A teenage girl has been rescued 248 hours after last week's devastating earthquake in Turkey. 17-year-old Aleyna Olmez was pulled from the rubble in Kahramanmaraş, a southern city near the epicentre. Her uncle tearfully told rescuers "we will never forget you", as he hugged them one by one. Aleyna survived, injured and in freezing weather conditions, for 10 days. But rescues like hers are becoming increasingly rare. More than 41,000 people have died in Tukey and neighbouring Syria from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Neither country has revealed how many people are still missing. Aleyna was gently prised from the ruins of a flattened apartment block, Turkish broadcaster TRT Haber reported. "She looked to be in good health. She opened and closed her eyes," Ali Akdogan, a coal miner who took part in the rescue, told AFP news agency. "We have been working here in this building for a week now... we are happy whenever we find a living thing - even a cat," he added. But the celebrations did not last long. Shortly after the rescue, Turkish soldiers ordered people to leave the scene, because teams were finding corpses that would soon be carried out. In the same city, three women and two children were found alive on Wednesday. Meanwhile the United Nations (UN) launched a "flash appeal" on Thursday for $1bn in aid to help the victims in Turkey. The funding will help 5.2 million people over the next three months and allow aid organisations to "rapidly scale up" their support, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. And in Syria, the UN said that more than 100 trucks loaded with aid have crossed into the north-west of the country, since the Syrian government agreed to allow the UN to use two more border crossings. The aid included tents, blankets, heaters, food, medicines and cholera testing kits, the organisation said.     Source: BBC News

South Sydney's representative stars stole the show on Saturday afternoon in Mudgee, as the Rabbitohs won an entertaining Charity Shield game 42-24 over the Dragons. Blues representatives Damien Cook and Cameron Murray combined to do much of the damage through the opening 40 minutes, setting up three of their side's four first-half tries, while Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Jai Arrow all scored to give the Rabbitohs a 26-0 lead at the break. Up 32-0 early in the second half, the Rabbitohs looked on track to run up the biggest winning margin in Charity Shield history, before a much-improved effort from the Dragons saw them outscore South Sydney 24-16 in the second half. It didn't take long for St George Illawarra's weaknesses to be exposed in the 36-degree heat at Glen Willow Oval, and along with their leaky defence a major concern will be the confidence of young fullback Tyrell Sloan, who in between some good moments on attack made four errors at the back. Despite the end scoreline, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou, who rested most of his big names for the final 15 minutes, will likely look back with some concern at a sloppy second half which saw his team make six errors and give up four tries. The win sees the Rabbitohs reassume the overall lead in the Charity Shield standings, with 18 wins to the Dragons' 17, and five draws between the two sides.     Source: NRL.com

Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, in an official press conference, announced the return of the Visa Processing Centre for Papua New Guinea from Fiji to Port Moresby and aims to approve 75% of incoming visa applications within two weeks, in what is described as another major milestone in Australia-PNG relations. In addition to this achievement, both the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments have stamped their commitment in finalizing the Bilateral Security Treaty by April 2023. Senator Penny Wong emphasized the close relationship between both countries and the need to work more collaboratively with each other to strengthen regional cooperation and stability. “We’re neighbours, we’re friends, we’re partners, in our relationship we’re equals.” “Firstly in relation to the security treaty, when the two Prime Ministers met, they charged Minister Tkatchenko and I with finalizing that bilateral security treaty and we’re pleased that we’ve exchanged draft texts, we’re in the process of working through that and we will be doing a lot more work in the coming weeks and we are pleased to see this progress, to see this is as a natural progression of our security partnership.” “The second thing I want to indicate is that last night and today we had a very frank and open discussion on visa related issues and ministers recognized that the quality of timely visas were an important underpinning of our bilateral ties so we have agreed to open in country visa processing to Papua New Guinea, I know this is something that the prime ministers discussed, and in particular, it’s something that Deputy Prime Minister Rosso is keen to progress with his counterpart Richard Marles.” “We are also establishing a joint high-level ministerial working group (between Australia and PNG) to oversee these changes and continue work with visa related issues,” Senator Wong said. Minister Tkatchenko said, “The return of the visa processing centre will allow our Papua New Guineans to have direct access to apply for visas going to Australia and we greatly appreciate the approval of that today and with that we will work together with foreign affairs and immigration in ensuring that Australians coming into Papua New Guinea can come in a shorter period of time.” “This ministerial forum has been very very productive, we’ve also had our colleague ministers have their bilateral meetings (with their Australian counterparts) to sort out other long outstanding issues as well.” “The bilateral security treaty is a work in progress, remember this not just about policing and defence, it’s also about many other security issues like climate change, bio security, gender equality and many others, we will work together to achieve the deadline for the benefit of Australia and the benefit of Papua New Guinea,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Fuel and lubricant distributor, Puma Energy, has been forced to restrict the supply of its products due to the continuous unresolved foreign currency constraints.  The company in a statement said the restriction has impacted Puma’s ability to source crude oil or finished products, resulting in the company having to resort to the option of restricting supply like for fuel products. This means that the fuel supply and other products supplied by Puma at service stations will be restricted.   However, the company stated that it will continue to support all emergency requirements during this period.   Puma Energy will continue to work with all relevant regulatory authorities to address this dire situation as quickly as possible, so that full supply can be restored as soon as possible.   The company management went on to apologies to its customers for the inconvenience caused and urged them to be patient as they move to resolve this issue at hand. 

Volunteers in the Hawke's Bay town of Waipawa say they're blown away by the community recovery effort following Cyclone Gabrielle. The Waipawa Municipal Theatre is an official evacuation centre, but volunteer Sara Corbett says it has become the place to go for people seeking help - including many who had been left with nothing. She says the centre was also acting as a distribution hub for the huge amount of kai people had donated, as well as other items such as blankets and kitchen goods. "We've got all businesses working together really, heaps of people down at the local camp grounds and set up in the middle of the streets that are mostly affected, and they're just out just helping out at whoever's house doing whatever needs to be done, until it's done." She says there are many strong leaders within communities who have come to the fore. Meanwhile, people delivering essential supplies in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle are being threatened, as the death toll from the storm continues to rise. Speaking at today's official government update, Emergency Management acting director Roger Ball said he had received concerning reports of threatening behaviour towards delivering and restocking essential supplies. "Please, I do understand the stress that many of you will be going through, but it's absolutely essential that the people delivering supplies are able to do their job without anybody hassling them. Otherwise it's going to take far longer to get everything restocked." Meanwhile, police are investigating a death in the Hawke's Bay region in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. The body was found this morning and police believe the death was related to the cyclone. That brings the death toll from the storm to nine, including a child and two firefighters. Police deputy commissioner Glenn Dunbier said today police did not have any confirmation of further bodies of cyclone victims, despite rumours being rife in the community.   Source: Radio New Zealand

The Sea Eagles continued their impressive pre-season form and put one hand on the Pre-Season Challenge title after a stylish win over the Roosters. Last year's grand finalists Parramatta welcomed back Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson as they proved far too strong for the Knights in the early game. The main takeaways The Sea Eagles had nine offloads, one short of the 10 they needed for a third bonus point which would have wrapped up the Pre-Season Challenge title. The Bulldogs, Sharks, Warriors and St Helens are all on 14 and need the full 15 points to join Manly on top. In the event of two teams finishing equal on 29 points a countback procedure (see below) will be used to decide the winner, starting with points differential. The Sea Eagles' differential is + 14, the Warriors are +36, Bulldogs +16, Sharks +12 and St Helens +12. The Roosters went in without Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker and Joseph Manu and then lost Joseph Suaalii to a head knock. With Tom Trbojevic on track for Round 1 and Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick and Kaeo Weekes in outstanding form the Sea Eagles backline is in good shape. Source: NRL.com

Commissioner of Police David Manning has welcomed the outcomes of bilateral security discussions taking place in Canberra this week, that he said will improve the day-to-day safety and security for communities in Papua New Guinea. This includes support at the front-line of community policing operations through better training in modern policing methods, and the use of new technologies that can be deployed effectively in Papua New Guinea. Commissioner Manning said from a security perspective, particularly under the leadership of Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili in taking an assertive ‘PNG First’ stance, the relationship with Australia has evolved and the views of PNG being properly taken into account. Commissioner Manning said, “For too long PNG took whatever assistance was offered, and often this did not work with the logistical and geographical challenges we face in Papua New Guinea. “Now our security counterparts in Australia are listening to us and respect that we know what we need to improve security in our country, and this is a positive outcome of these discussions. “This is important that we advance the interests of PNG while at the same time contributing to sub-regional security, as such providing support to Australia and our other partners in the Pacific. “From this Bilateral Security Treaty PNG is seeking training to be provided for our police personnel to improve skills and to enhance transparency in police operations. Less lethal force “This includes training in the use of less-than-lethal force to deal with hostile situations. Using tasers, pepper spray and similar means are effective in stopping a violent offender as the next step before the use of firearms, but they can only be used by properly trained police. ICT “In the upgrade of the information and communications technology required to strengthen our police force, we are looking for support to improve the use of digital technology in investigations and prosecutions. “Our police stations must be better able to exchange information on suspects, criminal gangs and other people trying to operate outside the law. “We cannot rely on systems and processes that have not changed much since Independence, and this includes the digitisation of paper records and the creation of databases that can be accessed throughout the country. “It is important that the ICT support we receive can be used effectively throughout our provinces, and adapted to the challenges we face in remote and rural areas. Forensic capabilities “This bilateral agreement will also enable the RPNGC to take our forensic capabilities to the next level, so that we can more effectively process evidence that is presented in court.” At an administrative level, the Commissioner said Australia will assist in closing the skill-gap throughout the middle management structure of the police force around the country. AFP presence in provinces “The PNG-Australia Policing Partnership will be enhanced in the areas that have been identified by the RPNGC and that includes having AFP Advisors work with provincial police commands. “The majority of crimes occur outside Port Moresby and Lae, and this is where the policing partnership can be effective in improving standards and administration that is needed for improving law and order. Family Sexual Violence “As part of this support Papua New Guinea has sought technical support to assist in strengthening the RPNGC Family and Sexual Violence Unit. “Gender-based violence is a serious problem in both of our countries, particularly in Australia’s indigenous communities as well as in urban areas. The RPNGC can draw on the experiences of Australian State and Federal police in dealing with gender-based violence both at the root causes, and also in the administration for the prosecution of abusers.” Border security Commissioner Manning said in terms of border security, the Bilateral Security Treaty will strengthen the capacity of the RPNGC and other security agencies to intercept and stop the illegal movement of drugs and guns. “Border security is a major challenge with international criminals seeking to use PNG for transporting drugs into Australia, and for the smuggling of weapons from Australia into PNG. “We will see an increase in joint operations between police and security elements in both countries and the enhanced sharing of relevant information.” Overall, Commissioner Manning said the Bilateral Security Treaty is a positive advancement for the people of both countries, and for the RPNGC it is now a matter of working with security counterparts to finalise details for implementation. “I thank my Australian counterparts for the way they have engaged in discussions at a policing level. We must now work carefully in the delivery of these improved support arrangements to ensure they will work in the PNG law and order context. “Some of these joint initiatives can be implemented almost immediately, while others will take some time to ensure that they will be effective and make a real and tangible contribution to the enhanced security of both countries,” Commissioner Manning concluded.

Meeting with NCDC City Manager & Directors on Top 10 Priorities NCD Governor, The Powes Parkop, who had a recent medical emergency, is back to work yesterday. "I want to humbly take this time and opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted me in helping me to recover from these difficult times and moments in my life. I want to also thank all your good wishes, and I am touched by your thoughtful messages," said The Governor. "I am grateful to be alive. I thank God for giving me another chance to continue to serve the people of NCD equally to serve our nation. As I always said, in the city, let's rise as One People, One City, heading towards One Future." he continued. Following his return to work today, an urgent meeting was called to get updates from the City Manager, Directors of NCDC and Senior Managers. Besides receiving updates, Governor Powes Parkop reminded everyone that serving the city and its people should be our main focus. He outlined the Top 10 Priorities moving forward and discussed and recorded each item's deliverables and timeline as shared by the Directors in charge. To mark Governor's safe return and good health, City Manager, Mr Ravu Frank, shared a few words. And as a form of appreciation, a meaningful Lakatoi was presented for Governor's continuous sail-safe journey ahead for our city Port Moresby. After the meeting, the powerful Governor expressed pleasure and noted a lot of work to be carried out, "I am happy that we have a clearer roadmap for a Clean and Safer City for now – these will be our main focus priorities for the next few weeks, and we will tackle the rest once all the strategies are in place for implementation." added Governor Parkop.

Minister for Foreign Affair Justin Tkatchenko MP co-chaired the 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum with Foreign Affairs Counterpart Senator Penny Wong this morning in Canberra, Australia, which was the first forum hosted in-person meeting since 2019. Before co-conducting the forum, Minster Tkatchenko attended the PNG-Australia Business Council Breakfast at the Australian National Parliament House where he was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso MP and other ministers including High Commissioner to Australia Mr. John Kali. The breakfast was then followed by an official bilateral meeting between Minister Tkatchenko and Senator Wong before both leaders officially opened the dialogue for the ministerial forum that comprised of 16 Ministers from Papua New Guinea and 9 Ministers from the Australian Government. Representing the PNG team: 1. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Labour & Immigration Hon. John Rosso MP 2. Minster for Internal Security Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr. MP 3. Minister for Defence Hon. Win Daki MP 4. Minister for Education Hon. Jimmy Uguro MP 5. Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Lino Tom MP 6. Minister for International Trade & Investment Hon. Richard Maru MP 7. Minister for State Investments Hon. William Duma MP 8. Minister for Treasury Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey MP 9. Minister for Finance Hon. Rainbo Paita MP 10. Minister for Agriculture Hon. Aiye Tambua MP 11. Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources Hon. Jelta Wong MP 12. Minister for Civil Aviation Hon. Sekie Agisa MP 13. Minister for Environment & Conservation Hon. Simon Kilepa MP 14. Minister for Forestry Hon. Salio Waipo MP 15. Minister for Community Development, Youth & Religion Hon. Jason Peter 16. Vice Minister for International Trade Hon. Kessy Sawang Representing the Australian team: 1. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Hon. Richard Marles MP 2. Minister for Immigration Hon. Andrew Giles MP 3. Minister for Defence Industry Hon. Pat Conroy MP 4. Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Claire O’Neil MP 5. Minister for Industry & Energy Hon. Chris Bowen MP 6. Minister for Finance Hon. Katy Gallagher MP 7. Minister for Trade & Tourism Hon. Don Farrell MP 8. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Hon. Murray Watt MP High on the agenda of the forum was the Comprehensive Strategic & Economic Partnership, Security Cooperation which included Regional Security Outlook, the Bilateral Security Treaty, Policing, Defence, Border and Maritime Security and Climate Change. Also on the agenda was the Economic & Development Cooperation which included Macroeconomic Policy, Trade & Investment, Agriculture, Visa Access, Labour Mobility, Infrastructure, Health & Education, Gender and Sports. In his opening remarks Minister Tkatchenko stressed the importance of finalizing negotiations of The Bilateral Security Treaty between both countries. “Co-Chair, against the backdrop of our two new governments, in both our two countries from their electoral process, the Australian and Papua New Guinea Prime Ministers in their Annual Leaders Dialogue on the 12th of January 2023, have escalated the agenda on a secure society and resilience-based economies, entrusted the Foreign Ministers of the two countries to oversee negotiations on a bilateral security treaty, arising from Pillar 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).” “I am pleased to note that our senior officials met this week to discuss a zero draft of the proposed treaty.” “The discussions were held around potential objectives, scope and structure of the treaty drawing from the desires and intention of the two leaders in their dialogue.” “This treaty will be a progressive reflection of the maturity and diversification of the two countries relations in the dynamic bilateral and regional environment and being cognizant of their shared history, geographical proximity and close people to people links.” “As equal partners, the treaty will speak to a broadening of the meaning of security to cover cooperation in many new and emerging areas including assistance by both countries to enhance their sovereignty and resilience, contribute to regional peace and prosperity and take forward their commitment to a “Pacific Family First” approach to regional security.” “As partners with a long shared history in our increasing and diversifying relations, this new partnership is not directed at any third country.” “As desired by our two Prime Ministers, we Minsters asked senior officials to conclude the treaty negotiations by 30th April 2023,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Prime Minster James Marape and his Tari-Pori DDA has invested K1 Million to Women’s Micro Bank to support women, girls and their families in Tari-Pori. Women’s Micro Bank Limited branded as MAMA BANK has partnered with the Tari-Pori District Development Authority to establish a Mama Bank Agency in the district, enabling the local people to have easy access to financial services and credit facility to support the district’s economic plans in empowering entrepreneurship in TariPori District. This initiative was led by Madam Rachael Marape two years back in 2020. This has eventually inspired the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Member for Tari-Pori, Hon. James Marape to organized his DDA to allocate a K1 million and a new office building for Mama Bank to go and set up in Tari. The Mama Bank and Tari-Pori District Development Authority recognized that women in the Tari Pori District of Hela Province should have proper banking services to save and grow their hard-earned money through access to financial services and credit facility. They should have their own bank account with affordable and adequate access to credits to enable them progress their entrepreneurship and contribute towards their family’s welfare and district’s economic development. During the MOA signing ceremony held at Mama Bank’s Head Office on Thursday 16th February, 2023 in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape appealed to the women and people of Tari-Pori that he is committed to support them through established arrangements such as financial institution in their entrepreneurial ambitions and not cash handouts. “While I appreciate and truly thank my people of Tari-Pori for their undivided support in mandating me as their leader, I call on all the people of Tari-Pori who are living in Port Moresby and elsewhere and doing nothing to go back to Tari and work the land. Hard work and perseverance by making your hands dirty will take you to the next level.” Said Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minster James Marape further congratulated the other 10 Members of Parliament and their DDAs who have partnered with Mama Bank and called on all other Members of Parliament to allocate their K1 million from the DSIP envelop of K10 million into such program as that portion of amount is purposely for this sort of programs for economical empowerment for their respective districts.” “I am behind Mama Bank as its loan product can finance any simple mothers starting at K300.00 and that it is inspiring as it really captures the needs of simply and ordinary Papua New Guineans at the micro level who wanted to startup somewhere and grow.” Said Prime Minister James Marape. The Chairman of Mama Bank, Mr. Noel Norikgu thanked the Prime Minister and his DDA for having that confidence in Mama Bank to be a bank of choice to support the economic empowerment programs of TariPori district. “We felt obligated to provide the banking services that can economically empower all women, girls and their families. We've been placed in a space of greater responsibility as the women’s bank to be the major player for women and girls’ financial inclusion as captured under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy from BPNG. And today, that is a responsibility we share with your highest office and the Tari-Pori district for the advancement of the sovereign state of Papua New Guinea.” Said Chairman of Mama Bank Noel Norikgu. Mama Bank’s CEO Gunanidhi Das in acknowledging the Prime Minister stated that Mama Bank truly thank and appreciate Madam Rachael Marape. Madam Marape has been a great advocator and ambassador for Mama Bank in various forums and not only talking but has enabled the realization of Mama Bank’s establishment in Tari-Pori. “ Madam Marape, we thank you and really appreciate you for your advocacy for Mama Bank and we believe that that has set the tone for the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to extend his great work with Mama Bank from where he has already started under his government to stimulate local economy by working with banks and financial institutions.” Said CEO Das. CEO Das stated that the Tari-Pori DDA and Mama Bank are prepared to consider the provision of loan facilities to borrowers through direct and through different available suppliers. This includes farmers who are unable to provide security of a type or in an amount which banks would be requiring in the normal course of its operations. This facility of credit scheme provided by the Prime Minister James Marape Hon. James Marape and his DDA will enable us to go extra mile in serving the rural farmers in Tari-Pori. The CEO Gunanidhi Das further explained that the Mama Bank is trying to implement the real microfinance concept in the country. Mama Bank believes that real microfinance needs models that responds to the needs and concerns of the benefactors, and that Mama Bank has those models which includes hub and spoke, group mechanisms and through collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders. Real microfinance is to go out in the field in rural areas and serve the last miles and not to sit in the air condition and wait for the customers to come to the banks. CEO Das thanked the Prime Minster Hon. James Marape, Madam Rachel Marape and the Tari-Pori DDA for having that vision for micro people and commended the great effort shown. He thanked all the media fraternity for their support to ensuring this innovative microfinance model to reach all corners of the country.

“BSP Life PNG Limited will pay a total of K1.3m in 2023 as part of its first Survival Benefit payout to its 450 eligible Wantok Delite Policyholders,” said BSP Life PNG Country Manager Nilson Singh today at the BSP Waigani Head Office in Port Moresby. In making this milestone announcement, Mr. Singh said, “we have already commenced the Survival Benefit payment from this month, and we are expected to pay out in excess of K1.3m to 450 individuals from February through to December 2023. The payment of the survival benefit is a seamless process where once the customer confirms their current bank account details, the benefit is deposited directly into their bank accounts. The Survival benefit is also tax free as per the current Income Tax Act,” said Singh. Present during this announcement was BSP Life PNG’s first Wantok Delite Insurance policyholder, Henrietta Apping. Mr. Singh when declaring the inaugural Benefit payment said, “I would like to thank Ms. Apping’s employer, who allowed her to pay the premiums through salary deductions.” The delighted Survival Benefit recipient, Ms. Apping, commended BSP Life saying that Life Insurance is not something she hesitated to sign up on. “I have confidence in BSP Life as part of the BSP Group and recommend this product to others.” “I encourage the working class citizens and young people to sign up for this product as it not only helps you stay protected but also helps you save for future in times of unexpected bereavement,” said Ms. Apping. BSP Group Acting CEO Mr. Ronesh Dayal who was also present during the announcement said, “We understand the importance of Financial Inclusion in PNG and Life Insurance is a key component of financial inclusion. Equally, a long-term investment that will provide a lot of future capacity to the economy of PNG with the savings of our Policyholders, reinvested in profitable and economic opportunities for the country.” “Whilst BSP Life is a relatively new entity in PNG, having commenced operations in 2018, BSP’s insurance business in Fiji has over 140 years of experience and is able to effectively provide technical expertise and support to its sister company in PNG,” said Mr. Dayal. This, combined with BSP Group’s strong backing, provides our policyholders the confidence they seek when taking up an insurance policy with BSP Life PNG. For more information on BSP Life and its products, visit our website, www.bsplife.com.pg or you can arrange an obligation free appointment with one of our insurance agents by emailing on servicebsplife@bsp.com.pg “Our message is simple, it is important to save, it pays to have life insurance and you can trust BSP Life to honour our commitments as we have done today,” concluded Mr. Singh

Under our Institutional Academic Capacity Building Partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast, our academic staff attended a Pedagogical Design Principles and Strategies of Blended Learning workshop early this month. The purpose of the workshop was to up-skill our academics on the Pedagogical Design Principles and Strategies of Blended Learning. This workshop was specifically designed for Western Pacific University’s newly graduated academic staff. Six (6) academic staff members of WPU have been under-going a training for competency in the Foundation of University Teaching Course by the University of Sunshine Coast since September last year. Additional staff members who had developed units for delivery in the 2022 academic year also attended the workshop. Other staff in the academic space also participated in the workshop for the purpose of relearning the ideals of blended learning. The workshop was tailored for WPU and focused on pedagogical design principles and strategies for blended learning. It addressed reviews done on the 31 units developed so far for WPU on Moodle. It was a hands-on workshop and an external assessment of what has been developed using the Commonwealth of Learning Design templates. The workshop has value and contributes significantly to designing quality learning experiences for our learners and learner satisfaction whilst also embracing the ideals of blended learning. WPU President, Dr. Janet Rangou, said that, “As a new University focused on models for digital learning, blended learning has been the pivot that we have taken since 2021. It is a model that we continue to embrace for digital learning with limited face to face sessions. As WPU moves to virtual delivery of programs, the foundations are set and competency skill sets are advocated, embraced and staffs are encouraged to continuously embrace what is ideal for quality student learning experience. The focus is student centered learning around the constructivist paradigm of learning whereby alignment of learning outcomes dictate the assessment, learning activities and the essential content provided for the learners.” Throughout the year, there will be other workshops held to inform students and academic practices that pedagogical practice is an essential part of WPU's Professional Development and Mentoring. Apart from workshops, in-services and seminars will be held in future as the good practices of facilitating blended, remote or distance learning, the ideals of micro-credentialing for Professional Development, the use of Open Educational Resources and research to inform teaching. As indicated by our academics, there is a need for workshops as such to remain relevant to what WPU is striving to do.