be the ceiling for ticket prices. TickPick co-CEO Brett Goldberg told CNN that the market is “likely to stabilize prices at their current level, although there’s potential for an upward shift in price due to the heightened demand.” Plus, LAFC is one of the most popular MLS teams in the league, so demand is always high, Goldberg said, adding that “in this case you have one of the biggest athletes in the world coming to town.” Messi’s appearances have regularly juiced ticket prices ever since he joined the MLS. For last week’s game, in which Messi made his regular season debut, prices were nearly 1,000% higher than usual for a New York Red Bulls ticket. “Messi mania” extends beyond the pitch, too. Apple said that subscriptions to its soccer streaming package have soared since Messi joined in July. And Adidas said that demand for Messi’s jersey has been “truly unprecedented,” sparking an order backlog until October. Retailer Soccer.com told CNN last week that the top eight best-selling jerseys on its website are Messi related, including his Argentina kit and the Inter Miami shirt. The Florida team is now the top-selling MLS club kit in all US states except Vermont. Previously, the Inter Miami jersey was the top-selling jersey only in Florida.

Netball PNG aims to deliver a successful training camp for our PNG Pepes scheduled for this weekend. The team is expecting 13 Australian based and 11 PNG based players to trial out for 15 available spots. It is going to be a tough task for our national selectors as we aim to select the top and most skilled players to represent PNG in the upcoming Singapore Series in October 2023 and Pacific Games in November 2023. The 24 players have been invited to trial out this weekend and are expected to move into camp on Friday, 1st September 2023. Assistant Coach, Helen Edwards who is also based in Brisbane is expected to travel in with the Australia based players. The camp program includes Physio Fitness Screening, Match Plays and Skill work (Footwork and Ball work). The training/selection camp will be held at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, Waigani from 9am onwards and will be open to public during game time/s after midday. The selection panel is made up of Julienne Leka-Maliaki, Helen Edwards who is currently the Assistant Coach and Head Coach, Annie Lamo. At this juncture, Chairperson of Netball PNG Board, Ulato Avei extends great gratitude to Mr Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini for offering a Flight Sponsorship for PNG Pepes and Netball PNG. In return, Netball PNG has agreed to name Air Niugini as Official Airline for Netball PNG. In addition, Netball PNG will ensure Air Niugini brand prominence on uniforms and training apparel and social media. Air Niugini is also very keen to encourage the company’s support of Women’s Sport, particularly in netball. Air Niugini wishes to establish an ambassador program and Netball PNG is more than happy to enter this program. Write to Paula David

The Sea Eagles ensured fan favourite Jake Trbojevic celebrated his 200th NRL game in style with a dominant 54-12 victory over the Wests Tigers on Friday night. Despite a disappointing end to the season, having fallen out of finals contention, Anthony Seibold's side gave their home fans something to cheer about in the final round with young guns Tolutau Koula and Haumole Olakau'atu running riot and making a big statement for the 2024 season. Trbojevic made it a milestone match to remember when he went over in the 57th minute for his first try since Round 22 last season, thanks to star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. In early worrying signs for the Wests Tigers, it took just 39 seconds for the home side to open the scoring when Haumole Olakau'atu exploded through a hole to put Tolutau Koula through on the right edge. After Brad Parker fumbled another opportunity over the line, the Wests Tigers hit back when a set restart handed them their first attacking opportunity and hooker Api Koroisau darted over to level the scores 6-6. Come the 16th minute and Koula made it a double thanks to a Ben Trbojevic linebreak in the previous play to put the Sea Eagles back in the lead 12-6. The Sea Eagles extended their lead by ten when prolific winger Jason Saab ran in back-to-back tries on the right edge. The Sea Eagles had their fifth try of the first half when Olakau'atu turned provider again, plucking a Jacob Arthur kick before finding Ethan Bullemor in support to score his first try of the season and hand the home side a 26-6 lead at the break. The second-half turned into a try scoring blitz with Olakau'atu getting one of his own before milestone man Trbojevic was gifted a try on his 200th match thanks to some nice lead up work from Cherry-Evans. With a 32-point lead, the Sea Eagles were in full flight late in the second half and started giving away tries for fun with rookies Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Gordon Chan Kum Tong next to cross the stripe. After tipping one off earlier to Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans scooted from hooker and muscled his way over to stretch the lead 54-6. Winger Asu Kepaoa scored a consolation try in the 70th minute but it made little difference to lighten the blow as the Wests Tigers Round 27 defeat handed them their second consecutive wooden spoon after another disappointing season. Match Snapshot Wests Tigers centre Triston Reilly left the field in the 32nd minute and did not return after suffering a suspected medial injury. Manly backrower Ben Trbojevic left the field in the 43rd minute for a head injury assessment and did not return after suffering a Category 1 head knock. Belinda Sharpe made officiating history as the first female to referee in the NRL under the single referee system. Jake Trbojevic became the 18th player to play 200 games for the Sea Eagles. The hard running lock was immense in the milestone match with 36 tackles and 12 run. Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal got through a ton of work in the No. 8 jersey with 36 tackles and 113 run metres off 15 hit ups. Daly Cherry-Evans has scored 15 tries in 20 games against Wests Tigers - his best efforts against any club. The Sea Eagles have now won seven of their past eight matches against Wests Tigers. Play of the Game Jake Trbojevic's 57th minute try had all of 4 Pines Park on their feet as the Kangaroos forward crossed the line for the first time since Round 22 last season. Usually it's the hard-running lock forward doing all the hard work and gifting tries to the backs. But this time it was halfback Cherry-Evans who broke the line and ducked and weaved his way over the stripe before finding the 200-gamer to score. What They Said "From the start of the game we were off. From the first set where they scored that set the tone and I gave the boys a bit of credit for getting back into it but they pulled us apart for the whole game. What I will say with this group is they have stuck together through a tough time...the positive bit for us is we were able to give a couple of young kids a look into first grade. - Wests Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall "It was really pleasing to see the guys finish the season with some really good attack tonight, particularly in Jake's 200th game. Obviously we wanted to be playing next week...but I think it's been a year of growth. The group is really connected and I feel like we took some steps forward and found what our best footy looks like on both sides of the ball." - Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold What's Next With the season officially finished for both teams, all eyes will now be on preparing for 2024. The Wests Tigers will have a new head coach in Benji Marshall, with Manly brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu joining Dragons playmaker Jayden Sullivan as their major signings. Meanwhile, after coming head-to-head in Round 27 the Sea Eagles will welcome Wests Tigers Luke Brooks and Tommy Talau into their squad next year as well as Roosters gun Jaxson Paulo.  

In their bid to end tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, Businesses for Health (B4H) is focused on promoting local languages ‘Tok Peles’ to raise awareness and prevent TB. By utilising 'tok peles' as a medium to communicate vital health information, the B4H project aims to bridge linguistic gaps and improve communication with families and communities. In every workplace training group, they encounter a rich mix of languages spoken at home by our trainees. While their new TB wardens are equipped with sophisticated awareness, prevention, and better workplace management of TB in English and Tok Pisin, B4H recognise that engaging families in their home communities requires speaking in their own language. It is heart-warming to witness class members reaching out to their parents, texting, and calling to verify translations of B4H key TB prevention message, "cover your cough." The use of home language serves as a reminder that health protection at work is incomplete if it does not extend to health protection in the home or community. B4H training empowers individuals to act against this deadly disease both at work and at home, emphasised Dr. Ann Clarke, who is in PNG to support the workplace training. TB Health Extension Officer Teresa Koratsi understands the importance of language when supporting patients. Language is not just a means of communication; it becomes a way of connecting to a patient's culture, to keep them connected with their family, and gain support to adhere to treatment until they are cured. Teresa said, speaking in people's 'tok peles' allows us to show respect for their heritage and foster a deeper connection, particularly when many TB patients feel stigmatised by this terrible disease. “TB treatment is hard and lengthy. Being kind and inclusive grows trust, and it ensures that our TB awareness and prevention message is received with open hearts.” “Importantly, Tok Pisin is often insufficient.” “Utilising 'tok peles' enables us to convey information accurately and effectively.” “By reducing medical jargon that can be intimidating and difficult to understand, we break down barriers and make vital information accessible to all.” “This empowers individuals to recognise TB symptoms, understand the importance of early diagnosis, and adopt preventive measures within their communities”, explained Lowen, the new B4H TB Nursing officer and Motu speaker. “We are thrilled to hear our messages in 'tok peles' as it fosters a sense of inclusivity and ownership in our work to end TB.” “When trainees deliver health messages in their own language, they feel more valued and empowered.” “They become prouder advocates who actively share knowledge within their social networks, inspiring others to act.” “While we are not a grassroots organisation, we make efforts in workplaces to support home and community engagement.” Our "Cover your cough" message can be seen all over Port Moresby, and our small video from this class ensures that family members on the islands of Bougainville, Manus, Misima, Karkar and New Ireland will learn our message, while people in the provinces of Madang, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Gulf, Western, Central and Malaysia will hear it loud and clear through their Port Moresby-based friends. Dr Anne further stated, “The team at B4H is challenging everyone to call home, check their translations, and post their "cover your cough" with #coveryourcough #endTB on our B4HTB Facebook page and all our social media networks, so everyone can see and share!” “With over 800 languages to go, we encourage everyone to join us in this fun way to raise awareness about PNG deadliest infectious disease.”

A total of 37 students attending the University of Goroka who were displaced due to accommodation problems will be relieved with the funding support from Nawaeb District Development Authority (NNDA). Nawaeb MP Hon Theo Pelgen highlighted the importance for supporting the human resource of the district. MP Pelgen said, the district was made aware of the situation of the students when they raised awareness of their dilemma this academic year. “The students had been displaced from accommodation privileges due to the earthquake last year in Goroka which led to them living off-campus.” NDDA CEO Buds Botikie on behalf of NDDA Chairman Theo Pelgen presented the cheque payment in Lae, said the support will go a long way to develop upcoming Teachers and Intellectuals of Nawaeb District. He urged the students to become role models when they return to the community. "Investing in Human Resource is a sustainable practice for Development." Meanwhile, Vice President of Nawaeb District UoG MSA Ms Lisah David whilst thanking NDDA, said the students would be conducting awareness during holidays in the district. Secretary Toovey Solong said, UoG students will take lead to connect the rest of all other Nawaeb Students in various tertiary institutions in the country to combine and create development awareness in the district. He pledged the students can be utilized by the district to help formulate policies as well. The Funding support is the first of its kind support from Nawaeb District Development Authority to any tertiary institution in the country.

As a lead up for the proposed Women’s Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup to run in 2025-2026 and in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, the 2023 National Women’s Championship has embarked on a new format and stand-alone tournament. The two-week tournament is part of a long-term plan to establish a National Competition for women in the country and is driven by the PNGRFL’s High Performance unit and the PNG National Rugby League Competition and began on Sunday 20 August, with participants arriving in Port Moresby, from the four (4) regions. The rugby league tournament for women, has been showcasing the top performing female talent from the 4 confederates, Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands. The championships highlights the pathway and opportunity for female rugby league players in the PNGRFL system, to be selected for the Junior PNG Orchids or Senior Orchids programs. The two-week tournament, has also exposed teams to opportunities for proper rehab and recovery practices under the guidance of the PNGRFL High Performance team as well as Wellbeing sessions with the NRL in PNG and Queen Pads. Coaches and Trainers had sessions under PNGRFL Coaching Development Manager, Joe Grima, as well as sessions with QRL Physical Performance Director, John Mitchell. Meanwhile, Southern region is leading the ladder as of Round 2 with 4 pints, Highlands & Northern on 2 points each and trailing behind with nil is NGI. The Championship is now into Round 3 of its matches. Below are the results so far: Round 1 | Wednesday 30 August Southern 12 def Northern 08 Player of the Match: Jaylyntha Kama (Southern) Highlands 20 def NGI 12 Player of the Match: Delailah Ahose (Highlands) Round 2 | Sunday 27 August Northern 14 def Highlands 12 Player of the Match: Charity Emika (Northern) Southern 18 def NGI 10 Player of the Match: Bertshiba Awoi (Southern) Coming Up, Round 3, who will determine who makes it to the Grand Final, Sunday 3 September 2023, to play the curtain raiser to the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Round 3 | Wednesday 30 August 10am NGI v Northern 12pm Southern v Highlands

The Port Moresby General Hospital’s Special Care Nursery at the Labour Ward received 96 bags of necessities for babies, donated by the final year Tourism and Hospitality Management students of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) recently. The 23 students visited 2 main nursery rooms and gifted each mother and her baby a plastic bag filled with diapers, powder, oil and more. Among the goods donated were two bags of clothes for the mothers. Student in-charge, Diandra Neil, said that the visit was an outreach program that was part of their academic assessment as well as community service to give back to the country. “As part of this outreach, we the students decided to contribute and bring the donations to the nursery. So, whatever has been donated is from the students’ pockets.” Nursing Unit Manager, Sr. Filma Kuman, was grateful for the donations and encouraged the students to continue to bless others in the community. The Special Care Nursery is purposely for newborn babies who are sick and need special care from medical professionals. Following the visit, 8 male students donated blood at the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine (SBBCTM).

The Broncos and Storm have led a chorus of players being rested in Round 27 with the finals on the horizon and the potential for both clubs to meet again in Week 1 of the play-offs. Despite chasing their first minor premiership in 23 years on Thursday night the Broncos will be without more than 10 NRL regulars including stars Reece Walsh and Payne Haas when they meet the Storm at Suncorp Stadium. The pair will join Herbie Farnworth, Billy Walters and Ezra Mam on the sidelines while Adam Reynolds (calf) and Patrick Carrigan (foot) will be given another week. Kotoni Staggs is out suspended for one match. Kurt Capewell and Selwyn Cobbo are included in the reserves but Kevin Walters is unlikely to turn to either with a potential to come up against Brisbane in September a huge possibility. Storm coach Craig Bellamy is also not mucking around with a top four spot guaranteed, resting a similiar 10 players including Jahrome Hughes (knee) and Harry Grant (shoulder), who are carrying injuries. Cameron Munster, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are among the names set for a week off while Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named to start at fullback and Justin Olam gets a recall. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the club's resting policies were not a concern for the overall standard of the game in Round 27. "With 27 rounds and 24 matches it's a very compelling season that has twists and turns," Abdo said on Tuesday. "Each coach, team and club will set their strategies for who they are playing and the combinations. "That's a call they have to live and die by, and that's a call that is theirs to make. "I'm yet to witness an NRL game that isn't exciting and compelling. You'll have players making their NRL debuts this weekend. I'm not concerned at all that we won't have eight exciting games." The Warriors, having locked in either third or fourth on the ladder, will be without Shaun Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for their final round clash with the Dolphins. Warriors captain Tohu Harris (back) joins hooker Wayde Egan and Addin Fonua-Blake to also be rested by coach Andrew Webster ahead of a top four showdown with either the Panthers or Broncos next week. Newcastle have opted to rest several of their stars for their clash against the Dragons in Kogarah after wrapping up a home semi-final last week. Veterans Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell will have a breather while Lachlan Miller returns to fullback for his first NRL game since Round 12. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has included Jackson Hastings (ankle) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) in the reserves but the likes of Kalyn Ponga (shoulder), Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann won't be risked. The Panthers have opted to name their best team possible for Saturday night's clash with the Cowboys in news that will be music to the ears of Roosters fans, who need to beat the Rabbitohs and then hope the premiers defeat the Cowboys. Source: NRL.Com

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is urging all sports teams who will participate in the upcoming November 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games to meet their requirements by the September 6th deadline. While many athletes and teams have already received provisional endorsements and are undergoing training, attending national championships, and participating in international events, they must still adhere to the Justification Committee's benchmark requirements. This ensures their preparedness and potential performance levels are up to standard for selection onto Team PNG. All athletes, officials, coaches, and team managers are reminded to complete three obligatory online courses this month on Anti-Doping, Athlete Safeguarding, and the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition Additionally, coaches and team managers yet to be certified under the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) must fulfill pre-course requirements before attending the Development Coach, Strength and Conditioning, and Team Managers Courses in early September. Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla, emphasized the significance of these pre-requisites. She stated, "These courses are compulsory. Athletes and officials who don't complete these requirements cannot participate in the games." In a recent update from the PNG Olympic Committee Justification Committee, the sports of Judo, Sailing, and Rugby League 9s were excluded from Team PNG and will not be participating in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games for failing to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria. Rugby League 9s was the only sport that appealed the decision to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal who ultimately upheld the decision of the Justification Committee. The Olympic Committee continues to focus on ensuring that Team PNG represents the best of the country's athletes and aligns with the high standards set for international competition.

The Information and Communications Technology Minister Timothy Masiu was pleased with the outcome of the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue (PICTMD) which had a total of 11 ministers from the Pacific region fly into the capital for the inaugural event. “I am so happy to that all the pacific island nations are represented during this meeting. So far, as the minister responsible for hosting this important dialogue, I am happy and positive at the way things are going.” “There are also very good comment and feedback from the Ministers and this is an avenue that Ministers in the Pacific can share their own experiences.” “Of course, there’s never being any time before in which the Pacific Island ICT Minsters meet to discuss their own issues and share some of the predicaments that they face and, of course, the way forward.” Masiu said, one of the reasons for having this dialogue is because some of the Pacific islands lack the capacity in their ICT development where today, there is a lot of cyber issues and the pacific needs to be very careful. Minister Masiu added that, he recently had a bilateral meeting with the Australian Minister for Communications Hon. Michelle Rowland, where Australia is putting forward what it intends to do in PNG. Masiu said, he will announce later what the agenda was and both countries are expected to meet at a later date this year. He further stated that, PNG’s digital journey is a working progress because there is still so much to do. “I want to thank the government of today under the leadership of our good Prime Minster Hon. James Marape for supporting our sector. ICT sector is the way to go.” “We have the cyber security issues and social media issues and a lot more in the country.” “What we are doing in the department is putting policies in place.” “The policies go through cabinet through submissions, and through this, we build the infrastructures based on the foundations.” Masiu further said, “As the minister responsible, I don’t want us to do something that will not benefit us in the future and of course, we must bring in the right equipment’s and administer the right polices to keep our country safe given today’s cyber security.” Meanwhile, the next Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue will be held in New Caledonia in 2025.