Air Niugini has helped support Wallam, a remote primary school in Ambunti/Drekikir, district of East Sepik Province by airlifting donations by a group of individuals in Port Moresby on Friday 23rd Sept to help the school.
The donation included laptop, school stationary, backpacks, reading books, uniform, reusable sanitary pads, solar lamps,TV and sporting gear.
Air Niugini General Manager, Commercial Paul Abbot said as part of its community service obligation, the airline is happy to be able to help, transport these items which in turn will help improve learning for students in a remote school.
“I must admit, the positive gesture and hard work being carried by individuals here towards the school is commendable. For us it’s a good opportunity to support the work done here which may encourage other organisations to get in behind worthy causes like this.” Abbot said.
The group of four individuals in Port Moresby led by Ms Annell Ovia started the fundraising drive in April this year after reading in social media of the challenges Wallam Primary school was faced with in terms of lack of basic school materials and infrastructure.
Ms Ovia said “While most of the contribution was from our personal donations and sale of bilums which raised a total K13, 800, we also had business houses and individuals who supported the cause. From the money raised, we bought all these items including a 5000L tuffa tank for the school to ensure clean and safe drinking water for students and teachers.”
The group is also looking at buying textbooks for the different grades in the future. Wallam is among 300 primary schools in East Sepik and is one of the oldest in the province.