Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) marked World Mangrove Day recently on Friday 26th July with awareness events carried out at all Library Learning Centres (LLC) across the country. To celebrate and learn about the importance of mangroves for ecosystems, BbP students engaged in a mixture of learning and fun activities like true environmental scientists. They discovered how mangroves protect the shore, provide homes for many sea animals, and help maintain a healthy balance in the oceans. A first activity at BbP's Pari village Library Learning Centre in Port Moresby city was for the children to visit and study the mangrove saplings planted with Steamships Trading Company, Coast Care and TNC teams last year. The small trees are now thriving and have grown substantially. The children were able to observe fish and other marine life around the mangrove roots and inspect the healthy trees with their magnifying glasses. Villagers expressed gratitude for the planting of the mangroves because these trees will now attract tuna and other fish to the shore. At BbP's other Library Learning Centres, the children enjoyed colouring pictures depicting mangrove forests and watching videos. The significance of mangrove conservation was highlighted throughout the event. Children not only learned about ecological concepts, but also actively participated in nurturing their local environment. Through hands-on activities like using tiny spades to explore the sandy shores, they developed a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. The day was dedicated to teaching children the importance of caring for mangroves and their immediate environments, but also for them to gain an appreciation of the cultural significance of mangroves. It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and plenty of smiles too.

The European Union-Funded Forestry-Climate Change Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme for Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently convened the second Programme Steering Committee (PSC). Implemented by three agencies – Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – the EU FCCB Programme has started to make instrumental progress in supporting the Government of PNG to enhance sustainable development, livelihoods, and resilience-building measures. The PSC Meeting served as a platform to present the progress achieved since the Programme’s launch in October 2023, highlighting the collaborative efforts among key PNG government institutions, the European Union, and other stakeholder’s and updating the groundwork to set the programme up to further deliver results for environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods in PNG. Key progress to date includes: · Establishing strategic partnership frameworks with key government institutions to roll out implementation at national level, focusing on areas such as digitalization, coordination, regulatory frameworks, organizational performance, and forestry and agriculture downstream processing. · Strengthening livelihoods at the household level in the Mangalas Conversation Area by training and employing 22 community members as field officers to offer in-field training on agricultural practices and post-harvest handling techniques. The trained field officers have extended the training to more than, 1700 farmers and mapped over 1700 cash crop gardens for future European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance. · Preparing for the roll-out of the National Forestry Inventory in East and West Sepik through comprehensive training sessions focused on data management and forest monitoring. The EU-FCCB Programme was launched on 31 October 2023 by Prime Minister James Marape and the European Union Ambassador Jacques Fradin. The Programme aims to support a development model (at the national/institutional level and pilot community/conservation area levels) that reconciles climate change, environmental protection and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive green growth and jobs. The programme’s key areas of intervention are: Strengthening governance and institutional frameworks, Increasing knowledge, education, capacity-building, research and mobilization, and Enhancing green public and private investments and sustainable livelihoods. It is implemented jointly by Expertise France (national component), CIFOR-ICRAF (Mangalas Conversation Area/Oro Province component) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (expansion of the National Forestry Inventory in East and West Sepik Provinces). It is one of the EU’s largest environmental programmes in the Pacific Islands region and one of the most ambitious forest-related programmes anywhere in the world.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd recently marked its 13th year of Colgate National Tooth Brushing Day, an important initiative in their ongoing commitment to promote oral health across Papua New Guinea (PNG). In partnership with the National Department of Health – Oral Health Services, Colgate-Palmolive Ltd extended an open invitation to the people of PNG to participate in their annual event. Salvation Army Boroko Primary School in Port Moresby city, specifically students in grades 6, 7 & 8, took part in the celebrations by brushing their teeth for two minutes, with each student provided with a complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, the children were taught important facts by the Colgate-Palmolive team and later entertained by popular mascot Doctor Rabbit. Ken Kandap Wai, Deputy Health Secretary from the National Department of Health, commended Colgate-Palmolive for their initiative, where Colgate-Palmolive actively spreads the message about the importance oral health and hygiene. National Tooth Brushing Day is one of the many initiatives under Colgate’s global school health education program, “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures,” which has positively impacted over 3 million PNG children since 2010. Over 416, 000 students and teachers from 601 schools, community groups and organizations participate nationally. Colgate aims to continue growing the number of participants each year and foster a healthier PNG, to ensure everyone has a future they can smile about.

Youth Community Leader, Mr. Kurere Matanzana is no stranger when it comes to engaging in community projects and this time is no different as the young man recently facilitated a leadership workshop which was held for only a day at Country Women’s Association conference room, Madang. The aim of the workshop was to empower the local leaders and citizens with the right information surrounding their roles and responsibilities in the light of the upcoming LLG elections in September 2024. The workshop covered the following topics: ● Roles and responsibilities of local level government leaders, ● Ward development committee functions, ● How to set up ward development committee, ● Ward Development Planning Process, ● Importance of LLG Meetings, ● Introduction to Provincial and Local Level Government Act 1997, ● Intergovernmental relations, and ● Introduction to new reforms. Matanzana stated that despite it being late notice, more than thirty local leaders from all six districts of Madang Province comprising of ward councillors, village recorders, electoral officers, LLG presidents, LLG CEOs, active citizens and intending candidates for the upcoming local level government elections attended. He expressed delight upon receiving positive feedback from leaders who were ahead of him in both years and experience. “The Sumkilba LLG CEO Mr. Joe Bess and Ward 23 Ambenob Councilor Mr. Steven Igerup expressed their gratitude for the workshop on behalf of all the attendees and stated that they will share the learning with their respective stakeholders and leaders.” “Mr. Domol Irun, ward 16 councilor who attended the workshop with his village recorder and ward development committee members called for more of such initiatives in the future to properly equip, inform and empower the local leaders.” Matanzana stated that the workshop was his personal initiative supported by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government (PLLG). “The department provided the relevant and necessary information to disseminate and train our local leaders.” He further expressed his gratitude towards the PLLG for their support and is looking forward to facilitating another workshop. The next workshop will be hosted during August or September.

QueenPads in collaboration with the Leprosy Mission PNG and supported by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation recently conducted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene Awareness at Kerema Coronation Secondary School– one of the first awareness visits QueenPads has made to Gulf. The QueenPads awareness team consisted of Menstrual Health (MH) Awareness Coordinator, Ms. Dange Barziring; QueenPads Founder Ms. Anne-Shirley Korave. Their work was supported by Kerema Secondary’s administration. More than 130 female students attended the session as well as a female teacher. Barziring explained one of the challenges the team faced during awareness was access to clean water. “A lot of the schools and communities we visited do not have access to water supply.” “Many depend on well/tank water, and this can pose a risk when it comes to hygiene practices in relation to women and girls special days.” Apart from Kerema Secondary, the team also visited Sikalau Primary School and the communities of Ovorio and Lulutera. Barziring stated that when visiting schools, the female students received knowledge on the subject quite well. “They were initially reserved especially with the primary school students but otherwise they received the information with great participation.” Additionally, Barizing said that if the opportunity arises, QueenPads MH Awareness team hopes to visit again to reach more women and young girls in the province. QueenPads working alongside the Leprosy Mission PNG and Sir Brian Bell Foundation saw a reach of 291+ individuals, 181 being school girls. The awareness team has visited Jiwaka, West Sepik (Vanimo), Eastern Highlands and Milne Bay in this year alone. There are also plans on visiting some schools within NCD and Central province as well as East New Britain. “QueenPads wants to continue to amplify the message that periods are normal and special.” “We aim to continue bringing information on the importance of practicing good menstrual Hygiene; for women and girls and for menstruating individuals to also prioritize their menstrual health.” “QueenPads as part of being inclusive also aims to encourage open menstrual conversations with men and boys as well as women and girls with disability.”

The recent inaugural 2024 Erap Talent Show in Morobe province was so successful that it received overwhelming responses and support from the public and business houses to host the show annually. Locals from Erap and Wain areas, including surrounding communities in the boarders of Nawaeb and Huon Gulf Districts, gave the Show Organizing Committee views on the inaugural event that was staged just two weeks ago. Mr. Mai Peter from Munix village of Lower Erap said the content of the show was great with the engagement of horse riders, motorbike riders and exhibition of local talents which no local shows have hosted such activities in a remote area. Singke Kifabiang from Kokosan village in the upper part of Erap said this talent show should go on annually as it will attract development partners and authorities to witness developments in the area. The Show’s Founder and Coordinator, Mr. Fredrick Jejeri extended his thank to the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA) under the leadership of MP Theo Pelgen and the District Administrator, Mr. Buds Botike, for supporting the Erap Talent Show, which was stage from the 05th and 06th of July. “A word of thanks also goes to business houses. The turnout of participants and spectators was high. Local famous artists Archie Tarzy and Kande Dwayne, including motorbike riders and the horse riders, engaged a good number of crowds,” he said. Local traditional Singsing groups also turned out in numbers, and show goers really enjoyed each bit of activities. Participants and the show goers came as far as Wampar LLG in Huon Gulf and Markham districts. Zero incidents occurred on the event days. “This event I described it as the best platform for gathering, challenging, and exposing talented youths in Wain and Erap to gain exposure at another stage.” “Mainstream print media, Post Courier and X'pose Youth Magazine were two of our partners engaged in judging our participants in the Open Category writing competition at the Erap Talent Show. Participants were required to select topics of their own and write stories within 300 to 700 words and submit with their own pictures. He said the top four writers were identified and awarded with cash prizes. “The first awardee was selected to attend young writers’ workshop in Lae which X'pose Youth Magazine will host and facilitate.” He commended district MP Theo Pelgen and administrator Mr. Buds Botike for recognizing and supporting this initiative where the youths will benefit from exposing their talents in writing. “We have plans to expand this show. The onus is now on our partners to maintain this relationship to drive this event forward.”

The CEO of Air Niugini, Gary Seddon, recently announced that the airfare changes announced in recent days will be deferred until further notice. Mr Seddon said with the prices in Papua New Guinea and around the world already challenging, the timing is not right to make changes. “Air Niugini is more than a business as it is the Nation’s flag carrier, and we have an obligation to provide affordable accessible domestic and international airfare.” He stated that Air Niugini has been listening to feedback and concerns from the travelling public regarding the adjustments. “The Air Niugini Board has endorsed my decision that the price adjustments are put on hold that includes price reductions and special airfares.” “Our executive team will continue to carefully manage operations and the financial implications of current transportation sector inflation pressures.” “The global airline industry is facing serious economic challenges with the increased cost of fuel that is made worse in PNG by supply chain problems.” “The reduction in the availability of aircraft fuel by the supplier caused massive problems leading to flight cancellations.” “This resulted in significant financial pressure to both the airline and to businesses that rely on passenger travel and air cargo.” “Escalating costs must be covered appropriately and there will be a time in the future that the fare adjustment will take place, but that is not today.” “Many people and businesses in our country rely on Air Niugini and we will continue to do all we can to keep prices as feasible as possible.” “It is always advisable to purchase tickets in advance in order to get the best price and this remains the case.” Seddon stated that it is Air Niugini’s job to provide competent reliable safe air transport for their customers. He thanked the public for their understanding and assured that any further changes will be properly communicated.

It was a day of emotions for two victims of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) who were finally reunited with their families in the Laiagam District of Enga Province on Wednesday July 17th after four months, following torture and humiliation. On March 18th, 2024, the two women were falsely accused of sorcery and were tortured badly when a little boy fell ill due to contaminated food. One of the women was a mother of three and the other was an elderly woman with six grown up children. The unfortunate incident occurred at Lilyates village of the Waiap tribe near Laiagam station. The mother of the three was with her little children at night when she was attacked. Her husband was in Porgera at that time, and no one was around to protect her and her children. Young men of the village dragged her out of the house and tortured her mercilessly accusing her of sorcery. The other woman was also accused when she returned that morning from the Lutheran church where she attends. If it was not for Fr. Newman Kingi, the parish priest of Wanepap Parish, the two women would have been burned to death. Fr. Newman, upon hearing of the incident, quickly responded and came to their rescue. He pleaded with the perpetrators and brought the victims to Yampu Health Centre where they were carefully treated by the health workers and later moved to Sari Pastoral Centre where they received further care and counseling from the Catholic Church until their reintegration to their community. Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag, His Excellency, Bp. Justin Ain Soongie took the lead with the reintegration. Upon handing over the victims back to the family and the Waiap tribe, Bp. Justin stressed that life is sacred, and no one has the right to take another person’s life regardless of whatever reason. “Belief in sanguma or sorcery is a misconstrued belief and is not even part of our culture in Enga and we should all work together to get rid of this false belief that is destroying our families and communities.” Those who were present included Fr. Emmanuel Dian and Fr. Newman Kingi; members of Caritas Enga; PNGDF personnel, Provincial and District Law and Order Officials headed by Mr. Anton Yogapen, who issued a preventive order to the community not to accuse the victims again. The Deputy District Administrator Mr. Tom Litapi was also present to witness the occasion. Many of them shared the same sentiments not to harbor the false belief of sanguma and encouraged the communities to live peacefully and to protect and promote life. The leaders of the Waiap tribe and the family members of the victims thanked the Catholic Diocese of Wabag and Caritas Enga for their generous assistance in caring for the two women and finally bringing them home after four months.

Recently, the kids at Buk bilong Pikinini commemorated World Snake, a unique occasion aimed at teaching them about the significance of snakes in our environment. On World Snake Day, people become more aware of the essential functions that snakes provide, like managing pest populations and preserving ecological harmony. BBP stated that the children participated in various fun activities to observe the day. “The teacher read BbP’ s ‘The Zookeeper Reader’ from our ‘When I Grow Up’ series which covered crucial snake safety tips.” “They also learned about the different types of snakes, their habitats and their role in nature, PNG’s deadliest snake and snake bite first aid.” “Children must know that while certain species of snakes can be dangerous, it is important to respect and protect them.” Learning was made even more enjoyable when they coloured pages from animal-published books released by BbP PNG. “These activities helped the children gain a deeper appreciation for snakes and their place in our world.” Essential Snake Safety Tips: - Wear gumboots to avoid snake bites - Do not approach a snake; walk slowly, walk away - Keep grass short around the house - Make noise with your feet when walking

Caritas PNG marked World Youth Skills Day on Monday 15th of July 2024 at Don Bosco Technical School in Port Moresby with panel discussions highlighting the importance of upskilling youths, which will in turn benefit a country's economy. Present at the event was Caritas PNG, along with students and staff from various technical and vocational schools in NCD. Project Manager for Caritas PNG, Charlotte Vada recounted the horrific events which took place on January 10th, suggesting a possible link between the riots and the skill-state of the youths in NCD. "The riots which occurred earlier this year, were largely led by our youth population; and one cannot help but speculate the effects of social disorder are a symptom of underlying issues such as lack of education and employment opportunities." The first panel discussion regarding technical education was led by a representative from La Salle PNG, Br Anthony Swamy and a representative from the National Catholic Education Secretariat, Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj. This panel highlighted the challenges present in delivering technical education in the country, much of which are due to lack of qualified teachers and the few technical colleges available. A second discussion centered on employability in the workforce, was led by representatives from Steamships Trading, Coral Sea Hotels, Total Energies and Joisen Training Consultancy. Towards the end, pointers were given to the students on how to stand out during recruitment. Transferrable skills such as effective communication, problem solving and the ability to learn fast was emphasized. Traits such as punctuality, confidence and authenticity in the workplace was also mentioned.

Title: Ples Man Director: Rama Nathan Rating: PGR Duration: 102 minutes Ples Man is a PNG film which recounts the journey of a Morobean youth's rise to success in the agricultural and tourism sector after encountering the harsh realities of unemployment during post-graduation. At its core, the movie explores several familiar themes of youth unemployment, rural- urban drift, community development including law & order. It challenges the unhealthy overdependence that most Papua New Guineans have on our government, suggesting that the country's future lies not in the government providing more jobs but in Papua New Guineans themselves - Papua New Guineans who are proactive in their lives regardless of whatever circumstance they find themselves in. The overarching message of the movie could be summed up in the phrase: "Land is Life". The protagonist, Eric, is a relatable character whose journey from a typical village boy to successful businessman will resonate with many coming from similar backgrounds. While the plot of Ples Man is admirable, the film is regrettably overshadowed by poor acting. Poor performance and line delivery is prevalent throughout the film. The main character's narration is monotonous and lacks passion. Tuli Man does not embody the character of a struggling youth well. Yet in spite of this, Jona Film Production and the cast and crew deserve praise for putting in the effort to promote film in a country like Papua New Guinea where the film industry has been overlooked for many years. Additionally, it takes a lot of courage to create something or perform on screen and risk humiliation. Show business is not for the timid. If you are person who is interested in the art of filmmaking and movie production, I would 100% recommend watching Ples Man.

In a historic collaboration, the ‘East Gate Karate Academy SKB’ and the ‘PNG Kendo Federation’ are introducing kendo, an esteemed Japanese martial art to Papua New Guinea marking the first time that kendo will be practiced in the country. Kendo, which translates to “the way of the sword”, has deep roots in Japanese history and its origins are intertwined with the evolution of the iconic Japanese sword. During the mid-Heian period (794 – 1185), the distinctive curved blade with a raised edge, known as the ‘shinogi’, emerged as a uniquely Japanese creation. Over time swordsmanship techniques exploiting the sword’s curvature became more sophisticated, leading to the refinement of kendo. Founder of East Gate Karate Academy, Julius Piku Sensei, stresses the cultural significance of kendo. “Learning kendo is not just about mastering techniques; it’s about immersing oneself in Japanese martial art and culture with a rich history.” He believes that kendo will instill discipline, focus and respect in students. Adding to the excitement, Yuki Nishimaki Sensei, a Kendo expert from the Japanese Embassy, will lead the kendo program at the academy. At the same time, Julius Piku Sensei will continue teaching Shotokan karate programs, creating a dynamic blend of Japanese martial arts. East Gate Karate Academy will officially conduct its first formal class for kendo this Saturday 13th, 2PM, at Stratos Building, Savannah Heights, Waigani. Fee: K20 per day session – participants are required to bring a dummy bamboo sword or optional, a mob stick or wooden stick (1 meter), easily wielded.