As the Written Expression exam date passes, Malabunga Secondary School, in East New Britain Province like most schools in the country, has been facing its fair share of difficulties in continuing the academic year. Principal for Malabunga Mr. Bruno Kulai, stated that he’s seen the student numbers grow since he first started teaching in 2019. “When I first started teaching, there were approximately 850 students; presently in 2024 the number has increased to 1438.” While Kulai is pleased to see more primary students making it into secondary school, he is also concerned about the uneven distribution of GTFS funds within the province. “Malabunga is a boarding school that houses 668 students and over 770-day students, yet it receives less funding compared to large day schools.” He told PNG HAUSBUNG that Malabunga may consider diminishing its boarding status and become a day school due to financial issues. “Cost of living is high and it’s putting a strain on the school’s finances.” Additionally, he stated that schools in province were considering closing on exam week if funds did not get through. “The worst-case scenario would be closing the school, with exceptions to the Grade 10s sitting for their exams, but we do not want that to happen.” Malabunga received its GTFS during week 6 of term 2. Apart from late fees and overpopulation of students, Malabunga also has challenges of frequent blackouts.

Madang Youth & Community Leader Kurere Matanzana has implemented several community projects for more than a decade as part of his personal vision to transform Madang Province, and this time, it's no different, as he, with the help of medical students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) work together to conduct health awareness in rural Madang and as well as deliver medical supplies to health centres and aid posts grappling with drug shortage. Matanzana and the students travelled to wards 18 (Gum), 17 (Bilbil), 16 (Sein), 18 (Yabob), 15 (Aiyab), 20 (Umun), & 23 (Utu) in Amenob Rural LLG giving talks on family planning, teenage pregnancies, and sex education. After conducting awareness, medical supplies were delivered to Utu Health Centre, Yagaum Health Centre, and Danben Clinic with assistance from Matanzana's friend and former employers. "Skin disease drugs for children were delivered with the help of Pacific Towing Marine Services." Matanzana added that there are still medical supplies pending delivery due to a lot of wards not having facilities to store supplies. "There are a lot of medicine still with me, but they cannot be delivered and donated to respective wards due to these wards lacking aid posts and health centers - if they do, however, chances are these wards are no longer in operation." "Infrastructure development has been neglected by our leaders." Consequently, many patients flock to other operating health centres, which in turn create another issue of overcrowding. He gave an example of Yagaum stating that the rural health centre serves approximately more than 320, 000 patients annually. Additionally, most of the staff serving in these health centres are elderly and require a lot of support from the community to keep them going. "Age is catching up to the long-serving staff, and there are no young people to take over once they retire." He remarked that this was all a reflection of bad leadership. "Madang is facing a medical crisis of drug and staff shortage, infrastructure neglect, and a lack of proper staff training." "Us ordinary citizens cannot do much, we can only help in whatever little ways we can and hope the leaders in power can be empathetic towards the plight of the people." Apart from conducting health awareness, talks were also given on topics ranging from law & order to environmental issues.

Raikos Secondary School, a rural boarding school in the Rai Coast District, Madang like their counterparts will also sit for their Written Expression exams on June 6th, 2024. School Principal Mr. Earnest Saweang told PNG HAUSBUNG that 316 students will sit for their exams, an increase from last year’s student numbers. Preparations were already underway in the weeks prior to exam week. Saweang stated that due to disturbances last year, the school had been conducting weekend classes to help students catch up with lessons they missed as far as 2023. “Discipline is a major focus this year – we are getting our students in order, as last year we had a lot of disturbances.” “The school’s environment compared to last year has gotten better.” They also sat for two mock exams prior to exam week. “Initially, our English teachers revised the papers with the Grade 10s in their respective classrooms.” “However, this arrangement was later changed so we had all the students gathered together so the teachers can help them recognize their mistakes with the corrected papers.” He believes his students are now ready for their exams. Raikos Secondary School is located on the south coast of Madang Province and is only accessible by boat. It takes approximately 2 – 3 hours to reach the school and may take longer if there are rough seas.

Bank South Pacific (BSP) along with a small team from Brisbane Broncos today visited Paradise College with the aim of introducing kids to financial literacy in its financial literacy program. BSP's Regional Trainer Naomi Sion, explained that this initiative targets school children in Grade 4 teaching them how to save money at an early age. "We want children to have that savings culture embedded in them while they are still young." "This will help to minimize any issues they may have with saving money in the future when they're older." She further explained the arrangement between BSP and Brisbane Broncos in relation to BSP's financial literacy program. "We are in community partnership, they also run their financial literacy programs in Brisbane." "They support us in merchandise as well as shared their experiences with the children in PNG." Sion stated that the next school they plan on visiting will be the Port Moresby International School (POMIS).

Caritas PNG launched its media contest called the Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth Media Competition, at the Catholic Bishops Conference, in Port Moresby on Monday. Open to all Catholic Parish Youth Groups and Catholic students from secondary, tertiary, vocational and technical schools, this initiative under the theme: 'Preparing our Youth for a Sustainable Future's' requires youths to use technology as well as their creativity to produce either a short video (portrait view), an original song, or an original comic strip for submission. CPNG Communications Officer, Isabella Saleu highlighted the aims Caritas expects to achieve with the launching of this competition. "We want young people to utilize technology especially social media as a tool for positive advocacy towards the masses and also for themselves." "Instead of us/people in authority telling youths what kind of future they should look forward to, we want the youths to tell us the kind of future they want." "We also want to promote our Catholic identity through this initiative." CBC's Social Communications Officer Ahisha Mangot, expressed a positive outlook on technology and artificial intelligence stating that it has the potential to contribute to accomplishing the competition's theme. "One can only imagine the endless possibilities technology and communications has to offer young people, in regard to equipping them for a sustainable future." All submissions must be approved by the local Parish Priest (for youth groups) and Principals/Deans (for schools & institutions). Prizes will be announced at a later date. Entries close on August 15th, 2024. For more information follow www.caritas.org.pg/youth.

Athletes, sports officials, and invited guests were fortunate to witness the 32nd SP Sports Awards Presentation, under the theme ‘Discipline Starts with You’ at the Crown Hotel on Saturday night. Sponsored by SP Brewery, the SP Sports Awards recognizes the achievements of PNG athletes, officials, sports media, and sports community initiatives in various categories. Each of the 11 categories had its top three (3) finalists who were selected through open nominations. Winners in each category are as follows: People’s Choice Award – Kimbe Pirates (Rugby 7s) Male Athlete of the Year – Daniel Baul (Athletics) Female Athlete of the Year – Dika Toua (Weightlifting) Carbine Club Team of the Year – PNG Barramundis (Cricket) Brands Pacific National Performance of the Year – Kimbe Pirates (Rugby 7s) CPL Para-Athlete of the Year – Samantha Maiasa (Athletics) Community Sports initiative of the Year – National Kickboxing Federation (Kickboxing) Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Sugar-Ray Hakena (Tennis) Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebischi (Squash) Trukai Industries Sports Official of the Year – Mark Keto (Boxing) Trukai Industries Limited Sports Media Award – NBC Sports Desk Sports Photo of the Year – ‘Golden Girl’ by Patricia Keamo Former Australian Olympic Swimmer and Guest Speaker Liesel Jones referring back to the awards theme spoke on her experiences on discipline being a much-needed quality for athletes. She stated that oftentimes individuals mistakenly believe that motivation is the key to success. “Motivation is something that is fleeting.” “Most of the time, you’re not motivated to do anything and that’s when discipline comes in.” “It’s showing up for training and getting the work done even when you don’t feel like it.”

The National Department of Education (NDoE) were in a state of indignation as word reached the department of PNG textbooks being sold illegally in a shop. First Assistant Secretary for Curriculum, Steven Tandale led the foray into Byron Supermarket on Wednesday 29th, May with Police Station Commander for Gordons, Inspector Gabriel Kini, Principal Legal Officer for the department, Dominic Maelin and other members of the NDoE. Several Primary level textbooks and few secondary level textbooks, written, designed, and printed by the NDoE were seized from the shop’s shelves as evidence against the shop owner and taken to Gordons Police Station. The textbooks taken were Arts Teacher Guides (Grades 4 & 5), English Teacher Guides (Grades 6 & 7), Mathematics Teacher Guides (Grade 8, English Textbooks (Grades 3, 4 & 5), Science Teacher Guides (Grades 7 & 8, National Science Textbooks (Grade 5), Social Science Outcomes Student Books (Grades 6, 7 & 8 and Home Economics Book 2 (Grades 9/10). It was also discovered that the NDoE’s ‘Free Issue; Not for Sale’ message printed on the front and back of the textbooks was blotted out from preventing buyers from knowing the initial status of the materials. Tandale spoke with deep concern about the situation stating that such practices were not only against the law, but it was unfair to the students who should be benefitting from the textbooks. “These materials are freely issued by the government of Papua New Guinea, through the Department of Education and printed with the help of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).” “They are not for sale but should be distributed to schools in the country for the students benefit – these textbooks are not meant to be sold on the streets or in the shops.” He added that electronic copies of the books were also available on the internet to make them accessible to everyone. Principal Legal Officer for the department, Dominic Maelin expressed the need to track down who exactly is responsible for the textbooks wounding up in shops. “We need to find out how these books not going according to their intended routes.” “We have identified one shop, but need to identify others who are responsible – whether they are teachers in schools or the officers in the education department.” Gordons Police Station Commander, Inspector Gabriel Kini supported both Tandale and Maelin stating that individuals and businesses who are involved in the illegal trading of educational materials must be held accountable for their actions. Approximately 920, 000 textbooks are printed and distributed annually – one copy per child.

A total of 80,015 grade 10 students from 489 high and secondary schools nationwide have been nominated to sit for this year’s Written Expression Examination on Thursday, June 6, 2024. All provinces and schools have received their exams, according to the nomination data received by the Measurement Services Division in Port Moresby. Dr. Uke Kombra, Secretary for Education, encouraged all students, teachers, and provinces to do their best and ensure that the exams are conducted fairly and to the best of their God-given abilities. "I call on all the citizens of Papua New Guinea to support and abide by the fair administration of the exam." The Secretary has also requested that all schools have their Registration Documents filed with the Department's School Registration Committee, as no school will be permitted to take the objective examinations without proper registration. Dr. Kombra has also warned all schools against any mal practices relating to the national examinations. ” The Department has a zero-tolerance on cheating or any mal-practices as evident in the de-registration of Goroka Syntax Secondary School in Goroka, Eastern Highlands after investigations by officials from the National Department of Education, Provincial Division of Education and the Police found irregularities by the school in the 2023 National Examinations.” Students and schools are being warned of serious consequences which include non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers and banning of the schools involving themselves for a minimum period of 3 years. “We have eliminated cheating in examinations; therefore, results are based on hard work and offer better education benchmarks.” “I wish all the grade 10 students ‘best of luck' in their first national examination for 2024 on Thursday, June 6.”

Officers for League bilong Laif, a sport for development program, are actively engaged at Gerehu Primary School aiming to promote education, health, respect, social inclusion, and gender equality through rugby league whilst collaborating closely with teachers. Mr. Saven Nawen, one of the dedicated teachers at Gerehu Primary School faces the daily challenge of managing student attitudes in his classroom of 49 students, consisting of 26 girls and 23 boys. "Gerehu Primary is big and managing student attitudes here presents a significant challenge." "But I strive to do my best, though at times it's an uphill battle." The LBL team inspires children to embrace school, develop positive behaviours, and foster mutual respect. Mr. Nawen credits the LBL program for the notable shifts in student behavior and attitudes, especially during their engaging sessions. “When the LBL team arrives, the students are visibly elated." “This program has greatly improved attendance in my class, tackling absenteeism head-on." Notably, Mr. Nawen emphasizes the noticeable improvement in the classroom atmosphere, with boys and girls learning to respect each other. "I've witnessed behavioral transformations in my students, and that brings me immense joy." Praising the program for its positive impact on his students' behaviour and academic engagement, Mr. Nawen expressed his appreciation. "I believe LBL has the potential to empower our students, paving the way for a brighter future." He envisions an expanded reach for the LBL program, extending its benefits to more schools and gaining parental support. "I believe LBL has the potential to empower our students, paving the way for a brighter future." League Bilong Laif is a collaborative effort involving the Australian government, NRL PNG, PNGRFL, and the National Department of Education. Currently operational in NCD, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, and Morobe Province, LBL is championing positive change through sport and education.

The Port Moresby edition of the Trukai Fun Run Auction, held on May 24th, proved to be a major draw for residents and the local business community, with 4,900 t-shirts sold and K122,500 raised. The auctions are a precursor fundraising event for the annual Trukai Fun Run, which aims to promote unity in diversity under the theme Our Steps, Their Dreams. All funds raised will be used to support Team PNG's participation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in July. The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and Trukai Industries Limited, key stakeholders in the Trukai Fun Run, would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Port Moresby business community for their ongoing support of Team PNG. The organizations are especially grateful for the generous support and attendance at the Trukai Fun Run Auctions by government entities, business owners, and residents in support of Team PNG and the local schools that benefit from the auction. Team PNG Chef de Mission to Paris 2024, Ryan Pini took a moment to recognize and thank the Trukai Fun Run major sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, and the top 3 bidders at the t-shirt auction – Sir Brian Bell Foundation at 1st, IBS University at 2nd, and International Training Institute Port Moresby at 3rd – for their invaluable support. “I would like to extend my warmest gratitude towards the major sponsor Trukai Industries Limited for their unwavering support.” “Your contributions will play a pivotal role in this year’s Olympic Games; we are grateful for your commitment towards Team PNG.” “Your generosity is truly inspiring and gives us the motivation to continue our efforts to provide the best possible launch pad for our Team PNG athletes.” Trukai Industries Chief Executive Officer Alan Preston acknowledged the organizations that participated in the auctions and expressed gratitude to the business community for its commitment and support of Team PNG. He expressed his appreciation and optimism for the annual Trukai Fun Run. "We are looking forward to working closely with the PNG Olympic Committee to make the Trukai Fun Run another memorable event." "This year the Trukai Fun Run event will be held on June 23rd, and we anticipate it will be bigger, better and safe for all to attend."

Like their counterparts, the Grade 10 students of Malabunga Secondary, one of the largest day and boarding schools in Kokopo, East New Britain are also preparing for their upcoming Written Expression Exams on June 6th. A total of 428 Grade 10s will be sitting for their Written Expression Exams in 2024 compared to 2023 which was 334 Grade 10s. Principal of Malabunga Secondary School Mr. Bruno Kulai confirmed these figures as he stated that a lot of primary school students in East New Britain are passing their exams to get into secondary school. “The population of Grade 10s we have now is enough for six classrooms, whereas last year we only had five classrooms – that’s roughly 60 students per class.” Students have already sat for their mock exams, which were the 2022 and 2023 papers. Mr. Kulai also mentioned that he was looking forward to his students’ performance in the upcoming exams next month and commended the province’s past results. “In East New Britain our students perform outstandingly in Written Expression.” “Both the Grade 10s and 12s do exceedingly well; hence we’re anticipating another good year.” Mr. Kulai also mentioned that schools in the province were considering a close up by next week if their Government Tuition Fee Subsidies (GTFS) did not reach the schools. “Most of the schools in the province received their GTFS on Friday 24th May, but the funds arrived during week six, when it should have arrived by week one or week two.” Presently, Malabunga Secondary School is responsible for educating a total of 1438 young minds.

Members of the Baha’i community in Port Moresby, visitors throughout the four regions in PNG, other parts of the Pacific including distinguished guests were fortunate to witness the inauguration and dedication of their newly constructed House of Worship at Tokarara on Saturday 25th, 2024. The structure, inspired by the traditional craft of weaving, was initiated in 2019 and finally completed in 2024. Chairperson of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i’s of PNG, Tony Lakame remarked that the House of Worship stood as a crowning achievement of the Baha’i’s countless acts of service. “Each steel represents a story of love, sacrifice and perseverance – we are inspired by those who have applied the teachings of their faith towards the betterment of the world.” NCD Governor Powes Parkop who was present at this auspicious event commended the Baha’i community. “The establishment of the national Baha’i House of Worship in Port Moresby is a testament to the unity and collective spirit of the Baha’i community.” “It is a beacon of light, inviting all to come together in prayer, in reflection and in harmony.” This year is also the Platinum Jubilee, the 70th Anniversary, of the Baha’i Faith in PNG marking the establishment of the faith in 1954 before the country achieved its independence. The House of Worship was officially opened to the public on Monday 27th May 2024. Currently, there are around 60, 000 Baha’is located in more than 250 localities across PNG, spanning through to the New Guinea Islands, Highlands, Momase and parts of Southern. The Baha’i Faith is an independent world religion and is not a sect of Islam as many mistakenly believe. Baha’i’s believe in the same God as Christians do.