The Bahá’ís of Papua New Guinea Inc. hosted a modest gathering in Port Moresby at the Bahai Visitor's Centre ahead of International Women’s Day, bringing together individuals to reflect on justice, equality and the role of women in building resilient societies. Speaking at the event, Danielle Winfrey, Manager for Family, Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment at the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), highlighted the importance of community awareness and support systems in addressing gender-based violence and empowering women and families. Winfrey said the observance was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on how individuals and institutions can advance justice and equality within their communities. She explained that statistics show many women and girls continue to experience different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, often linked to power imbalances in relationships. "Many women and girls have survived because of power dynamics, the cultures that we are born and raised in." "We are dealing with a largely patriarchal society."Winfrey also emphasized that gender equality is not about diminishing men but about men and women working together in harmony to strengthen families and communities. "When it comes to laws like the Family Protection Law, a lot of people think, it's for women, it's not.""Men also use it to protect themselves against violence." Also addressing the gathering was Marie Louise Joekari, Director of the PNG Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, who spoke on the theme of justice as the foundation for equality and unity in society. Joekari said justice, equality and unity are essential principles that must guide the development of families, communities and institutions. She reflected on the contributions of women leaders in Papua New Guinea’s history who have advanced women’s participation in leadership and development, while also acknowledging the many women at grassroots level whose work continues to sustain families and communities. Despite progress made over the years, Joekari said significant challenges remain, including gender-based violence, limited political representation for women and unequal access to economic opportunities. "These realities are an exposing truth that cannot be ignored." She said achieving meaningful change requires collective commitment from all members of society, including men who play an important role in supporting the advancement of women. Joekari encouraged participants to reflect on how they can contribute to justice and equality in their own spheres of influence.

The Government of Papua New Guinea, the Government of Australia and UNICEF today launched the four-year Smarter Safer Schools (3S) Programme in Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Central Province - an initiative that will support 600 schools across six provinces and regions as the country rolls out its 1-6-6 education reform.The programme is funded by the Australian Government at AUD33 million and is designed to strengthen school leadership, improve teacher capacity, expand digital learning, and integrate climate resilience and child protection into school planning. It will also reinforce inspection and data systems to improve accountability and performance across the education sector. Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the initiative would strengthen the foundations of the 1-6-6 reform, which aims to improve quality, access and equity throughout the education system. “Education is not only a social priority; it is a national development priority. By improving learning outcomes, we are investing in Papua New Guinea’s future workforce and economic growth." The 3S programme builds on Australia’s longstanding support to PNG’s education sector. In 2024–25, Australia’s total education investment in PNG is valued at AUD83 million, supporting early grade learning, teacher development and system strengthening in line with PNG’s National Education Plan 2020–2029. Madeleine Moss, Minister-Counsellor for Subnational, Governance and Human Capital at the Australian High Commission, said the programme demonstrates the shared commitment of both governments to safe, resilient and high-quality schooling. She said investing in quality education is critical for Papua New Guinea’s long-term development and that the Smarter Safer Schools programme will contribute to safer, healthier and more innovative learning environments. Acting Representative of UNICEF Papua New Guinea, Vikas Singh, said every child has the right to quality education and that strong systems are needed to ensure reforms deliver real learning gains. The 3S Programme will be implemented in the following provinces: Central, Morobe, Western Highlands, East Sepik, East New Britain and Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The National Department of Education alongside UNICEF and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will be taking lead in launching the Smarter, Safer Schools (3S) Program in Central Province which will be facilitated by the Central Provincial Government. The launch will take place tomorrow, Wednesday March 4th, 2026, at Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Koiari, Central province. Speaking ahead of the launch, Assistant Secretary for Aid Program Coordination at the National Department of Education, Matsu Kumain, thanked the government, development partners and education officers for their continued support in driving human resource development in the country. “Education is everybody’s business." “Whatever we do, we are investing in the human resource development of our country.” He acknowledged the government as the primary driver of education investment, while also recognizing the critical role of development partners as well as private sector support. Kumain said the department’s greatest desire is to see strategic investments like the 3S Program directly improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools. “Very simple programs like this help us tick off the smart indicators at the implementation level." “When we implement a program like this at the school level, we tick the boxes at the province and department level, and eventually at the national level.” He added that while national visions such as long-term development goals are important, practical programs implemented at school level are critical to achieving those targets. Meanwhile, Provincial Education Advisor for Central, Marybrenda Kasokason said the province is determined to reposition itself as a leader in Papua New Guinea’s education sector after years of being overlooked for major national education events. Despite its proximity to the National Capital District, Central Province has missed out on hosting significant launches in the past. However, in 2025, the province successfully launched National Book Week, with activities beginning in Abao District and concluding in Kairuku District. “We want to put Central Province on the map. We may have been sleeping, but we are awake now."

Director: Paul FeigCast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone Rating: R | Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery |Run Time: 2h 13min Millie (Sydney Sweeney) a young woman with a troubled past is grateful for a fresh start, working as a live-in housemaid for the Winchesters – a seemingly perfect wealthy couple until the façade crumbles. Leading lady, Sydney Sweeney delivers a decent performance, although her acting in the beginning felt flat, emotionless and greatly overshadowed by experienced Amanda Seyfried. Towards the end, Sweeney’s acting picks up as the film nears its climax. Sweeney has potential to grow as an actress if given the chance to step out of stereotypical bombshell roles. Brandon Sklenar, the main antagonist, plays a textbook psychopath almost to perfection – starting off as charming and admired by polite society only to shed his perfect image once his victims get comfortable. Characteristics of gaslighting, manipulation and neglect are amazingly executed. Sklenar has the ability to make audiences love and hate him simultaneously. The film has a subtle depiction of how family upbringing can influence the outcome of a person’s life. In this case, Brandon Sklenar’s Andrew Winchester comes from a wealthy family where everything good is seen as a privilege and not assuming responsibility even if it’s unintentional is seen as a disgrace to their social class. Additionally, the lack of empathy shown by his apathetic mother contributes to his desire for approval, which leads him to develop psychotic tendencies and act out towards people he is closest to whenever they don’t meet the standards set by his mother. Phrases such as ‘(insert item or behavior) is a privilege’ is echoed throughout the film highlighting upper-class attitude towards the rest of society. The film also explores the subtle yet impactful theme of female aggression and bullying, which plays a significant role in the emotional turmoil faced by Nina Winchester. As the wife of a prominent figure, Nina is exposed to the hypocritical behavior of those within her social circle—people who gossip about her behind her back while maintaining a facade of politeness in her presence. This constant duality, fueled by her marriage into high society, adds another layer of isolation and distress to Nina’s already risky situation. Final Thoughts: The Housemaid is a mediocre film only pushed to good quality because of the writing and also the acting of Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. Rating: 3/5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Best enjoyed with low expectations and buttered popcorn.

The Governor of East New Britain Michael Marum, has urged the people of East New Britain province to celebrate National Remembrance Day with patriotism as the leaders in East New Britain held a Memorial Ceremony for Late Grand Chief Sir. Michael Somare at his birthplace – Rapindik, Matupit.He stated that the people must shift their mindset when it comes to National Remembrance Day and understands its importance. “You are living in freedom and pursuing education because of one man- the father of this country.” “There is no other public holiday like this day.” “Everyone from all over East New Britain must collaborate and celebrate, only then will we truly appreciate the fact that Sir Michael Somare was born in this province.” Governor Marum then gave a brief recount of late Grand Chief’s life, highlighting his accomplishments during and after independence. “Let us reflect on his legacy of unity, wisdom and service above self.” “Let us recommit ourselves to building a stronger East New Britain and a stronger Papua New Guinea.” “May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”                          

PNGFM Limited recently celebrated one of its radio stations; YUMI FM’s 29th birthday as staff gathered to mark this milestone.Speaking to one of YUMI FM’s most famous voices and recent recipient of the King’s Medal Award, Turner ‘Kasty’ Arifeae, recalled the first time working for 93 YUMI FM around the year 1999 as a part-timer while he was in his mid-thirties.“It has been a long journey to becoming a radio personality- a voice that Papua New Guinea recognizes.” He stated that initially he never considered his voice as one suited for radio. “One thing that kept me coming back was the listeners.” He referred to radio as a medium that is meant to be shared with a friend and also spoke on the evolution of technology that has changed the world of broadcasting. “Radio used to be a lot more complicated with archaic technology such as cassettes and tapes needed to keep the show running, eventually we switched to CDs and flash drives.” “We then started using a software called Wizard and now it’s Zetta.” Meanwhile, Freddy ‘Black’ Bevan, 93 YUMI FM’s Content Director and a regular host on the station’s Kapmaus Show, also spoke the advancement of technology. “Presently, there has been a huge challenge with social media, but I don’t encourage people in radio to neglect social media, instead we must partner with it and use it to advance radio.” Going forward he stated that he would like to see 93 YUMI FM maintain its spot as the number one most listened to radio station in the country. “Let us take it to the next level.” “Currently 38% of the population listen to YUMI FM and I would like to see it reach 40%.” “Many people may choose English as their business language but the influence of Tok Pisin is still widespread in everyday conversation especially in the Momase and Highlands Region.” He also gave a strong encouragement to individuals thinking of joining the YUMI FM crew to be authentic. “Radio is one of those professions that require you to be yourself – you have to find your own voice and your own personality.”                       

Papua New Guinea’s government and key international partners have launched a US$12.18 million education initiative aimed at accelerating national school reforms and improving learning outcomes for children across all provinces.The new TOGETHER Programme, funded through the Global Partnership for Education’s System Transformation Grant and System Capacity Grant, will support implementation of PNG’s 1-6-6 school restructuring reform and rollout of the Standards-Based Curriculum under the National Education Plan 2020–2029. The programme is led by the National Department of Education, with UNICEF as Grant Agent and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as Coordinating Agency, in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the grant strengthens PNG’s ability to deliver the 1-6-6 reform effectively by investing in teachers, improving curriculum delivery and reinforcing planning systems. “Every child in Papua New Guinea must have the opportunity to learn and succeed.” The country has more than 2.8 million learners across preparatory, primary, secondary and alternative pathways such as TVET and FODE, but faces persistent challenges in foundational learning, retention and completion, especially in remote and underserved communities. GPE Chief Executive Officer Laura Frigenti said PNG was taking “bold steps” to strengthen its education system, while JICA’s Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki stressed that stronger coordination among partners was essential to sustainable reform. The grant builds on PNG’s education partnership compact signed in early 2025 by the government and 17 partners, aligning support behind the complete rollout of the 1-6-6 restructuring reform as the country’s top education priority. As Grant Agent, UNICEF will oversee programme coordination and financial management to ensure investments translate into measurable classroom improvements. UNICEF Acting Representative Vikas Singh said strengthening teacher capacity, learning materials and data-driven decision-making would create conditions for children to thrive. Officials said the launch signals a shared commitment by government and partners to inclusive, equitable and quality education, ensuring sustained progress for children and communities nationwide.

Director: Dragos PascuYear of Release: 2018 Genre: Education, Short Duration: 10mins Percentage of Life is a short film that follows a young man as he goes about his day while being addicted to his phone. He wakes up at 5am in the morning, takes a picture and posts on Instagram with a fake caption about fitness and healthy life. Behind the screen however, he is living the exact opposite of the life he claims to have. This film makes you question the authenticity of everything posted on social media as well acknowledging the fact that we often miss the moments when we’re too busy seeking the approval of others online. One feature that stands out in the film is the image of a battery at the bottom-right corner of the screen symbolizing the battery life of the youngsters’ phone in a day. It starts off full in the beginning and eventually turns red as the battery life decreases. Eventually, the battery dies and the young man snaps out of his trance-like state. Additionally, the film has no dialogue and only relies on images, captions and texts between characters not only to communicate its message but to show the realistic portrayal of the overdependence on digital communication in today’s society. Percentage of Life is scarily accurate as the growing use of digital tools replace everyday interaction and consume most of our lives. Rating: ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

Students and staff at Acatec Aviation College in collaboration with Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion and Medicine recently held a blood donation drive at their workshop with a modest turnout of students and staff volunteering to donate blood.The initiative, organized as part of the college’s Youth Development Training course, encouraged students to give back to the community through voluntary blood donation. It specifically targeted 150 second-year students enrolled in the course, with about 120 attending. Instructor Waieng Bunge, who coordinated the program, said the drive was designed to build social responsibility among students. “This blood donation is a simple act that can save lives, and we want our students to understand the importance of contributing back to society beyond their academics.” Mr. Bunge acknowledged balancing teaching duties with event coordination as a challenge but praised student participation. He urged the wider public to consider donating blood if eligible, emphasizing that “together we can save lives and support our community.” First-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student Edward Kusak said he chose to donate simply because “someone might need it,” adding that after donating several times, the experience now feels normal and rewarding. He encouraged other youths not to be afraid, saying the first donation makes the next one easier. For fellow student Adeline Alden, the drive was her first-time donating blood. Despite initial fear, she said the experience left her feeling proud. “It was really scary, but I did it anyway. It feels good knowing that I helped save a life.” She urged other young people to take part because blood donation is safe and impactful. Another student donor, Raynard Feeger, also giving blood for the first time, said he was motivated by the need he sees across the country.  “There are a lot of people in Papua New Guinea who are struggling, blood is one of the resources that is low.” He described the experience as exciting and said donating blood is a “superpower” that allows ordinary people to save lives.

Port Moresby on Sunday 15th February, officially launched its 2026 flagship events program, continuing nationwide celebrations marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence.The ceremony brought together government leaders, traditional Motu Koita custodians, cultural groups, security forces, students and community representatives, reinforcing the capital’s “Amazing Port Moresby” theme of unity and inclusion. The flagship events calendar will run throughout 2026, culminating on 16 September — exactly 50 years since independence in 1975. Planned activities include major civic celebrations, cultural festivals, youth and children’s events, environmental observances and international friendship days highlighting Pacific and Asian partnerships. Speaking at the event, NCD Governor Powes Parkop commended the people of NCD for their hard work during the 2025’s celebrations. “All the celebration, all the energy and time that we have spent to mark this moment of time in the journey of our people, and this year we are continuing the celebration as part of the amazing Port Moresby celebration.” He also stressed that Port Moresby carries a dual responsibility as both a city and the nation’s capital — a place where more than 1,000 tribes and over 800 languages congregate. Governor Parkop called on all residents, institutions and communities to work together to make the city inclusive, safe and vibrant, noting that progress in the capital often sets the tone for the country as a whole. The 50th anniversary celebrations began on 16 September 2025 and will conclude on 16 September 2026.

Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Cancer Ward yesterday marked World Childhood Cancer Day not only bringing awareness to cancer affecting children but also highlighting challenges faced by the hospital’s children’s cancer ward and sharing the incredible stories of survival and recovery.The modest gathering included the hardworking staff of PMGH’s cancer ward, Friends of POMGEN, partners, volunteers, parents and children from ward 1E. Speaking at the event, Pediatrician for the Children’s Cancer Ward, Dr. Benjamin Daur briefly spoke on the cancer ward and patient numbers. He mentioned that Papua New Guinea should be seeing approximately 500 new cases every year, however health records only show 150 new cases in children, stating that the rest of the young patients get ‘lost’ in the system. “Many parents believe in sorcery, hence they refuse to bring their children to the hospital, others are misdiagnosed.” Dr. Daur stressed that because of misinformation, it is crucial that such events are used to raise awareness. He also noted that many childhood cancers are curable, but access to treatment remains difficult for families who cannot travel to Port Moresby. “The ward has 12 beds, but we have 20 patients.” “35 patients receive treatment every week.” “7 children receive chemotherapy daily.” Despite limited space and resources, the ward continues to provide life-saving care to dozens of children every week.

Director: June CheongYear of Release: 2024 Genre: Education, Short film Duration: 22mins 15-year-old Viola is desperate to belong in her new school that's full of privileged students. After constant bullying, she will do anything to fit in. But how far is too far? The title itself, Viola Isn't Like Us already paints a picture of an outcast. It is a story about the price of fitting in and compromising your values. In the film, Viola is alienated from her peers due to differences in lifestyle. Everything from their clothes, their behavior and even the way they speak communicates high-class - a stark contrast to Viola who comes from a simple middle-class background. In order to please her peers, Viola goes as far as to shun her previous friendships. Eventually, the consequences of her actions catch up to her, and she is faced with the horrible realization, that her friends were never genuine in the first place. There are several contrasting moments of sadness and happiness throughout the film. Scenes of happiness captured are very brief whereas sad parts are quite long, emphasizing the fleeting moments of joy Viola experiences with her peers before being replaced by harsh reality - the reality being Viola faking her entire personality to fit in. Pearl Hoo Jia Qi delivers an outstanding performance, skillfully embodying the complexities of a conflicted teen. She capably navigates the delicate balance between youthful awkwardness and a subtle, maturity that reflects her character's upbringing. Hoo Jia Qi's layered portrayal brings depth to her role, capturing the vulnerability and inner turmoil of adolescence. It's a deeply authentic performance that resonates long after the film ends. Overall, Viola Isn't Like Us, is a good educational tool about peer pressure, bullying, class differences, and toxic friendships. Rating: ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)