Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood education in Papua New Guinea by hosting another round of their Annual Refresher Training for 2025, which is being held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby with the kind assistance of ExxonMobil PNG. The refresher training which runs from April 7th to April17th caters for an additional10 teachers from four partner libraries in Tari and Kikori. This year's training brings together 54 committed educators, including 44 BbP teachers from Library Learning Centers in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, and Manus, with assistance from Santos. In order to guarantee that all of its teachers remain current with the latest developments and subjects in early childhood education, BbP's teacher training program includes refresher training as a fundamental element. The sessions aim to strengthen the teachers' capabilities, build confidence, and equip them with innovative strategies and tools to enhance classroom learning for PNG’s youngest learners. Topics covered in the first week included basic media coverage for teachers with basic photography and videography skills; Nutrition Education, BbP’s latest program launched last year, how to incorporate this into BbP’s existing curriculum, what foods are ideal for growing brains and how to give awareness to parents on this; and ICT on laptop skills, Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Drive and BbP’s Digital Learning program through the BbP App and educational videos. Buk bilong Pikinini Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, expressed her gratitude towards ExxonMobil’s support. “We are grateful to ExxonMobil PNG, Santos for their support and all other partners - which allows us to invest in our teachers and, ultimately, the future of Papua New Guinea.” “This training is vital in ensuring that our teachers continue to provide high-quality, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences for the children who attend our Library Learning Centres. The program features an assortment of workshops and collaborative activities focusing on literacy, numeracy, ICT, digital learning, monitoring and evaluation, inclusive education, child protection, and classroom management techniques—all customized to the needs of early childhood teachers. BbP also had support from PNG Air for travel of teachers from Lae and Goroka. As well as Black Swan Security for vehicle transport. Buk bilong Pikinini remains steadfast to its mission of providing access to quality education for all children in PNG and empowering teachers to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Famous 93 YUMI FM radio personality ‘Kasty’ Turner Arifeae, was part of the cast in the recently screened NANA film, a work which highlights the brutal reality of sorcery-related violence and living conditions of street children. He explained that he took part in the production because of the powerful message behind the film. “I took the role of Bubu because I felt deeply about the troubles of sorcery accusations.” “Innocent women, innocent mothers are harmed by their own relatives and do not even feel safe in their own village just because of some rumors.” “It is not right to take the law into your own hands, taking it into your hands and ending someone else’s life.” Kasty added that during the film one of the most difficult parts about filming was getting the scripts right as well as certain parts of the shooting. “As someone who does a lot of radio shows in Tok Pisin, getting my dialogue right was difficult because it was an English-speaking film.” “But the hardest and most emotionally charged circumstance was the final scene filmed, when the little girls dies, and I cried.” “As a grandfather myself, this particular scenario was extra painful.” Kasty explains that he wishes to bring out the message of awareness, of false accusations in sorcery. “These beliefs and practices of the past are harmful and do not serve our societies well.” “It is terrible to let someone innocent fall into the hands of their enemies.” He challenges everyone to show respect to one another and to not be insistent on taking matters into their own hands.

To support Operation Open Heart Foundation’s (OOHF) mission of providing heart surgeries to children across the country, Theodist Limited recently donated two storage units to help the foundation better organize and manage essential medical supplies and equipment. Theodist Limited's National Sales & Marketing Manager, Kevin Anderson, communicated the company's continuous commitment to supporting activities that positively affect the community. “As part of our corporate social responsibility program, we are honoured to support OOHF in their mission to provide life-saving care to children in need.” “Their work continues to transform lives, and we are proud to play a small part in helping them deliver such vital services.” Jane Huka, the Director of Corporate Affairs of Operation Open Heart, expressed her gratitude, stating that such equipment was crucial for accessibility, storage and preservation of medical equipment. “The addition of these storage cabinets will greatly enhance our ability to organize and access the vital supplies needed for patient care.” “Proper storage ensures that all medical items are easily accessible, well-preserved, and ready for use, which is crucial in emergencies during surgeries.” “This, in turn, will allow our medical team to focus on providing the highest quality care to our patients without interruptions or delays.” For more than 30 years, OOHF has provided hope to families by offering vital medical care to children with heart issues, many of whom would lack access to such specialized treatment if not for the foundation's efforts. Theodist Limited has been an enduring advocate for health, education, and community-focused programs via its Corporate Social Responsibility Program, demonstrating the company's conviction in enhancing essential services that improve the lives of Papua New Guineans. Through community initiatives of this nature, Theodist seeks to promote a sense of unity and support for causes that advance the health and well-being of our nation.

Reflector PNG Plus, a modest company started by Washington "Tony" Taureka, has emerged as a ray of hope and resiliency in a world that is frequently controlled by corporate giants. Located in the center of Central Province, this company was founded in 2015 and specializes in critical road safety products such retro reflective materials for signs and reflectors, also called cat's eyes, which are installed in the middle of the road. The company credo of Tony, a talented craftsman from Lalaura in the Abau district, was to combine local expertise with international technology in order to create a successful enterprise. But the journey was not without its difficulties, as is the case with many small businesses. Year after year, Reflector PNG Plus fought to gain ground in an industry often overshadowed by larger corporate entities that secured most contracts. "In the beginning, the doors were shutting on us.” “But I knew deep down that if we stayed true to our vision and worked hard, our moment would come." His persistence finally paid off when the National Capital District (NCD) awarded him a significant contract this year to install reflectors on a critical stretch from the Kumul Flyover beginning near Jackson’s airport to the roundabout near the Moresby Theatre of Arts and then to City Hall in Port Moresby. The importance of this work cannot be overstated; the reflectors and LED markers significantly enhance visibility on the roads, which is critical for the safety of motorists, particularly in low-light conditions. “For me, this is more than a job—it's about saving lives." "With the increasing number of vehicles in Port Moresby, we must do everything we can to ensure safety on our roads during the day and night.” Reflector PNG Plus is not just about business; it symbolizes the power of hope, resilience, and community. Tony expressed heartfelt gratitude to key figures such as NCD Governor Powes Parkop and City Manager Ravu Frank, recognizing their faith in his vision. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tony Taureka’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance. It shows that success is not merely a result of luck but rather an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. "Stay determined, keep learning, and never lose hope," he advises fellow small business owners. "Change may not come overnight, but with patience and persistence, your vision can illuminate the path forward." Reflector PNG Plus serves not only as a model of entrepreneurial spirit but also as a reminder of the importance of community-focused innovation in ensuring safer roads for all Papua New Guineans.

The upcoming canonization of Blessed Peter Torot, is a historic moment for Papua New Guinea and also the Pacific community. Today at the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) in Port Moresby city, members of the Catholic Church took the opportunity to explain the process involved in canonization. One of the speakers present at the discussion was His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President, CBC of PNGSI, who spoke humbly of the work of the early missionaries which eventually led to the present event. "Hundreds of years ago, the missionaries came, and they sowed a seed of faith." "Today as a reward for their hard work and sacrifice, we had a committed lay person who chose to offer himself to God as a saint." Steps to Canonization: *Request for canonization    Initiated five years after the person's death by the local community    Local Bishop reviews evidence and witnesses *Determination   Bishop sends a report to Rome for further study  Theologians scrutinize the candidate's life and virtues *Beatification (To be given the title Blessed before Saint)   Requires proof of a miracle, except in the case of martyrdom   Blessed Peter Torot was declared 'blessed? without a miracle due to his martyr status "Once the beatification is over, to make someone a saint, we need to have, proof of miracle." "In Papua New Guinea's case, it was a different, as our culture is an oral Culture. Hence there was hardly any documentation of a miracle." "But in our hearts and minds, we have no doubt that through the intercession of Peter Torot people have been healed of their sickness." This was communicated to the Pope, who also saw proof in consistencies of the accounts of Peter Torot's practices in faith while he was still alive, as well as the stories that were collected from PNG and Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, no official date for the canonization has been confirmed yet.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Goroka, in conjunction with the student body had sent word to the government, requesting an open dialogue with the students regarding pressing national issues. The SRC marked April 7th for Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and the Police Commissioner to attend a meeting at the University of Goroka campus to receive the students’ petitions. SRC President Joshua Sua, stated the importance of communication during these times. “This meeting is essential for ensuring that the concerns of the students and the wider community are heard and addressed.” “We believe that collaboration and communication are vital in finding solutions that benefit all citizens of Papua New Guinea.” He also stressed that students may hold a strike if their request for a discussion goes unheard. “Should if our request for an open dialogue go unheeded, the University of Goroka Students will take a stand, by refusing to attend classes starting Monday, April 7th, 2025.” “This action will serve as a demonstration of our commitment to advocating for the needs of our community and the future of our nation.” He made a call of urgency to the government to address the students in their petitions. “The students at the University of Goroka are united in this cause and will not waver in our pursuit of justice and accountability.”

Theodist Limited once again supported the Bomana Prison Rehabilitation Program through its donation of crucial stationery supplies, displaying Theodist’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in the country. According to Theodist, the donation reflects on their belief in giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Kevin Anderson, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Theodist Limited, said he was proud to be able to help with educational initiatives. "One way we're assisting in improving communities is by supporting this program." "We think everyone has the capacity to change and develop, and the Bomana Prison Rehabilitation Program is performing vital work," he said For more than a decade, the Theological Society's leader, Pastor Simon Kuman, has operated a Bible school within Bomana Prison. He expressed gratitude to Theodist for their assistance, which has been very helpful to his students. "It means a lot to the inmates, many of whom told us after last year's contribution that they haven't had access to basic supplies like this for years." In addition to teaching religion, the Bible School assists inmates in learning to read and write as well as other skills they will need after they are released from jail. The curriculum has been so successful that 19 offenders were able to read and write for the first time when they graduated last year. There are now 200 male and female inmates in the program, 40 of whom are enrolled pupils, and 10 Correctional Services Officers who are involved in the larger project. Theodist's donated stationery will support the inmates' academic and personal growth, providing them with the means to better their life. Theodist is dedicated to promoting literacy and education in Papua New Guinea.

The United States Army’s Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) team is thrilled to announce the progress of their ongoing training with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF). Over the past two weeks, the SATMO team has been conducting intensive training in Small Unit Tactics (SUT) and Advanced Medical Skills at the Goldie River Training Depot and Murray Barracks. Master Sergeant (MSG) Hans Moeller II, a member of the SATMO team, expressed the team's enthusiasm. "The Team from the US Army’s SATMO is excited to be back in PNG training with 1RPIR (1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment) in Small Unit Tactics and Advanced Medical Skills.” “This continues training from last year aimed at enhancing PNGDF’s leadership and capabilities at the tactical level and PNGDF’s ability to respond to disasters and provide critical lifesaving aid to the populace.” “This training is both challenging and rewarding, but we know the PNGDF is up to the challenge.” The first two weeks of the four-week training program for the PNG MTT medical team have been successfully completed. Both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) were the primary focus of the training, which included thorough tests of all necessary abilities. Through thorough teach-back sessions, the 13 pupils showed that they could instruct others. Foundational ideas, electrical therapies, respiratory emergencies, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, cardiac arrest, post-cardiac arrest care, and patient assessment were all covered in week two. The students are now prepared for the train-the-trainer program's Limited Primary Care component. There were 38 students enrolled in the SUT course, which was dubbed the "Warrior" Course. The squad has made great strides in spite of obstacles like the intense floods close to the Goldie River Training Depot. During a Range Day, which marked the end of Week 2, students practiced shooting the MAG58 (M240) on a tripod and a bipod. The second week also covered training for all weapons systems, combat casualty care review, casualty collection point and helicopter landing zone seminars, and high angle/low angle casualty evacuation. Battle drills and the planning of field training exercises will be the main emphasis of the next week. As we commemorate 50 years of Papua New Guinea's independence and 50 years of US-PNG diplomatic ties in 2025, this training program is an important aspect of the US' ongoing assistance for the PNGDF.

The National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) presented a cheque worth over K65, 000 to the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) to assist with the welfare of children and families. Acting Director for NCOFS, Jerry Wap commended the Catholic Church for their work in family well-being and child protection in the country. He stated that where the government falls short in addressing issues of child welfare, the churches are there to assist. “Child protection is everybody’s business; we say it's everybody’s business because regardless of our age or sex, we are a member of a family.” Wap reaffirmed the NOCFS commitment to the protection of children. “As the Acting Director for the National Office of Child and Family Services, I want to promote the protection of children in the country.” Vincent Sobo, Deputy National Catholic Education Secretary, thanked NCOFS for their support. “We would like to sincerely thank the National Office of Child and Family Services for the cheque given to the National Catholic Family Life Commission, CBC.” “What you have given to us is a great testament for silent majority families which the Catholic Church is supporting in our country today.” He described the partnership between the government and the church as a way forward to restore the trust and peace in society. “In the future we would like to continue to strengthen our partnership in collaboration with government, especially National Office Family Services to address social issues of Child and affecting our families and children in our society.” He further emphasized the importance the family unit within a country. “The family unite is the fundamental pillar for the country.” “Without family, a country cannot exist. Everything in life begins with a family. We cannot fix a country without fixing our family.” “Therefore, we must first and foremost address our issues at family level.” “Today's society is the reflection of our family background.”

McPolly Koima, the producer and director of Nana, the recently screened film at Paradise Cinema Vision City, has spoken about the film. Koima was inspired to make the film after the passing of the Lukautim Pikinini Act in 2015. “In 2015, I was attending a workshop by NCD and the Lukautim Pikinini Office, after the bill was passed.” “As a filmmaker, I thought it was a good idea to create a film about these children, hence, I wrote the script.” “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get funding, so I put my work away and the script stayed locked away for seven years.” He stated that between 2021 and 2022, he received word of a proposed cultural grant from the African Caribbean Pacific-European Union through the South Pacific Community, that was the moment he sought out his script. “It was a long process to secure funding; it took two years.” Koima explained that production began in 2023 and ended in 2024. He expressed pleasure at being able to introduce this film to the people of Papua New Guinea and highlighted the possibilities of filmmaking in the country as well as challenges. “We have our talented actors, filmmakers, producers and directors here – we also have technology.” “The issue is there’s no funding.” Koima thanked the European Union for their support. “In PNG, it’s always a challenge to secure funding for films.” He further left a word of caution regarding the risks of Papua New Guinean culture dying out. “We need to document and tell our stories to the world.” “Our culture may be lost within 50 years’ time.”

Title: Nana (2025) Producer: MacPolly Koima Genre(s): Drama Cast: Michael Bulina, Richandah Wallan Nana is a film which captures the struggle of two young children and their survival in Port Moresby city after a tragic incident forces them out of their village. The film covers themes of family, survival, Gender-Based Violence and sorcery-related violence. It communicates a raw, brutal, harsh but much-needed message of waking up to the reality of the fact that not everyone is living the same life as the other person. What stands out to me most in the film, is the stark contrast depicted between the struggling youths in the city and the working class. On one hand, you have youths struggling to survive through working odd jobs and scavenging among rubbish for food. On the other hand, you have the fortunate working class, who have steady jobs and are able to live decent lives. Despite the cast being amateurs, the message was powerfully communicated. There were some scenes that looked like the background was green screen and occasionally the dialogue delivered was monotonous but otherwise decently performed for an amateur cast. The cast and crew deserve praise for putting in the effort to produce a film that depicts some of the harsh realities facing our societies today.  

By delivering an annual yearly donation of K25,000, Theodist Ltd is pleased to confirm its continued collaboration with Cheshire DisAbility Services. Gerald Bengesser, General Manager of Cheshire DisAbility Services, and Ryan Pini, Corporate Development Manager at Theodist Ltd., were present as the donation was presented at Theodist's Business Superstore Showroom. Theodist has been a longtime supporter of Cheshire DisAbility Services and is dedicated to improving the areas it works in. "We are happy to support Cheshire's cause and acknowledge the amazing work they perform." "Our principles of encouraging inclusivity and social responsibility are in line with our dedication to the community." Theodist continues to take an active role in local initiatives, particularly those focused on fostering a more inclusive society for people living with disabilities. "We acknowledge the difficulties that many people encounter, but we also know that these difficulties have not prevented Cheshire DisAbility Services from performing their essential work with compassion and unwavering dedication." Pini underlined the value of helping those in need during these trying times as Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary in September 2025. "We hope that this donation will support communities, especially the most disadvantaged, as they navigate these issues." Essential programs offered by Cheshire DisAbility Services include residential care, inclusive education, livelihood development, and community-based rehabilitation. People with special needs benefit long-term from these programs, which improve their quality of life and promote inclusion. Gerald Bengesser, General Manager of Cheshire DisAbility Services, expressed gratitude for Theodist’s continued support as well as highlighting the benefits to come from this. "Our initiatives, such as Residential Care & Protection, Inclusive Education and Early Childhood Education, Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Physiotherapy Interventions, and Livelihoods Empowerment through our Young Voices Program, will experience significant benefits from this sponsorship." "Theodist's support will enable us to provide crucial rehabilitative services, inclusive education, and essential care, as well as to inspire young people to strive for greater things in life." Thank you, Theodist, for your steadfast support and ongoing dedication on behalf of the entire Cheshire family. Theodist Ltd is dedicated to helping create a more inclusive and promising future for everybody, and it looks forward to deepening its collaboration with Cheshire DisAbility Services.