Enga Medical Students ended the year 2022 with an outstanding program in promoting youth empowerment in Enga Province last week. The theme was about promoting a better future for youths and citizens in the province in which the students visited villages and talked about empowering people to doing good and to reduce social issues that are happening the societies. Deputy Chairman Nathan Kilali stated that investing in youths was about building better citizen not only for Enga but for the country as a whole. With the increase of problems affecting the communities and societies, Mr. Kilali and his team hopes to at least change the perception of youths and help them take care of their families and their wellbeing. “We need to invest a lot in the young people because when they are neglected, that is where they roam around and cause law and order issues in the communities”. Mr. Kilali thanked all the volunteers that were part of the group in successfully hosting the awareness. “We wrote several proposals and sent to various organizations but we received negative response”. “So what was left for us to do was to use our own resources, in which we provided our own transport and we basically did that”. “All the people that came by to listen were inspired by what the we shared and also because of this project people felt a sense of peace and calm as they went back to their places”. Chairman Kilali further stated that the project is a start for many more to come and they are looking at the younger children attending primary and secondary schools to continue the project as they grow to that stage.

A total of 82 students from the West New Britain Student Association at University of Papua New Guinea had received TESAS sponsorship from the West New Britain Provincial Government to resume their studies for 2023 academic year. The funds were approved and released by provincial government late last year which will see these students receive an amount of K2500 each. Vice President Patrick Kaukia said, he is pleased with the support from their government and this would help them to register in time. “I am requesting that the provincial government can release the  funds to the students before the academic year starts”. “Not all students come from a financial stable background and therefore, releasing funds in time would relieve the burden on parents”. “I understand that the provincial government have other areas to cater for, but I request that they should also look into increasing the sponsorship of student in the future”. Apart from that, more than seven students had issues with their applications for TESAS and as a result they missed out on the provincial sponsorship. Mr. Kaukia stated, the executives are working with them to sort the issues out so they could also receive the funds.

Seventeen (17) students have registered at Wunums Coaching Center to head start their academic year 2023 with coaching classes on co-subjects Mathematics, English and Science. The coaching program begins today and will end on the 13th of this month. The Director of the school, Mrs. Noelene Wunum who is also a Maths teacher by profession said among the three classes, mathematics has the highest record of registered students than the other two offered subjects. This program will provide specific type of coaching in strengthening on weak areas, completing outstanding topics/units for their academic year 2022 and also bridging program for their next school level in 2023. Wunums Coaching Center started this coaching program in 2019 and aim to meet the students need for knowledge and understanding by providing guidance and improving their mental math & speed accuracy skills on the three important subjects. The school intends to conduct a more fun learning by giving quizzes and games based on the subjects each student registered in. The time duration is 2 hours and the cost is K60 per session. Registration is still open for Port Moresby based students who wish to register for the program.

"New Year, New Me!" That's the sentiment among many who are taking on the tradition on setting New Year resolutions to welcome the New Year. We took to the streets and here's what some of you had to ay about your New Year resolutions... 2023 NY resolution Public Vox Insert: [audio mp3="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AUD-20230104-WA0012.mp3"][/audio]    

In a successful game of finals that took place in Matupit Island, the youths from Raulai awarded finals results when the Taraulai Sharks defeated Livuan Doves in the Men’s Touch Footy to claim the title whilst New Town Eagles awarded the champion in Women’s Volley ball after out playing Taraulai Sharks. The Man of match for Touch Footy was awarded to Selvin Waninara for outstanding game while Aidah Aranake won the women of the match in volley ball. Organizing Committee member Dickson Darius thanked PNG Cocoa Board for donating K1000 as well as Dickson Kondaul for K300 towards the youths during the finals. “For the winners, we awarded them with trophy cups and gave the others consolation prize." "We also bought some ice cream for the little kids to have while they celebrate and enjoy in their mini sports”. Mr. Darius and the youths were delighted to have one of the Amarks Gurias Club Selector Mr. Andrew who was present at the tournament to coordinate and make sure the competition ended well. In a speech by Mr. Kondaul, he was impressed by the skills and talent shown by performance from the youths. He encouraged the youth and leaders to enter into town competition where they can easily be recognized of their good talents. The tournament brought everyone in the village including the ward committees from other wards. Mr. Darius is confident his team can look at hosting a bigger tournament and he is already looking forward to it at the end this year. “I am impressed by the turn out of community people, and am excited because everyone who was there whether spectator or player all enjoyed and had a lot of fun which was our ultimate aim."

The Northern Tertiary students from UPNG main campus and Taurama Medical faculty are keen to carry out phase one of their project on the first semester holiday this year. President Micah Betute said, due to delay of funds from the provincial government, his executives have agreed to have their project initiated mid this year. The phase one project will be health awareness and survey along the Kokoda track and book drive to schools in the province. Mr. Betute is appealing to the provincial government and communities of Northern province to stand behind the students and support as it is part of the main goal of developing Popondetta. “We are working with one of our PHD holder in medicine Dr. Francis Pulsan together with Child Health Fund and Health Authority in Popondetta to organize this project and ensure everything is set and ready”. President Betute added that it is a very important project and it is about giving to the people, helping and reaching the communities. “Hopefully the provincial government is going to release funds early so we can proceed with the first part of the project in the first break of school”. “There is another option in mind which we are looking at asking donors to assist and we relying on the professionals in the Associations to help negotiate with them”. As they prepare to resume their studies in February, students and association leaders have been communicating with recent updates about their project. Mr. Betute stated, students had been preparing since last year and they are confident they will achieve their goals this year.

People living along the coastal areas of Nawaeb and Huon Gulf Districts of Morobe province can feel safe to move around now that two police units from Rural Patrol Command now patrolling Labuta, Salamaua and Morobe Patrol Post areas. Acting Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector John Daviaga said police were assigned to patrol coastal areas to make police presence felt at village level. He stated that police were monitoring coastal areas to ensure that dinghies were not overloading, operators were not drunk while operating boats and screening of dangerous weapons. Daviaga said so far no reports of sea piracy, boat accidents and other serious offences being committed compared to the previous Christmas. He also commended boat operators, travelling public and community leaders for working together to make sure this festive season is a safe and trouble free one. As days continue winding down to welcome the New Year, Daviaga once again urged everyone to celebrate the Next Year responsibly.

Children from the Vadavada Good News Sunday school in Port Moresby had their closing function yesterday at the Ela beach. One of their staff Lilian Vincent said these children are of the age 5- 14 which they teach them good practices about God and provide guidance in helping them to understand life. “It is important raising children at this very age, because these are the future generation”. “For the children to grow in a healthy mind and stable being, they have to be taught biblical principles as well as about the live we live today”. She explained, they decided to have their function out at Ela Beach as a way to appreciate the children and make them happy and at this special time of the year. “These children comes from settlement and living in little spaces is not so comforting and for this reason we brought them out of the little space and crowded setting and have them out at the beach, so they would have more fun with each other”. The Sunday school started in 2019 under the leadership of Pr. Vincent Benoreng and wife Maria. The Sunday school has about five staff members that usually take lessons for the 32 children during certain days of the week and also carry out fun games. Ms. Vincent said they have not received support from donors or organization but they have been privileged through a German missionary Rene Mally, who has been assisting the Sunday school with goods and other necessary supplies for almost three years. Ms. Vincent further stated that they are hopeful to receive more supports from Mr. Mally and friends when they resume in 2023.

Festive season celebrations within Milne Bay has been quiet with no major incidents according to Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Peter Barkie. PPC Barkie commended the town management along with respective churches in the province for conducting activities involving the general public, especially youths in the community. “Milne Bay has been very quiet since the Christmas weekend with no incidents reported and I am thankful that there were other activities put in place for the people to keep them out of trouble.” According to PPC Barkie, the province has been peaceful and on best behavior despite an incident that occurred prior to Christmas. Barkie clarified that the incident happened on a nearby island involved a group of drunkards who threatened health workers and caused minor damage to the health center’s facilities. Police were quick to respond to the incident which resulted in them shooting one of the male drunkard from the group who is now at the Provincial Hospital in a critical condition. The rest were apprehended and taken to Alotau police station. “Police will be fast to respond to those who are conducting illegal activities and will not hesitate to apprehend possible suspects". Police Festive celebrations will continue into new year and police will be working around the clock to ensure public safety is upheld and people stay of out trouble. Festive Police Operations will end on the first week of 2023. In general, Mr Barkie came out to commend on the people of Milne Bay for respecting the festive season and has appeal to them to adhere to the constitution for their own safety as well. “I would like to thank the people of Milne Bay for their orderly conduct and mindful celebrations by maintaining Law and Order during the Christmas period and hope it stays the same as we approach new year."

The Morobe students are continuing their education and law order awareness program today in the Nawaeb district of Morobe Province. In a successful visit to the communities in the Markham district yesterday, students talked to the youths and elderly people on basic human rights, the different arms of government and they also encouraging the people to get into acquiring necessary skills through education. “We also had a talk with the landowners, educating them on the government constitution and certain land rights that they needed to know”. “At the same we were able to give brief information on the voting system of Papua New Guinea.” Team leader and spokesman Mr. Luther Kising, said their theme for the awareness is "Kirapim Morobe," which they aim to get every children and youths to school next year through the free education policy in Morobe province. “We are basing on the national goals and directive principles and that is promoting human development in the province." Mr. Kising stated that they are hoping to complete the visits to all the villages of Nawaeb District today, so that students can have time to celebrate the new year during the weekend.

East New Britain Students Association of University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) is fortunate to receive a total of K25, 000 cheque from the Rabaul and Kokopo districts to carry out their fundraising and other activities in 2023. Incoming President for 2023 Mr. Allan Robert, stated that they already have their planner in order and they are hoping to kick start one of their major fundraising drives in the province early next year. “Everything is set, we have done our planning and fundraising plans and now we looking forward to carrying it out next year”. “For next year, I am going to continue the work that other executives had started and improve on areas that need to be made better. Apart from this, the association has received a boost in their remaining holiday project with a donation of a carton reading books from their matron, Marleen Toliman Akop. President Allan said the association is pleased with the donation and they are anticipating to deliver the reading books to schools in East New Britain in early January 2023. He is now working with the current executives to organize the visits and get it rolled out before academic year begins.

The Daru General Hospital in the Western province has reported no major accidents and emergency cases after the Christmas celebration over the weekend. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Dr. Niko Wuatai also encouraged the people of the Western province to celebrate the New Year with safety in mind. “It is a very important holiday period and I urge the general public to stay in their homes and celebrate with the family," said Dr. Wuatai. Meanwhile, Dr. Wuatai also confirmed that all medical supplies are in and the hospital is in a good position to attend to patients during this festive season. “The hospital has received the emergency drugs for the theatre and we have a team of officers that are exactly prepared and making sure the hospital is running." Dr. Wuatai also stated that they have not experienced any difficult issue at the hospital, but with staff rooster they have in place he is confident the staff would fully attend work and do their duty.