Papua New Guinea (PNG) has made significant strides in education since gaining independence in 1975, with improvements in services, infrastructure, and educational outcomes; however, significant challenges remain. According to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Vol. 17, Issue 11, titled "Assessing quality of Education in Enga Province, PNG: Factors impacting students’ learning experience", the Tuition Fee-Free (TFF) Policy was one of the challenges, because it contributed to overcrowded classrooms, resource constraints, and increased teacher workloads despite its intended purpose of increasing student enrolment rates and eased financial burdens on families. The Spotlight Issue, written by PNG NRI Research Officer Hafford Norea, also mentioned additional factors affecting quality education, and they include the following: • Poor relationships between schools and neighbouring communities, • Tribal conflicts disrupting educational activities, • Transportation challenges for students, and • High parental unemployment rates affecting student learning. Addressing these challenges requires strategic and collaborative efforts from the government, local communities, and educational stakeholders. Implementing effective solutions can enhance the quality of education and improve learning outcomes in the Enga province. To address the issues raised, Norea recommended the following: • Improve the TFF administration, procurement process, governance and management to reduce its adverse effects that deteriorates the quality of education. • Consider constructing schools within the reach of feeder communities, ensuring accessibility to enhance the quality of education, particularly in remote areas. • Develop community-based initiatives to foster positive relationships between schools and communities. • Prioritize conflict resolution mechanisms to reduce the impact of tribal conflicts, protect schools and enhance stability.

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) recently hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Soroken Health Center to improve the health services provided to the people. A sizable catchment population currently served by run-down health sub- centers will receive comprehensive primary health care services, surgical and medical treatments, health promotion, and other public health interventions from the Soroken Health Center, a significant infrastructure investment. Papua New Guinea Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom MP, who attended the ceremony, said delivering safe and efficient health services requires a health infrastructure that is appropriately equipped, well-structured, and suitable for its intended use. Minister Tom was accompanied by Ishmael Toroama MHR, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville; Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, Regional Member for Bougainville; Dennis Lokonai MHR, Minister for Health Bougainville and Joseph Mona MHR, Minister for Technical Services Bougainville. Also in attendance was Carolyn Poli, LLG President for Mahari constituency; Mr Clement Totavun, Bougainville Health Secretary; representatives from the National Department of Health along with the Australian High Commission, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), who are funding this project.

The Open Heart International Team from Australia is on their final day of performing life-saving operations on Papua New Guineans requiring heart surgery. The team consisting of 8 specialist individuals, which are one Surgeon, Dr Jayme Bennet, one Anaesthetist, Dr Stewart Anderson, one Intensivist, Dr Lewis McLean, one Perfusionist, Dr Ragu Nathan, three Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses, Samantha Willis, Megan Ruttley and Kassandra Long, and one Theatre nurse, Joanne Ferrier touched down on Port Moresby’s Jackson’s International Airport on Thursday, June 20th. The team began performing surgeries at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Friday, June 21st alongside PMGH local heart specialist team. Dr Bennett who spoke on behalf of his colleagues stated that they may be performing surgery on more than 20 individuals. "Depending on whoever is ready for surgery, we're looking at operating on 26 to 27 patients." Six adult patients were confirmed to undergo surgery. Over the last 30 years, OHI has come in large numbers from 50-60 specialists for open-heart surgeries. However, in 2023, the visiting OHI team was reduced to eight members due to the emphasis shifting from service delivery to training which has resulted in PNG gaining many trained cardiac specialists as follows; 2 surgeons Dr. Noah Tapaua (cardiacthoracic surgeon) and Dr. Elizabeth Alok the (first female cardiac thoracic surgeon) 1 Cardiac Anesthetist Dr. Arvin Karu, 2 perfusionists Mr. Alex Tipiso (Goroka based) and Mr. Norman Kambo (Marshall Island based), 6 cardiac nurses are; 4 ICU nurses are Sr. Jean Boie, Sr. Loha Erehe, Sr. Ingrid Aigoma and Sr. Fatima Jerome, and 2 Theatre nurses are; Sr. Ubuna Dat and Sr. Jacklyn Eric. PNG still needs more trained local cardiac specialists, to meet the need of the cardiac congenital heart defects and rheumatic heart diseases/coronary heart diseases.

An amateur boxing competition in Arawa was recently concluded by South Pacific Brewery and the Central Bougainville Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) – the first competition by BABA. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville Day celebration and the tournament took place on Friday, June 14. By encouraging competitors to put their differences aside in the ring, the tournament aimed to promote peace and unity among the young people of Central Bougainville. When he presented the sponsorship to the Central Bougainville Amateur Boxing Association, John Nilkare, Corporate Affairs Manager at SP Brewery, said that it demonstrated the company's dedication to encouraging youth involvement in sports and community development. "SP Brewery is pleased to back programs such as the Central Bougainville Amateur Boxing Association, which not only showcases athletic talent but also promotes values of peace and unity." The community was excitedly involved in the tournament, which featured competitive matches that emphasized the talent and tenacity of local amateur boxers. SP Brewery is still committed to encouraging good community impact and providing programs that use sports to empower youth throughout Papua New Guinea. Upon accepting the sponsorship, BABA President Lohial Nuau thanked SP Brewery fortheir support and contribution. SP Brewery is unwavering in its dedication to using sports to empower young people and improve communities throughout Papua New Guinea. The Amateur Boxing tournament was attended by five local clubs, and competitors came from as far as the Panguna district.

PNG Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA) will be hosting a corporate fundraising dinner at Dynasty Restaurant in August under the theme, ‘Preserving Language through Bible Translation’. Executive Director for PNGBTA, Mr. Nelson Tapineng explained that the purpose of the fundraising is to garner support for the work of PNG Bible Translation. “The association needs just over K5 million to run the organization, but we barely make that kind of money and that is why we are hosting this fundraising.” “This can help to cover a portion of the costs incurred while doing translation work.” Tapineng also expressed the urgent need to conserve PNG’s languages. “Language preservation is crucial because many of our languages are extinct or are on the brink of extinction.” “Despite it not being our priority, when we translate the word of God, conserving languages is a by-product of our work.” Tapineng stated that the funds raised will go to various costs and activities involved in translation work. “One of the things that require funding is to identify translators, who then undergo about four months of training to translate the Bible.” “Secondly, a majority of these language programs take place in villages, hence we need to cover logistics, food and lodging costs.” He added that translation teams may also need technical equipment such as laptops and/or solar lights as a power source during the night. Tapineng further made a word of encouragement to anyone who may be interested in sponsoring PNGBTA, stating that this is a chance to participate in the things of God. “I can only describe this opportunity as land that has been ploughed – you have been given this opportunity to sow a seed; whatever you sow, you shall also reap.” Additionally, he stated that he would like to see Papua New Guineans take ownership of this event as it concerns our languages. “I want to see more Papua New Guineans be more involved in preserving our languages and to also witness communities being transformed by the translated word of God.” PNGBTA has already secured one sponsor. Platinum Sponsors: K50, 000; Gold: K30, 000; Silver: K15, 000; Bronze: K10, 000. K500 per person and K10, 000 per table. The Corporate Dinner will be held on Saturday, August 10th, from 6PM – 10PM at the Dynasty Restaurant, Vision City, Port Moresby.

Performances by Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) arts and cultural delegation at the recent 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture in Hawaii, USA drew crowds and captured the attention of many. This is according to Head of Delegation, Mr. Steven Kilanda who is also the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission. He said PNG was powerfully promoted since the start of the festival of June 6th. "You can see from the body language from other countries; our culture is unique, colourful, authentic and diverse." "After our performances in the last four days, people have been following us around to get photographs and interviewing us." "It is very interesting, and I think we are marketing our country and our culture very well at the global stage." Tourists from all over the world converged in Hawaii to witness the world's largest showcase of the arts and cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Pacific, as it is a tourism hub. Kilanda commended the traditional dance groups from Hela, Morobe, Central and Chimbu provinces for their tireless efforts and the contemporary theatrical group, Agent X, and individual artists, including PNG's reggae sensation, Anslom Nakikus, for putting the country on the world map. He stated that PNG needs to be exposed aggressively to the world on such platform. Additionally, he appealed to the media to promote the country's arts and cultural heritage, and report less on the negative stories that deface the country's image. Kilanda also thanked the National Government for its support and financial backing that ensured PNG's participation at FestPac in Honolulu, Hawaii. The festival ended on June 16th.

Connecting the dots across the vast Pacific Ocean to promote his debut film, Black Python, at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawaii, USA, is a young Papua New Guinean medical doctor turned filmmaker. At the enormous Hawaii Convention Centre in the center of Honolulu City, where more than two thousand indigenous Pacific Islanders are celebrating their ethnic arts and cultural heritage, Spencer Peter Wangare told his story on the big screen yesterday. A 100-minute gritty urban drama directed and produced by Spencer tells the story of a streetwise drug dealer named Badu who takes a big risk by letting a young hustler named John join his crew, only to realize later that he may have put John in serious danger. As a technically demanding field in the arts and creative industry, filmmaking is currently not a popular career choice for Papua New Guineans. Spencer explained that the film is only 85% finished, but it took him nearly ten years to produce. After two years of practicing medicine to please his parents, he told fellow filmmakers during the film's premiere that he had discovered his passion for filmmaking. Approximately sixty young Papa New Guineans were gathered by the self-taught director and producer Spencer, who trained them all by himself to become camera operators, editors, and screenwriters. However, he was only able to keep five of them, as the others left for better opportunities. He expressed his gratitude to the National Cultural Commission for supporting him and believing in him to showcase his work at the Pacific festival that is taking place in Hawaii. Through this festival, he has been able to establish strong connections and exchange stories with other filmmakers from Pacific Islands. “Even though the film is 85 percent done, I am getting a very good reception and feedback so far from professionals.”

Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Coca-Cola ASEAN South Pacific have teamed up to provide the Enga Disaster office with much-needed water to help the families affected by the landslide that happened in the Mulitaka district last month. Following this natural disaster, CCEP wanted to be there to support the local communities that were affected by these tragic events, according to Tim Solly the Sales & Commercial Director of CCEP. “Our condolences to the families of those that perished in the landslide, we hope the water and drinks supply can assist those displaced by the landslide during this difficult time and provide some support to them in their time of need.” A total of 200 cartons of Nature’s Own Water and 50 cartons of assorted Coca-Cola brands were received by Ben Sarett from the Enga Disaster Centre.

Woman of God’s Creation group will be hosting a workshop this Saturday 15th, June 2024 at Country Women’s Association, teaching women and girls on dealing with Gender-based Violence (GBV), using the written word of God – the Bible. Woman of God’s Creation Founder Mrs. Dika B. Kila, stated that this was a result of God-given vision she experienced back in 2008. She describes the workshop as an ‘awakening session’ for women and girls to realize and consciously utilize powers bestowed upon them by God as solutions towards violence. “I wanted to help women who experienced GBV, but the problem was that violence is an ongoing thing.” “I went through life experiencing GBV, and I wanted to find out more about this phenomenon.” “There is no physical solution that can stop gender-based violence; it’s an issue of the mind and spirit.” Although Kila has 15-16 years of spiritual experiences, and has done similar activities within her own family, she mentioned that this will be her first time hosting such a workshop in a public setting. “I have helped my family members and experienced the healing power of God working on my late mother who was a diabetic patient.” She also stated that initially, she was reluctant to do a workshop open to all but changed her mind after her brother’s passing. “I was distraught and told God I didn’t believe in Him, I wanted to know why my brother wasn’t healed the way my mother was.” “The Holy Spirit told me it was because I was reluctant to share what wisdom and knowledge I possessed with the world and that was what blocked me spiritually.” Despite the workshop targeting women and girls, Kila states that it’s also open to the men and boys who are interested in gaining such knowledge. Workshop will be held at CWA Hall, Taurama Rd, from 8:30am – 3:00pm. Entry fee is K100 (must be prepaid to confirm seats). For further information contact Dika B. Kila on +675 7261 4494.

During its most recent Prime Minister's Corporate Golf Challenge in Lae city, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) raised K75, 500 to support Team PNG to go for the Paris Olympic Games. The annual event saw twenty- five (25) teams signed up to support the national athletes who will compete in the July 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, along with three-hole sponsors. The PNGOC organizes the annual Prime Minister's Corporate Golf Challenge as a fundraiser for Team PNG's preparations for important international competitions. The golf challenge was first held at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club in 1998. In 2005, it moved to Lae. PNGOC has hosted the esteemed event for 26 years this year. The 2024 PM’s Golf Corporate Challenge top 7 Winners are as follows: · 1st Place: Lane Lawyers · 2nd Place: 4 Mile Coffee · 3rd Place: Kumul Minerals Holding Limited (Team 3) · 4th Place: Coffee Connections · 5th Place: Executive Security Services · 6th Place: Mountain (Kouram Construction) · 7th Place: PNG Ports Present at the event was Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong who teed off as the representative from the Prime Minister’s Office. During his speech, Minister Wong stated that the Prime Minister's Office looks forward to continuing to support Team PNG in the upcoming years because the National Government is a proud supporter of nation building through sports. Denzil Agi, Corporate Manager of PNGOC, expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped make the event a success. “As we close off a successful day at the PM’s Golf, I would like to extend my gratitude towards our good Prime Minister, James Marape. I would like to commend you on your continuous support towards the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and Team PNG; your support for this important annual event is highly appreciated.” “I also wish to acknowledge our partners for the PM’s Golf, the major event sponsor, The National, Ela Motors, Air Niugini, SP Brewery, Media Partners, Coral Sea Hotels, Trophy Haus, Trukai Industries Limited, Theodist, Blue 7 Team, Vodafone, not forgetting the Hole sponsors, Telikom, Pacific Cargo Transport (NKW), and PNG Ports Corporation. Mr. Agi concluded by stating that the event would not have been a success without their support. “We look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.”

On Monday June 10th, all of Buk Bilong Pikinini’s Library Learning Centres (LLCs) celebrated World Ocean Day with a variety of engaging activities designed to foster a love and commitment towards conserving the ocean among children. The day was filled with interactive and educational activities. The children had fun colouring marine animals with materials from BbP's published animal activity books, which helped them connect with marine life. Meanwhile, teachers designed aquarium displays and ocean-themed classrooms to make learning engaging and immersive. At University of Papua New Guinea’s Library, Ms. Lynette Petsul, a postgraduate scientist from the university’s Department of Environmental Science and Geography visited the children as part of a special session. She emphasized three key actions: reducing plastic pollution, practicing sustainable fishing, and protecting marine life. Ms. Petsul's presentation captivated the students, who eagerly participated in discussions and considered how they could help protect the oceans in their daily lives. In the meantime, Goroka’s Library Learning Center's highlight of the day was when little Adniel Jeffrey brought a live fish from his family's pond to show his friends. This was an especially exciting moment due to Goroka being in the highland’s region, far from the ocean, making the sight of a live fish an extra special treat for the children. Some LLCs coordinated beach clean-ups in addition to classroom activities, where kids and their families came together to clear trash from nearby beaches, highlighting the value of environmental stewardship and neighbourhood involvement. The celebrations at each of the LLCs were a huge success, bringing together knowledge and hands-on experience to encourage the next generation to take care of the marine environment.

Blackouts are unfortunately a regular occurrence at the Malabunga Secondary School in the East New Britain province, an occurrence that continues to affect the education of over 1, 400 students. The rural school, which has 770 day- students, 668 boarding students, 49 teaching staff and 20 ancillary staff, often experiences both electricity and water issues. Principal for Malabunga Secondary, Bruno Kulai stated that the school’s water supply is heavily dependent on electricity. “Whenever the power goes out, our water supply also gets cut off because we use a bore water pump that operates on electricity to extract water from underground.” “The regular blackouts affect how well the machine operates.” “If the machine gets damaged then we have to spend money on new parts.” Kulai stated that whenever there are issues with water supply, the boarding students are sent home and attend classes as day students. The boarding students come back when regular water supply returns. Kulai, who has served as a principal in various schools for nearly 15 years, stated that most schools spend approximately K5, 000 to K6, 000 a month on electricity. Malabunga Secondary, however, spends an average of K10, 000 to K12, 000 each month on power bills. In the meantime, the school is considering a purchase of a brand new 110kVA generator to assist in electricity supply.