Katrina ANGELI

Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang province is now preparing for the 2025 Academic Year with registrations to begin on the 3rd-7th of February 2025. President of DWU, Professor Father Philip Gibbs stated that registrations will be carried out for a week whereas for anyone who wishes to register after the scheduled registration dates will be considered a late registration. “There are two sets of payment that students will have to pay to study, and that is the Tuition fees as well as the Board & Lodging fee (for residential students only).” The On-Registration fee which comes under tuition fees, must be paid by all students by the 31st of January 2025 in order to register. Fr Gibbs said that the On-Registration fee is 70% of the full fee cost which is what the students must pay before the deadline. In addition, Fr Gibbs made mention that the non-school leaver list is not yet available at this time, however, it should be posted early next week. Once it is out, the list will be posted on the university’s website. Meanwhile, in terms of TESAS funds, Fr Gibbs confirmed that for last year, the university had received the second semester funds in November and December 2024 which was a total of one million eight hundred and thirteen thousand kina (K1, 813, 000). He added that as for this year, the university will be able to allocate the funds for this year’s first semester once they get the names list from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). “Currently, we do not know when we will receive TESAS funds for this year.” To know more information regarding the 2025 Fee Schedule, students can access the DWU website.

Prime Minister James Marape and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop met this week to initiate discussions on the planning for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and related activities. The meeting is preliminary to a full stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Monday, 6th of January 2025 when PM Marape, Governor Parkop and Minister in charge of National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, meet with representatives from all agencies involved in planning and executing the activities for this milestone event. The Prime Minister stated that he is in discussion with Governor Parkop to have the National Government and the municipal government on the same page in respect to the planning of activities for the 50th anniversary “We also discussed the PNG team to the NRL which we will launch very soon, and we will also draw up an entire program for the year.” He said that planning will comprise major events lining the year and leading into 16th September 2025, which will terminate at the end of the year in December. February will see the launch of the PNG NRL team, which PM Marape said would coincide with major school and youth programs for students and the youth. “We are expecting up to thirty world leaders from all parts of the world to join us. All Pacific leaders have given the indication to join us on 16 September as well.” “August is designated for the churches to hold a big program on revival, reconciliation among our people. On 30th August 2025, is a reconciliation event with those who lost loved ones on Bougainville as a result of Bougainville crisis. This will also involve the police and defence force and will be held in Bougainville.” Furthermore, PM Marape intends to have the PNG Games in Southern Highlands with NCD who has agreed to be on standby as host. “We are, however, fully committed to making Southern Highlands game-ready by September with the games ending by early September so that the athletes can return in time to participate in the 16 September celebrations.” Moreover, he said that the Education Department would also be brought into the planning to align the school calendar with the activities for the year. “It will be a busy year for all of us right through. I ask our people to keep a look out for the announcement and activities coming through.” A full announcement will be made after the stakeholders' meeting next week.

For the month of December 2024, a total of 1,118 deliveries were recorded at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Labour Ward. This is as per a media statement from PMGH today. In welcoming the New Year, PMGH Labour Ward delivered a total of 38 babies on New Year’s Eve with a baby boy recorded to have been clocked in the heaviest weighing 4.5kg. As of midday today, New Year babies stood at fourteen babies delivered with more expected to be delivered by the end of the first day of the year, 2025. All births were recorded to be live births and of the fourteen babies, the baby with the heaviest weight was 4.6kg. The total number of babies delivered on New Year's Day will be provided tomorrow.

With the opening round of Pre-Season Challenge matches a little over a month away, NRL.com takes a look at the injury news for all 17 clubs. The Cowboys suffered a cruel double blow just before Christmas with back-rower Heilum Luki and outside back Tom Chester both suffering ACL injuries at training. The Cowboys confirmed that star back-rower Luki would have surgery in January and miss the entire 2025 season. Townsville local Chester has endured a terrible run of injuries in recent years, with an ACL injury also cutting short his season in 2023. Since making his debut in 2022, the outside back has featured in 12 games for North Queensland. Champion forward Jason Taumalolo had surgery in early December to repair a Lisfranc injury suffered playing for Tonga in the Pacific Championships, with a return to play timeline to be determined in January upon his return to training. Storm superstar Cameron Munster believes he will be fit for the Round 1 clash with Parramatta on March 9 at AAMI Park as he continues his recovery from hip surgery. Munster had surgery on both his hips following Melbourne's NRL grand final loss to Penrith and missed Australia's victorious Pacific Championships campaign. The Origin five-eighth is undergoing rehabilitation to strengthen his glutes, groins and hips and won't start running until February. “I’m pretty frustrated. I’ve been inside for a while and I want to be able to get back out there and run, but I’m optimistic," Munster said in early December. "I won’t be able to run until February. I’m doing everything I can to fast track it but [the fitness staff] are not going to push as hard as I want to go.” “I will be ready to go by round one - which is me pencilling myself in. "I’ll be hopefully running and doing full contact by February, hopefully even get a trial game in but we’ll see where we are at.” At the Panthers, champion No.7 Nathan Cleary is racing the clock to be fit for the trip to Las Vegas in Round 1 after off-season shoulder surgery. Cleary sustained the injury in the closing stages of Penrith's Round 24 clash against Melbourne and missed three matches before returning for the opening week of the finals against the Roosters. Hamstring and shoulder injuries restricted Cleary to just 13 games in 2024 but he defied the pain to lead his club to a historic fourth straight premiership. Cleary's teammate Paul Alamoti suffered a suspected dislocated elbow during Tonga's loss to the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final in November. Clive Churchill Medal winner Liam Martin was ruled out of Australia's Pacific Championships campaign after succumbing to injuries picked up throughout the NRL season. Martin played through the Panthers' grand final win with shoulder and rib problems revealing after the game he had painkillers every week from Round 4 to cope with the pain from a debilitating shoulder injury. Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray underwent surgery in November for a wrist injury sustained while in camp with the Kangaroos. Murray suffered the injury during training in the lead-up to Australia's 22-10 defeat of New Zealand in Christchurch, ruling him out of the final against Tonga. South Sydney officials said the operation had been a success. The Test and Origin forward's wrist was immobilised in a cast for a six-week period, after which a rehabilitation program has been implemented. Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes (neck) and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) both missed the Kiwis' Pacific Championships campaign but should be good to go come Round 1. Marshall-King's Dolphins teammate Connelly Lemuelu had a shoulder reconstruction and was looking at a five-month rehabilitation period, which would have him back for the pre-season trials. New Zealand did not select Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Moses Leota (shoulder), Briton Nikora (ankle), Kayal Iro (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (neck). Brown suffered a partial ACL tear in Parramatta's final game of 2024 and is being integrated back into full training. He was expected to return to unrestricted training post-Christmas. His Eels teammate J'maine Hopgood isn't expected to resume training until February after undergoing a knee operation. Hopgood, who missed the second half of 2024 with a back injury sustained in Origin I, underwent an arthroscopy to resolve the knee issue that has been hampering him. At the Dragons, star recruit Val Holmes is progressing well and has transitioned into team training after suffering a broken fibula in the Cowboys' semi-final loss to the Sharks. He will be available for the club's first trial. Fullback Tyrell Sloan has suffered a stress injury in his right foot after developing pain whilst training. He is expected to commence rehab running after Christmas and will be available for the club's first trial match. To view the complete NRL Casualty Ward, please visit the hub page.

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) service today presented certificates to a total of 109 participants who successful took part in the Community First Aid Training organized and hosted by NStJA. The training took place from the 11th to the 17th of December 2024 with a total of seven sessions each that the participants took part in. This is the first of its kind training that NStJA had initiated purposely for both taxi and PMV bus drivers, however, members of the community also showed interest in taking part in training. Manager for Communities Programs of NStJA, Zoe Saulep, said that there was a good turnout of participants who joined to be part of the training, especially from the community members. “Though the training was purposely for both taxi and PMV bus drivers, we didn’t really receive a lot of responses from them, so we decided to include some of the community members as well as some members of the security personnel; that being the police force included.” “As the first of its kind, there is no other organizations that have done something like this and so it was a really good opportunity for the members of the community to be part of it to learn some new skills especially to help people who are in need and when there is an emergency.” In terms of emergency cases such as motor vehicle accidents, or whether a woman is in labor, this training will help equip them with the basic knowledge they need to save another life. "It was a good learning experience for them and also really fun where they were able to interact more, and I hope that we can expand this program to other areas in the years to come.” In addition, with the hope to extend more to other provinces in the future, funding is also important for them to carry out training programs such as this. Meanwhile, Saulep thanked the support of Sir Brian Bell Foundation in making this initiative possible. Apart from this, Saulep mentioned that NStJA have a number of programs that they are also carrying out such as the first aid in school program which has been running since 2018. This has seen a total of more than 10, 000 students across seven provinces in the country that have taken part in this school program. “With more additional support, we’re able to extend the program to other rural parts of Papua New Guinea where first aid is needed because first aid saves life.”

This December 2024 marks the midway point between the 2022 and the 2027 National General Election and Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is sounding the alarm over the lack of any real action to address the failings of the 2022 National General Election and the many problems experienced in past elections. TIPNG has observed the election process over two decades and the verdict is the management and conduct of the elections is severely flawed and has witnessed significant failures in all stages of the election process from preparation, conduct, delivery, and declaration. Key issues identified by TIPNG in 2022 included glaring inaccuracies and anomalies in the electoral roll, a lack of enforcement against election offenses, non-adherence with constitutional requirements, constant disruptions during ballot counting, chaos during the declaration of certain seats, widespread election-related violence and the proliferation of guns. The National Parliament had established the Special Parliamentary Committee on the 2022 General Elections (SPCGE) to investigate and report its findings to improve the conduct of elections. The Committee’s report, which was presented by Chairman Governor, Allan Bird to Parliament in December 2023, outlined seventy (70) recommendations which still need to be debated and adopted in Parliament by all sitting Members of Parliament. TIPNG Board Chair, Peter Aitsi, stated that there is a five-year electoral planning cycle, and it must be adequately supported year on year. He also said that the issues of 2022 cannot be resolved with last minute fixes. “We are now two years away from 2027 and what are we doing to protect and rebuild this crucial democratic pillar?” “What is the Electoral Commissioner and the Government going to do? The numerous problems we faced in 2022 elections and past elections should be a wake-up call for our nation’s leaders and administrators, we need genuine and serious action now.” As an indication of the apparent lack of priority, the recently approved 2025 National Budget which is two years before the 2027 National General Election, shows that the PNGEC's allocated funding is only K15.6 million. This underscores TI’s concern as the Electoral Commission is still not being allocated the essential resources it needs in non-election years to adequately prepare for the upcoming election. According to TIPNG, this lack of funding will undermine the Electoral Commission’s preparations and presents a serious threat to the integrity and effectiveness of the 2027 elections. In addition to this, TIPNG has now called on all Members of Parliament to prioritize the immediate adoption of the recommendations in the Special Parliamentary Report on the 2022 National General Elections and to ensure the allocation of appropriate levels of funding as per the electoral cycle to enable required preparations and any reforms to be carried out in time.

ANZ Bank has urged all customers to be aware of scams, as cyber criminals find ways to take advantage of the festive season. ANZ Country Head, Papua New Guinea, Lachlan Halstead stated that the Banks work around the clock to help protect customers from fraud, but scammers don't take a break over Christmas, so PNG communities should remain vigilant. “Scammers will target and prey on people's generosity and vulnerabilities during the festive season.” “They may use a range of tactics to trick people into providing their personal or banking details including digital e-cards from someone you don't know, phishing emails promising Christmas sales, fake travel and holiday deals across social media and online donations to fake charities.” He also stressed that it is important that those living and working in Papua New Guinea know how to identify and protect themselves from scams and be cautious when sharing any personal details online. “Take the steps to protect yourself and your loved ones to enjoy a cyber safe Christmas.” Simple tips to stay scam safe: Protect your personal information: Use strong passwords and never share your PIN or passwords with anyone. Enable two-factor authentication on any online accounts and update your social media privacy settings. Be wary of enticing offers: If something is too good to be true, it probably is. You should be cautious of deals that place a time pressure on you to purchase or urging you to buy now. Be cautious of new online stores: Watch out for new online stores with extremely low prices. Don't rush your decision and check the legitimacy of the website through online reviews. Check the website's registration date using the ICANN Lookup search; if it was recently registered, it might be a scam. Don't click on unexpected or unusual links: Never click on links sent via text, email or pop-up messages on social media, they might lead you to a phishing website. Scam sites often have very similar URLs to official sites - check for dashes, symbols or typos in the URL. Inspect items in person: Whenever possible, physically check items before purchasing. Seeing an item in person significantly reduces the risk of falling for a scam.

Rabaul District in East New Britain (ENB) province, recently launched an SME website and an Economic Empowerment Program which is an initiative aimed at supporting local SMEs in the district to market and reach their target customers. Member for Rabaul, Dr. Allan Marat launched the website recently at the District Headquarters, Kurakakaul during the opening of the District Education Resource Centre. The Empowerment program aims to support small businesses in the four Local Level Governments (LLGs) in the district itself by supporting them financially with a portion of fund upon presentation of certain requirements such as IPA registration, legitimate ID Card, verification letter from ward member and other important documents. When commending the district administration and its commerce sector, Dr. Allan Marat said that the SME website launching is a significant milestone for the district as it could be the first in the province. “There is an increase in economic pressures in our society, unlimited wants are more than the already scares resources, and such initiatives will contribute to addressing these economic issues.” Meantime, whilst giving a brief on the district SME website and economic empowerment program, District Commerce Officer, Ian Andy highlighted that the website would assist local SMEs to market their products to a wider audience. He further said that the website will also make it convenient for customers to enquire directly with small local businesses which enhances their SMEs image and gives them the competitive advantage. He also made mention that it is cost-effective and that there is flexibility where details and prices or fees of certain products and services can be updated. “We have just completed updating data on the active local SMEs in the four LLGs of Rabaul District and as soon as all information is confirmed, we will upload, and the website can be accessed by next week.” He added that any small business in the district who wish to advertise on this website can visit the District Commerce Office for assistance.

The Rabaul District Administration officially commissioned and opened the ‘Trinity Centre of Excellence’; a District Education Resource Centre aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students. Approved in 2022 by the District Procurement Committee, the project was awarded to contractor Bela Investment Limited under the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) Funds and was successfully completed this year. This significant occasion recently took place at the Rabaul District Administration’s Headquarter, Kurakakaul, along the North Coast Rd, which was officiated by member for Rabaul, Dr. Allan Marat, along with his Board members from the District Development Authority (DDA) and the Provincial Education Division. This state-of-the-art building will now open doors for students to pursue further studies and serve as a vital resource and education pathway for students in the district. During the briefing at the Trinity Centre for Excellence building, Acting Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki, said that the building will cater for Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), Benchmarking, Open Campus upgrading, Early Childhood Learning and e-Library. The building will also be open to private institutions who are interested in renting out spaces to conduct their training. Lemeki further stated that the opening of the resource center is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible education for children who contribute to institutional strengthening. Meantime, Dr. Allan Marat also stated that the Trinity Centre for Excellence is a significant achievement for the district. He further emphasized the importance of transforming teaching and learning to achieve quality education. “Youths are our human capital. We need to teach them to have a clear mindset. Teach them the art of analysis so they can be able to analyze a series of issues and address them accordingly.” He added that he is willing to give some lectures to students next year once the education resource center goes into full operation.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and IBS University (IBSU) have strengthened their shared commitment to community development through an initiative that bridges education and sports. Last week saw the two organizations celebrate this collaboration by announcing the winners of the 2024 IBSU Scholarships, drawn from indemnity forms submitted by participants of the Trukai Fun Run which was held in July. A total of five individuals were awarded scholarships including Rickilah Wura, Everlyn Gumabugo, Veivei John, Essie Vartom from Port Moresby and Delailah Dilyndiwi from Lae. These scholarships will fund six-month programs at IBSU, offering certificate-level courses in accounting, business, information technology, and human resource management. PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu commended IBSU’s ongoing support, stating that IBSU has been an outstanding partner in their efforts to prepare athletes for life after sports through their athlete excellence program which provides scholarships to Team PNG athletes. “We would also like to acknowledge their ongoing support and commitments to help fundraise for Team PNG, particularly through the Trukai Fun Run.” “These scholarships are a demonstration to their commitment to education and development through sports in Papua New Guinea which is accessible to the general participating public at the annual Trukai Fun Run event.” Similarly, IBSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the university’s dedication to nation-building. “IBSU is committed to empowering Papua New Guineans through education and sports. We are proud to provide these five scholarships to Trukai Fun Run participants, alongside the 20 scholarships we offer annually to Team PNG athletes.” In addition to the scholarships, PNGOC's long-time partner, Theodist Business Superstore, and the Trukai Fun Run’s main sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, sponsored lucky door prizes to five participants including Dorothy N'Dromoi, Ivan Kora, Mali Kanaba, and Benny Mitaroa from Port Moresby, and Miriam Geyatulu from Lae. The Trukai Fun Run remains a pivotal event in promoting support for Team PNG, national health and movement, advancing educational and athletic pursuits, and inspiring the engagement and development of youth throughout Papua New Guinea. PNGOC remains committed in its dedication to cultivating partnerships, such as the collaboration with IBSU, to forge opportunities that empower the future leaders and athletes of our nation.

As the 2024 academic years officially ended as of last week and the festive season kicking in, Minster of Education, Lucas Dekena, highlighted some of the achievements that were made during this year in the education sector as well as the commitment, vision and challenges that were faced throughout the year. Minister Dekena extended his warmest wishes to the students, teachers, parents, education administrators and all stakeholders in the education sector and especially the general education sub-sector. In terms of the vision and commitment, the education sector has been guided by the ‘National Education Plan 2020-2029.’ “Our vision espoused in the NEP is clear: an education system that is affordable for parents and Government, that appreciates Christian and traditional values, and that prepares literate, skilled, and healthy citizens, each educated and trained to their fullest potential, to contribute to the economic and social development of the nation.” “This vision remains at the heart of every policy and initiative we have pursued this year as it has been in the past.” In being so, Minister Dekena, highlighted some of the key government policy achievements made including; Government’s Free Tuition and Project Fees Policy This year, the government has provided K638.9 million in tuition fees for Terms one to four. In addition, the government has covered project fees, totaling K160 million. This has significantly eased the financial burden on families, allowing more children to attend school. This reflects the commitment to ‘leave no child behind’ and building a brighter future for Papua New Guinea. The education sector has achieved an enrolment of 2.4 million this year and graduated 120, 000 grade eight, 77,000 grade tens and 32,000 grade twelves.        2. Transformation of Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) The transformation of FODE has been another milestone this year, with student enrolment growing from 33,000 in 2020 to 82,000 today. This sector provides a second chance for many young Papua New Guineans to complete their education and achieve their aspirations. The trust and interest in FODE are remarkable with exceptional support from many leaders including the Prime Minister. In a landmark decision, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) has included FODE students in the online selection system for tertiary education starting in 2024. This integration ensures that FODE students have equal opportunities to pursue higher education, marking another step toward inclusivity in the education system. 3. National Schools of Excellence (NSOE) and STEM Curriculum The establishment of National Schools of Excellence and the introduction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050. This initiative aims to produce top-tier human capital to drive research, innovation, and economic growth into the future. There is enough evidence to support our top-notch students to be selected for top universities abroad. This year, 165 STEM students were selected to study in the United States, India, Fiji, and China, following the success of the inaugural cohort of 43 in 2023. These young leaders are the embodiment of our aspirations for a smarter, more innovative Papua New Guinea. 4. Early Childhood Education (ECE) ECE has gained momentum as the education system has transitioned to the 1-6-6 structure. A PNG model for ECE is being developed, focusing on integrating four to five-year-olds into pre-formal education. Districts and churches continue to play pivotal roles in this space, with the establishment of an ECE unit to streamline efforts. In 2024, formalized standards in curriculum have been made including one subject called God, Bible and Me, teacher standards and operating standards. Minister Dekena stated that they will start ten ECE centers as model centers in 2025 and increase in the years ahead. 5. Access and the 1-6-6 Structure No child should be left behind. The shift to a 1-6-6 structure is underway, ensuring thirteen years of universal education starting from prep through to grade twelve. This reform includes the introduction of ECE (Kindergarten 1 and 2), who transit to Primary Schools that offer Preparatory, and Grade one to six. He also stated that they are also moving Grade seven and eight into secondary school environments. The challenges of infrastructure and teacher recruitment remain, but collaboration between national, provincial, and local governments has enabled the creation of Junior High Schools and the transformation of Elementary classes into primary school settings. He stated that everyone must collaborate to have all children enter school and remain until Grade twelve. He encouraged everyone to work towards giving every child up to grade twelve education: with only one entry and one exit. 6. Phasing Out Grade 8 and 10 Selections (National Exams) Every child has a right to education and to do away with the concept of using examinations as a tool to select students to continue their education and deny others and give them labels like “drop out” and “unfit”, “low IQ” and so on. Naturally, there are also slow learners who then progress very fast at a later age too. Therefore, the education system must be inclusive and not discriminatory. To correct the misconception and confusion, Minister Dekena said that they will change the headline to phasing out of Grade eight and ten selections. As part of the strategy, examinations would be used for assessment of learning at appropriate grade levels. In line with their commitment to inclusivity and giving every citizen the right to a full general education, Minister Dekena stated that they plan to phase out Grade eight selections for Grade nine starting in 2025. While some provinces face infrastructure challenges, he encouraged readiness at all levels to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy. He also urged provinces and districts to use the 20% education component of PSIP and DSIP to support this policy. In addition, he assured that the examinations and assessment of learning at the classroom level, school level, national level, regional level and international level will always remain as part of the education process. The Department is only doing away with using examinations to terminate young children’s education in Grade eight starting next year and this will be followed with grade ten examinations in a few years’ time. 7. Teachers Professional Development Teachers remain the backbone of the education system. Upgrading programs and quality assurance measures have ensured that educators are equipped to meet the demands of the restructured system. Additionally, teachers received a 3% pay rise, and those on upgraded levels are now being paid accordingly. These efforts demonstrate our appreciation for the invaluable role that teachers play in nation-building. Upgrading the qualifications of 17, 000 elementary teachers to diploma level will now start, so they can teach at a primary school. The education sector has launched the training this year and training will commence in 2025. Meanwhile, whilst looking ahead to 2025, Minister Dekena made mention that the coming year promises to be transformative and as they prepare for the new year and now eagerly anticipate hosting the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers where they will welcome all regional partners to Port Moresby to discuss shared education priorities. “This momentous occasion will further cement Papua New Guinea’s leadership role in Pacific education development. The conference is schedule to take place from March 18th-20th.” “We have completed four regional consultations on PNG Education Transformation Vision (ETV) 2075.” The PNGETV 2075 is a holistic 50-year education strategic roadmap that will spread over five decades of continuous planning, management, implementation, and evaluation through short-term plans such as the MTDP IV, NEP, Annual Plans and agency plans, provincial plans, district plans, LLG plans, ward plans and SLIP. The department is planning to have this policy launched as part of the fifty-year Independence celebration of PNG. In addition, he made mention that they will also pilot the Accelerated Christian Education System in selected NCD primary schools. The ACE curriculum develops a system that integrates academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and it’s highly suitable for the education system. There are currently 180 private schools in PNG offering the ACE system. “In the NCD pilot, we will study the system and look at its adoption or adaption if we see children build their lives on biblical principles, learn to read after twenty weeks, attain academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and learn well with confidence and do well in their personal and educational growth.” “Our work continues to be guided by our commitment to equity, quality, and access, ensuring every child in the country receives an education that empowers them to thrive.” Furthermore, he reiterated the achievements and the unity that has driven success. He expressed that teachers are the pillars of this nation, shaping the minds of future leaders. “As for parents your support has been invaluable and for you students, you are the reason for our relentless pursuit for excellence.” “May this festive season bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to every home across Papua New Guinea. Let us work together in 2025 to ensure that no child is left behind and that every citizen is empowered to reach their full potential.” “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!”

The National St John Ambulance (SJA) Service is now offering FREE community first aid training for taxis and bus drivers in Port Moresby city. There are a total of seven sessions in which SJA service will be provided starting from the 11th to the 17th of December 2024 and for each session will have a total of thirty (30) to forty (40) that will be able to take part. This first aid training is divided into a number of guidelines aimed at ensuring that each taxi and bus driver is equipped with the much-needed information that they must acquire: DRIVERS AS COMMUNITY RESPONDERS Taxi and public bus drivers are critical to our road transport system and often Encounter accidents and medical emergencies. EMPOWERING DRIVERS WITH LIFESAVING SKILLS By equipping them with essential first aid skills, they can assist during the crucial Initial moments of an emergency, act as the ambulance service’s eyes and ears in the community, call for help, and provide first aid care until the ambulance arrives. This proactive approach can save lives and improve outcomes in emergencies. PROMOTING SAFER COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE This initiative contributes to safer communities and builds public confidence in the Transport sector. Beginning in the National Capital District and expanding nationwide Ensures maximum impact in fostering a culture of preparedness and care. COLLABORATION WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC AUTHORITY (RTA) We have consulted with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to ensure alignment with National transport priorities and community safety objectives before launching this Initiative. A NATIONAL MANDATE FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY We undertake this initiative as part of our mandate and responsibility through the National Department of Health to improve health outcomes and foster preparedness in communities across Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of National St John Ambulance, Mathew Cannon, stated that the taxi and bus drivers are on the frontlines of the road network and are often the first to encounter emergencies. “By equipping them with lifesaving first aid skills, we are not only empowering them to make a difference but also fostering safer, more resilient communities.” “This initiative reflects our commitment to serving the public and working in partnership with stakeholders like the RTA (Road Transport Authority) to improve health outcomes across the country.” The training will be held at the National St. John Ambulance Education College, Baruni. Registrations to join this training program will close tomorrow Tuesday 10th of December 2024.