Alexander Guere, a youngster from Central and East New Britain was one of the competitors who recently participated in the recent Mountain Dew x Wan Squad Dance Competition which was held at Hilton Hotel. Guere who is a member of a crew called the Resistance, who competed in the Open Division, came in 6th place out of a total of nineteen (19) crews in Port Moresby. Their group consisted of thirteen (13) members in total; five (5) males and eight ( females and led by Nelson Kokoa. According to Guere, coming in at 6th place was unexpected. “The Resistance competed simply to show what we were capable of, and it was a big surprise when we came in 6th place.” He added that they were also a new crew in the competition. “It is a big relief knowing that despite being novices we still got 6th place.” In a quick word of encouragement, he stated that when you are about to perform don’t overthink, just dance. “Everybody gets stage fright but the important thing is ‘don’t think – just do.’” He added that he would like to participate again.

YUMIFM’s Featured Artist for September, Kalu T (Thomas Pumi) & Jay Tee Kola (Jonathan Kola) including their hardworking team recently graced PNGFM’s studios speaking about their latest song on 93 FM’s airwaves, Amox Akoma Georgina. The track which currently sits at number 12 on Yumi FM’s Top 20 countdown, could be summed up as a song about homesickness as explained by the artists. “This woman we are singing about, Georgina, misses her home greatly and we are telling a story about her going back to her people to spend the holidays among her people.” “She is someone who married a man from Sepik, and she is travelling back to her home in the Southern Highlands where there’s this beautiful body of water called ‘Wara Polu’.” The song not only draws inspiration from SHP’s natural environment but also explores complex human emotions and hints at the difficulties behind intercultural marriages within PNG. The artists explained that customarily, when a woman gets married, she goes to be with her man and his people to be his support and his strength, and the song Amox Akoma Georgina, is somewhat of a remedy for this woman’s sadness. When asked about what advice the talented duo would give to any youngsters who wish to pursue music, Kalu T encouraged local artists to draw inspiration from their roots. “Any upcoming or aspiring artists should learn their language and write songs using their language – they must find their unique sound.” He used an example from the people of Africa who created their own unique sound using their traditional beats. “Africans blessed the world with their traditional sound and PNG can do the same with our multitude of languages.”

The launching of the 29th National Literacy Week 2024, which was supposed to be held earlier this month from 2nd to the 6th of September, unfortunately did not occur due to multiple setbacks. National Literacy Awareness Secretariat, Nicholas Nembo confirmed that the event was to be launched in Tari, Hela Province under the theme: ‘Be Literate! Be Counted! Leave No One Behind,’ but did not happen because of circumstances beyond their control. “Literacy week activities around the country took place, however the main launching at Hela was deferred due to issues with logistics, staff recruitment and staff movement between divisions.” He stated that the Department of Education is yet to confirm new launching dates. “Once these issues are resolved, the dates will be confirmed.” He also said that the launching will still take place in Hela. In regard to the current literacy rates in the country, Nembo stated that Papua New Guinea’s current literacy rates have not been updated because of the National Census still happening. “The National Census aids us in collecting data regarding literacy rates in the country.” The literacy rate data from 2010 – 2011 is still being used at this time.

Title: Coraline Director: Henry Selick Rating: PG Genre(s): Family/Horror Duration: 1h 55min Coraline is a 2009 American stop-motion dark fantasy animated film based on a novella written by Neil Gaiman of the same name. The main protagonist is Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), a feisty and adventurous, eleven-year-old girl. Wandering around in her new house out of boredom, Coraline stumbles upon a tiny door that leads her to the ‘Other World’ where she encounters her Other Mother also known as the Beldam, and her Other Father who are seemingly an ideal version of Coraline’s parents living in a perfect world. Here, Coraline is treated to a life and a family she always craved. However, this facade quickly fades but not before she realizes that her life is in mortal danger. Director Henry Selick is no stranger to stop-motion animation and Coraline’s delivery is, as one might expect is a masterpiece. Delivering a minor-friendly animation while incorporating personal preferences of dark fantasy and gothic horror without completely terrifying the young audience is commendable. Coraline is able to balance elements of its two distinct genres by contrasting yet artfully blending the two worlds of horror and childhood innocence. One way the film does this is in the opening credits, where it uses composer Bruno Coulais’ ‘Mechanical Lullaby’ as an opening track for a sinister scene of the Beldam in her workshop using her embalming tools to create a mini Coraline doll. Cinematography creates a foreboding scene, while ‘Mechanical Lullaby’ eases its unpleasantness which in turn allows the audience to let their guard down, adapting the naivety of a child, unaware of the dangers they are in. The theme of family is prevalent in Coraline, in fact the only reason Coraline is lured into the Other World is because of issues with her family. While Coraline does make the choice to go back to the Other World, her parents are partially responsible for their daughter’s dissatisfaction. Their obvious dismissal and negligence of Coraline makes her an easy target to trap. The film is rated PG for a good reason as certain scenes feature partial nudity and images of horror are not suitable for children under ten years of age. Coraline brings a unique perspective to the animation experience. Personally, this movie is one of my favorites and I’d definitely recommend it, but only to suitable age groups.

Despite losing their science lab in a fire earlier this year, Good Shepherd Lutheran Secondary School in Madang has not faltered in educating their students. During the early morning hours of Friday May, 17th, 2024, the school’s science lab was engulfed in flames destroying many crucial resources needed for science lessons. However, principal for Good Shepherd, Ben Tamilong stated that with the assistance of other schools in the province, Good Shepherd was able to help its students prepare for their upcoming exams. “We were able to conduct our practical science exams with the help of our sister schools, especially Tusbab Secondary.” “Tusbab lent us their apparatus which enabled our students to have their practical activities.” In regards to their science lab building, Tamilong said the Madang District Development Authority (DDA), promised assistance, however the rebuilding has not yet occurred due to circumstances beyond their control. He has, however, received assurance from the DDA that the lab reconstruction will proceed once matters have been resolved. In the meantime, the school will use GTFS support and also financial contributions to purchase much-needed equipment for the lab.

To address the challenge of talented PNG artists lacking the opportunity to market and sell their artwork in the country, the National Cultural Commission (NCC) is creating platforms that allow artists to showcase and sell their artworks. One of such platforms was the recent 3rd National Art Exhibition which was successfully held from September 14th to the 18th, featuring more than 40 artists and displayed more than 115 art pieces from around the country. Among the artists, seven were women, and the youngest exhibitor was a talented 7-year-old girl. More than 500 visitors visited the exhibition at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city. The Executive Director of NCC, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda in his closing remarks thanked all the artists for their resilience and participation. "Papua New Guinean artists have the potential to succeed; all it takes is dedication, diligence, integrity, and the desire to receive such high praise." "The NCC is creating a venue to assist regional artists. Even if this is only the beginning, there can be obstacles in our path.” "It may take longer than expected for significant results to emerge; they may take five to ten years." “We still have a long way to go; this is just the third national art exhibition. Let's fight to elevate this business to where it ought to be.” "Let's collaborate to demonstrate to the government and our people the worth of this industry." Supporting and growing the arts industry in Papua New Guinea is one of NCC’s top priorities.

Recipients of the scholarship program from the Samarai-Murua District in Milne Bay Province have settled in well at the Adamson University in Manila, Philippines. In order to secure their aspirations and ambitions for the future, all eight students have enrolled in their respective courses. Through the PNG Affiliation International Agency Country Program (PNGAIACP), the district and Adamson University implemented a historic program and arrangement. PNGAIACP Country Coordinator Reno Kola, who accompanied the students to Manila, said that the management of Adamson University accepted the students in accordance with their individual career choices during a three-hour meeting. The PNGAIACP Country Rep Kola has now received an open invitation from the Adamson Administration to set up the second group of students from the Samarai-Murua district for the upcoming months. The Adamson administration also acknowledged the Local Member for Samarai Murua District, Isi Henry Leanard and his District Development Authority (DDA) for funding the milestone initiative in human resources investment for his district. According to Leonard, education is a high priority in his district, and he will continue to pay the school fees for the kids in Samarai-Murua District. He explained that this initiative was a test run to send their children to the Philippines for post-secondary education, and they are happy with the results thus far. The students on this scholarship program are as follows, Jonah Roger, Shallom Steven, and Bernadette Francis are taking secondary education studies, majoring in English, while others like Emmanuel Samson is taking electrical engineering, Inos Gordon taking mechanical engineering, Hau'ofa Steven taking up civil engineering, Gabriel Pakwe taking marketing management, and Joseph Thomas in architecture studies.

Since the launching of the Differently Abled Employment Program (DAEP) in February 2023, Port-Moresby based team members of Brian Bell Group (BBG), and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) have learned basic Sign-Language as part of their Diversity & Inclusion (D &I) Agenda. SBBF stated that 6 differently abled (DA) team members including Helen Wemin who has a hearing and speech impairment were employed with the assistance of Cheshire DisAbility Services (CDS). “Since Helen’s commencement, we’ve had over 100 of our Port Moresby-based team members gain access to basic Sign Language training.” The program, which is designed to meet BBG's specific requirements, consisted of 12 sessions taught by Marlyn Wini, the program manager for Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP), and her team. “It covers topics that help our TMs effectively communicate with Helen and provide outstanding customer service to our DA customers who visit our retail stores.” “In addition to teaching our team members sign language, BbP's training program includes a sensitivity awareness workshop that teaches them about various abilities and how to engage and communicate with others, particularly those who have speech and hearing impairments.” “We are extremely proud of our team who have embraced the program and will be better equipped to communicate with our fellow Papua New Guineans, and we anticipate the Sign Language training to be expanded to other Brian Bell Group businesses right across Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the next few years.” “Since sign language is the fourth most widely spoken language in Papua New Guinea (PNG), it is essential to the personal and professional development of those with disabilities.” “The Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) and the Brian Bell Group (BBG) are dedicated to giving everyone access to an equal opportunity workplace.” "We are dedicated to ensuring inclusivity in our workforce and are leading diversity and change throughout all parts of our business." “The Brian Bell Group and our Foundation Family Members have benefited from sign language training since it has improved our ability to interact with both our cherished clients and the larger communities in which we operate.” Meantime, International Day of Sign Languages is today, Monday 23rd September, and recognizes the challenges many members of the special community face daily.

The Teacher’s Expo which started yesterday, Thursday 19th September launched the ‘Diploma in Teaching Primary’. Australian Minister for International Development and Pacific Pat Conroy, who was present at the Expo explained this newest milestone in education. “This Diploma in Teaching Primary course we are launching today will help upskill elementary teachers right across the country.” “It can be rolled out by any teacher training provider in PNG.” He further stated that Australia will help in supporting the upskilling of teachers in PNG. “In addition to supporting the development of the diploma, I am pleased to announce that Australia will fund the first 400 teachers through this course.” Conroy also praised the impact and contribution teachers made on the lives of their students. “Teachers are some of the most selfless, knowledgeable, generous and kindest people I know.” “They’re up early getting class ready, staying up late marking homework, checking in to make sure our kids are safe in the playground.” “There’s a reason why kids – especially young kids – make that mistake of sometimes accidentally calling their teacher ‘Mum’.” "It’s because outside of their immediate family, teachers are among the most valuable people in a child’s life, and they can completely change a child’s life.” He urged the involvement of every person in order to make further development of education in PNG successful. “We must all work together if we are going to upskill many thousands more.” “That means national and provincial governments, donor partners, civil society, and the private sector—all working in lockstep on education.” “Making sure that education departments, authorities and institutions are funded and adequately resourced; that teachers and educators have the right skills to teach, in order for all children to have the means —and opportunity—to learn.” “And I implore you to continue this very important conversation, so we can support as many teachers as possible in obtaining the training and qualifications they need to deliver quality education to our children.”

The talented pupils of Kopkop College, who celebrated PNG's 49th Independence Day with outstanding traditional and modern performances, were given a dummy check for K5, 000 by the National Cultural Commission during a ceremony held at the college's grounds in Gerehu, Port Moresby. The occasion gave honor to the country's rich cultural legacy and emphasized the value of fostering and conserving local artistic expressions. The check was presented by Alex Puki on behalf of Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the NCC, as a sign of gratitude for the commitment and proficiency shown by the students. Puki gave the young participants full praise, highlighting in particular the outstanding contributions made in the cultural performances. He was impressed by the students at Kopkop College's dedication and talent, and he said that their commitment to presenting both traditional and modern performances is essential to the preservation of Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage. He underlined that cultural identity is indisputable and forms the basis of the country's legacy, and he called for the continuation of funding for programs that honor and preserve indigenous customs. NCC and Kopkop College's partnership is an example of their shared dedication to advancing cultural awareness and encouraging young people to express themselves artistically. The value of embracing and celebrating PNG's unique cultural heritage is emphasized, reinforced, and brought to light through activities such as the cheque presentation ceremony. Cultural heritage plays a critical role in shaping national identity and unity. The event served as a memorable reminder of the critical role that cultural preservation plays in strengthening the social fabric of the nation and honoring the legacy of generations past. The cheque presentation to the students stands as a testament to the enduring legacy the country’s cultural heritage and the unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting indigenous traditions. Through collaborative efforts and collective appreciation for the arts, the nation continues to cherish its rich cultural tapestry as a source of strength, resilience, and unity for generations to come.

Edai Town in the District of Hiri- Koiari in the Central province came alive yesterday, Saturday 14th September to celebrate the Inaugural Hiri- Koiari Trade and Cultural Festival. Visitors came as far as Port Moresby city and Goilala district to celebrate the occasion. Present at the event was the Member for Hiri- Koiari himself, Keith Iduhu who opened the occasion with his remarks. He spoke passionately about the people of Hiri- Koiari and PNG, stating that he believes that PNG deserves better than what the country is experiencing currently. "This country truly deserves better than what we have been dished out." "In spite of our hardships, it gives me great comfort knowing that we can get together and showcase what we have to Hiri- Koiari and the rest of Papua New Guinea." He further thanked the committee of Edai Town, SMEs and participants of the festival for making the event a reality. "This is the first of many of these occasions to come." Festivities soon began with a dramatized retelling of the story of the origins of Edai. Apart from cultures and history being celebrated, one of the main focus of the event was the empowerment of women through Micro, Small, Medium enterprises (MSME) development.

PNGFM Ltd, parent company of NAUFM, YUMIFM, LEGENDFM, Total Event Company, pnghausbung and Magic Factory, held it's mini pre-independence celebration at their new office on Kunai Street, Hohola on Friday September 13th. Present at the event was the company's employees, dancers, including special guests, Naked Koala. The occasion began with employees presenting items of either singing or dancing in their respective regional groups. PNGFM's General Manager, Rosemarie 'Shaz' Botong, thanked the employees for their efforts in putting together the occasion. "This is a historic occasion as previously, we had always celebrated indoors but today is the first time we're celebrating outdoors." "I'd like to thank everyone for attending, for the Total Event Company who helped set up and all the regions who helped to prepare the food." "Thank you so much." PNGFM also marked double celebrations for the organization with cake-cutting for the birthday of it's radio station Legend FM which turned another year older.