Attendees at Youth Resource Week were given a harsh reality check on job opportunities at the event held in Port Moresby city. Misconceptions about the event were brought up by attendees when they were given the opportunity to ask questions to speakers on the briefing stage. One of the issues brought up by an attendee was that many individuals assumed that Youth Resource Week was there to provide jobs for the unemployed. Present at the Briefing Stage was Key Partnerships Director for Youth Resource Week, John Pora clarified the misconceptions. “In Papua New Guinea there’s only 1.2 million spaces of work and the other 6.9 million are unemployed.” “Our country is nearing its 50th independence, and this old mindset of waiting to get a job should be broken.” “Starting onwards from the 50th anniversary, let’s not be spectators in our own country; let’s create our own opportunities, in our own land.” “We cannot be dependent in our own country.” He gave an illustration of a household with only two individuals working in a ten-person household. “No household can survive with just two people working, while the rest are eating.” “If that is the case, then Papua New Guinea needs to change that and it’s going to start with us present here at Youth Resource Week.” He further clarified that Youth Resource Week PNG is not promising anyone anything.

The journey of Claribel Waide a committed advocate for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Papua New Guinea’s education sector, reinforces the importance of equal rights, inclusion, and opportunities in shaping a better future for all. Originally from Oro and Morobe Provinces, Claribel started her education at Okapa Community School, where her father worked as a teacher. After completing Grade 6 at Kafetina Community School, she went on to Henganofi High School, where she completed Grade 10. Following in her father’s footsteps, Claribel enrolled at Balob Teacher’s College in Morobe Province to train as a teacher. During her second year, she received the devastating news that her father had passed away. “As the eldest in my family, I was crushed. I wanted to quit my studies and go home to be with my mother and younger siblings.” “But I remembered one of his final words to me: to study hard, secure a job, and look out for my siblings.” Determined to fulfil her father’s wishes, Claribel continued with her studies and returned to Oro Province after graduating. For more than 8 years she taught in Oro, during which she supported her four younger siblings through their tertiary studies. All four eventually graduated and found careers in their respective fields. Seeing her sibling’s complete university inspired Claribel to take her own education further. She applied to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), where she later graduated with a double degree in Arts (Education) and Business Management (Public Policy Management). With her new qualifications, Claribel was offered a role at the National Department of Education (NDoE) in the Human Resources Division. She began as the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Officer, responsible for mainstreaming gender equity and social inclusion across the school system and within the department. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration with various agencies, development partners, and NGOs, she worked tirelessly to embed these principles into education policies and ensure they were embraced at all levels. Her role was demanding, but Claribel found that respect, teamwork, open communication, and collaboration across divisions helped her navigate challenges. She believes that recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses is key to a successful career. A defining moment in her 14-year career was the launch of the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Schools Policy at the Teachers Expo in September 2024. The event was officiated by Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, PNG Minister for Higher Education, Kinoka Hotune Feo, and Education Minister, Lucas Dekena. The policy launch was widely celebrated by parents, teachers, students, and the broader education sector in PNG. “I feel a sense of satisfaction, as it was a long and challenging journey.” “I acknowledge the support of my colleagues within the Department and the Australian Government’s assistance through the Partnerships for Improving Education program." Claribel worked diligently to ensure that the GESI policy addressed the difficulties encountered by marginalized populations, such as girls, disabled children, and those living in distant areas. She also works with government agencies and partners to ensure that the policy aligns with the National Education Plan and key commitments in the Sustainable Development Goals. She also organizes gender-sensitive and inclusive teaching workshops for educators, teachers, and community leaders. This is to ensure that the policy reflects students' different cultural, language, and gender views, as well as their learning needs. Claribel's duty does not end there; she also promotes community engagement and advocacy to promote girls' education and the participation of underrepresented groups. Additionally, she supports data gathering and research on social barriers in education, including disability inclusion and gender inequities. It is crucial to use these statistics to track advancements made toward inclusive education goals and to inform policy decisions. She explains that the policy will guarantee inclusive and gender-equitable teaching and learning, and she is thrilled about what it implies for parents, teachers, and students. The policy ensures collective accountability for promoting social inclusion and gender equity by clearly defining the roles and duties of all stakeholders. "This policy will hold everyone accountable for helping children to attend school regularly and finish their education, especially girls and children with disabilities."

PNG Boxing Union (PNGBU) will be holding a beginners training session tomorrow, Saturday, March 22nd at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby city, following the request of parents who wish to have their children take up boxing. Skills taught will be the basics of boxing with a focus on hand-eye coordination and correct footwork. With help from national trainer and former PNG representative boxer Jack Willie, the program will be run by Kazu Temu, Head of Referees and Judges (R&J) and an executive member of PNGBU. National Head coach Mark Keto, also a former boxer, will assist wherever he can as he is already heavily involved with PNGBU’s elite program, training the national team for international engagements. Temu explained that they’ll be taught the basic principles of the sport until they switch to more advanced skills. Participants can come in sports footwear; sports attire have their own water bottles for start at 1pm. The session will go until 4pm. According to PNGBU President Dr. Gideon Kendino, the program will first be tested in Port Moresby before being expanded to other regions of the nation once sponsors are willing to contribute funds. He stated that boxers are guided by rigorous practice and observation and the sport instills a high level of discipline. “Boxing is not fighting which is sometimes mixed up with the sport which is violence.” “Because of the strict discipline, boxers will usually refrain from getting into anything that is against the principles of the sport.” “Also, boxers know how to strike correctly so they will walk away knowing that they have the advance of that knowledge which is never to be abused unless faced with a very dangerous life or death situation.” Temu said boxing is also a sport that can become a revenue earner, and it is crucial to learn the sport correctly. While professional boxing in PNG is in its infancy, if the skills are taught correctly at an early age, the boxers can become more successful when they later turn pro. “With due respect to the boxers we have who have moved into professional, the skills are not executed correctly, and it is really the natural talent that becomes PNG boxers. “If they learn the skill correctly and they advance with age and experience, our impact as professional boxers will be better. “At present our boxers have just been used as opponents to promote boxers from the country that hosts them.”

‘Noken Kilim Meri’ a new documentary by the United Nation’s Development Programme, directed by Marco Venditti premieres today at Paradise Cinema at Vision City Mall, shedding a light on PNG’s rising epidemic of sorcery accusation related violence. The video, which was co-produced by UNDP and Film-Bro, focuses on the valiant efforts of activists who are fighting the alarming spread of sorcery allegations in Southern Highlands Province. The movie examines the reasons for the increasing prevalence of violence and the difficulties that the government and civil society have in halting it, including testimonies from survivors and first responders. A group of students from Mendi who are utilizing street theater to advocate against the practice and Sister Lorrena, a Swiss nun who has saved more than 200 women convicted of witchcraft through her "House of Hope" sanctuary, are among the activists highlighted in the movie. With great financial support from the United Kingdom, UNDP has consistently supported the work of activism through its programming in the Highlands in recent years. UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth commented that sorcery-related violence disrupts PNG society and wishes to inspire individuals to act. “By producing this film about the brave efforts of activists, we wish to inspire every Papua New Guinean to join the growing movement against this senseless violence.” “We are particularly grateful to the United Kingdom for joining us in taking this bold stance against the evil of sorcery accusation related violence.” The premiere of the documentary will take place from 6-8PM at the Premium Theater of Paradise Cinema at Vision City Mall. After the film screening, activists, Members of Parliament and other key stakeholders will participate in a discussion on solutions to eradicate sorcery accusations across the country.

The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) for the Wisconsin National Guard (WING) concluded its March 19 mission to Port Moresby. The 14-person team was made up of professionals in four areas: public affairs, security forces, medicine, and civil engineering. WING and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) have been partners since World War II and are in their sixth year of a bilateral collaboration. The PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATW) was a major topic of discussion. While WING security personnel worked with Military Police on future plans to further safeguard the site, civil engineers worked with the ATW and the Royal Australian Air Force Mobile Training Team to restore ATW housing. The PNGDF 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment underwent Tactical Combat Casualty Care from the medical team, which included a chaplain. The WING medical team and the Security Assistance Training Command (SAATCO) medical team coordinated their efforts to provide train-the-trainer level Advanced Situational Medical Casualty Care courses. Chaplain Buckman from the WING, along with PNGDF chaplains at Murray Barracks and ATW, conducted two services on Sunday. Wisconsin National Guard Major Keith Peter said he was excited by the chance to continue training and exchanging knowledge with PNGDF. "This year is significant because it symbolizes 50 years of PNG independence, 50 years of US-PNG diplomatic relations, and 5 years of partnership between WING and PNGDF."

In support of improving the National Film Institute’s role in documenting and preserving Papua New Guinea's cultural heritage through film, the National Cultural Commission (NCC) presented a Toyota Land Cruiser, a new camera, an archive machine, and additional materials on the 17th of March 2025. Steven Enomb Kilanda, the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission, Jenny Jeffrey, the Executive Manager of Corporate Services NCC, Precilla Jogere, the Acting Director of the National Film Institute, John Doa, the Director of NPAT, and other managers and employees from the organization were present at the handover ceremony. Kilanda emphasized the significance of the NFI in carrying out its constitutional obligation to identify and catalog the nation's cultural resources. “Preserving and recording the cultural stories of our nation is a vital role the NFI plays, and we are better equipped to do so with these new resources. One enormous industry that can bring in millions of kinas for the nation is the film industry. We can meet the expectations and produce results if we make good use of this opportunity. This equipment is only the first step. We must collaborate, carry out initiatives, and create material that highlights our country's distinctive and varied cultural legacy,” Kalinda said. As an illustration of a significant cultural event that has not yet been recorded, he cited the Goroka Show. He issued a challenge to the technical officers, personnel, and management of the NFI to make the most of the new tools in order to record and preserve significant cultural events such as the Goroka Show. Kilanda also urged that the National Performing Arts Troupe (NPAT) and the NFI work together more closely. He called on the two groups to collaborate on a number of initiatives aimed at producing and disseminating material that will support the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage. With the new equipment and a clear call to action, the NFI is now in an advantageous position to fulfill its mission of preserving and promoting PNG’s cultural heritage.

Title: Wounded Warriors (2025) Director: Richard Sergeant Run Time: 46mins 51secs Star(s): Numa Junior Numa • Grace Vanua • Renagi Kila • Toby Kema When a young man attends a group therapy session, he must confront the underlying trauma that has plagued his family’s line for generations. Wounded Warriors is a simple film with a powerful message of forging new paths amidst a pattern of destructive normalized behaviors. The film covers themes of generational trauma, change vs tradition and maturity. The main character, Laka, is a young man who has carried on the destructive behavior of wife beating into his marriage. His journey from a wife-beater into a mature and caring partner and father is an inspiration to individuals making that same journey. While the plot of Wounded Warriors is admirable, the film does have its downsides. The film’s script and line delivery are rather bland and unstimulating, which overall makes the watch cringe and tiresome. Actors are acting as though they are in rehearsal and not on set filming. Yet despite this, the cast and crew do deserve praise for putting in the effort of creating a film that highlights serious issues faced by Papua New Guineans. A film that also sends the message that, change is possible, but it must start with you before it gets to your community. Additionally, in a country like Papua New Guinea where, filmmaking and acting are not common career paths chosen, films like Wounded Warriors can motivate aspiring filmmakers to craft films of their own.

Papua New Guinea is finally formally recognizing the role of Christianity and the work of churches in unifying the country’s diverse population. Parliament recently voted to enable the Constitution of PNG to declare its affinity to and identity as a Christian country with these words to appear in the preamble of the Constitution, “(we) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.” Parliament voted 80-4 in favor of the bill to include this declaration in the Preamble of the Constitution, to reflect Christianity as part of the PNG Ways in the Fifth Goal, which is also in the Preamble, to make a similar identification in section 1, and to declare the Bible as one of the national symbols in Section 3 of the Constitution. The long-awaited amendment is a component of the PNG Constitutional Law Reform Commission's comprehensive work in 2022 across the nation, which involved consultation with local and provincial leaders, churches, civil society, and communities. All of these groups agreed that these significant declarations should be included in the constitution. Prime Minister James Marape who is a longtime advocate for PNG’s Christian churches working alongside government service both before and after independence, expressed delight at the bill’s passing. “I am happy. This constitutional amendment finally recognizes our country as a Christian country.” “This reflects, in the highest form, the role Christian churches have played in our development as a country.” “With so much diversity, languages, associated cultures and tribal affiliations, no one can dispute the fact that Christian churches have anchored our country’s unity and togetherness.” “Christian churches precede government in many areas; where government is absent, churches are there.” “Churches and missionaries have been here well before 1975, the first one of them more than 150 years ago, and they continue to be here to this day, and will continue to work and help our people." PM Marape clarified that this change to the Constitution does not prohibit those from other religions from practicing their faith, as section 45 of the Constitution, which protects the freedom of conscience, thought and religion, is intact. “This is not an operational law, but an addition to the preamble of the Constitution; that we are now placing God in His rightful place.” “When we look into the Christian ethos and theology, it recognizes God as the Creator of the universe, the world and our country.” “And so, through this, we recognize God as the Creator of the resources we have and the Creator of our life.” “I offer my highest commendations to the Members of Parliament for their votes.” “This is the final vote and so the due process will run its course and amendment take place.”

Professor Glen Mola, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighted some of the challenges facing women and girls when it comes to sexual and reproductive health in a high-level panel discussion hosted by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Marie Stopes. One of those issues he stressed was unwanted and unplanned pregnancies which can lead to an unstable and incomplete family unit. He spoke on his experiences seeing women and girls seeking medical assistant without a steady partner. "Pregnancies do better when there's support." “We’ve seen women and girls coming in to get medical assistance and when we inquire of their marital status, there's usually no stable marital arrangement." Mola stated that most of these women are not accessible pre-pregnancy. He expressed his views saying that the health sector is also not providing enough assistance to women and girls in the country. "The health sector is focusing on sophisticated tertiary care, high-tech procedures which may help one or two individuals." "Meanwhile we have to take care of 16, 000 women having a baby annually" He emphasized that babies need their mothers as well as their fathers. "If we keep having children by chance, our society will disintegrate." "We're going to have a dysfunctional country."

Title: Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Director Julius Onah Rating: PG-13 Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi Run Time: lhr 58mins Star(s): Anthony Mackie • Harrison Ford • Danny Ramirez After accepting the mantle passed down to him by the previous Captain America, Steve Rodgers, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), formerly known as the Falcon, finds himself caught in a serious incident at the White House, which puts the United States and foreign nations in a delicate situation. Wilson must now uncover the nefarious plot behind the conflict as well as identify the evil mastermind pulling the strings before a potential war breaks out. Themes of legacy and mentorship are covered heavily throughout the film. Sam Wilson is constantly battling feelings of inadequacies and attitudes of comparison to the previous Captain America, a similar predicament his younger falcon and mentee, Joaquín Torres is facing while wanting to carry on the legacy left by Wilson. Apart from legacy, the subject of mentorship is one of the biggest themes that drive the story forward. While Wilson had Rogers to look up to, he also had Isaiah Bradley, the first black Captain America as someone to lean on, and circumstances involving Bradley is a driving force behind Captain America: Brave New World. This latest addition to Marvel's Cinematic Universe, gives Anthony Mackie a chance to shine as Captain America, however that's where the good stuff ends, because Captain America: Brave New World may be a hard pill to swallow for many who are accustomed to seeing Steve Rodgers embody the superhero. The film's main villain, Samuel Sterns is severely underutilized. Sterns' powers in Captain America: Brave New World include mind control, super intelligence and technological mastery. Yet the film reduces him to a dull behind-the-scenes villain who is content with leading a country into war instead of having some kind of mental rage (even after being imprisoned for over I5 years). I believe having Sterns toy with the hero's psychology could've been an interesting feature. Overall, Captain America: Brave New World, is not bad nor is it good. It merely misses the mark to deliver a satisfying superhero film, and it seems the only redeeming quality is the film's exploration of relationships between the characters.

The NCDC Street Children Response Task Force, led by the National Office for Child Services (NOCFS) today officially launched key strategic documents to guide the NOCFS efforts in protecting and supporting vulnerable children living on the streets of Port Moresby. Documents launched included: - NOCFS Annual Operating Plan (2025) - Corporate Plan (2025 - 2027) - National Child Protection in Emergency Response Strategy (2024) - National Report on Street Children and Children in Out of Home Care - National Child Protection Toll-Free Emergency Service Outline Minister for Youth, Religion & Community Development, Jason Peter stated that the documents represented a vital step forward in strengthening and expanding government effort to protect every child from harm. He added that the event also marked a significant milestone in the Marape-Rosso's government’s vision to ‘Leave No Child Behind.’ “This event is a testament to the commitment and ensuring that every child in Papua New Guinea is included in our nation's development.” “The Marape-Rosso government acknowledges that every child deserves a safe and nurturing and supportive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential –this is not just a moral imperative; it is a fundamental human right.” Furthermore, he stated that every family must take responsibility for protecting their children from abuse, violence and negligence. “Every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment free from harm.” The Service Hotline Number for PNG’s children is 1800 234.

Overcoming quite a lot to be where she is today, Jean-Marie Yalibu’s story serves as an inspiration to those currently going through a difficult situation that the Lord always provides and sees you through. “Growing up in a mission home, I never thought that I would experience some of the struggles I went through in my life, so I firmly believe that God provides always and that the best teacher is life.” Born and raised in Eastern Highlands, the Southern Highlands native and single mum of two is the General Services Manager for TotalEnergies. “I’m the youngest of four and the only girl; I have three older brothers.” “My parents were missionaries, so I was born and raised in mission compound run by the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), where missionaries come from all over the world, live and dedicate their life to the local communities by educating, training and translating the Scripture. “ After spending the majority of her childhood in the quaint small mission site, she completed her secondary education at Aiyura National High School in 2009 before moving to Lae to pursue a Diploma in Civil Engineering at the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG. She finished her training in 2012 and soon after was hired as a Site Engineer at Shorncliffe 1965 Limited. "I had the option of working or continuing my education, but I decided to work due to the circumstances at the time." "I worked on both routine and emergency road maintenance projects on the Highlands Highway from Lae Main Wharf to Yung Creek in my first position as a site engineer." "Being out on the highway in the hot sun during those 'Road Doctor' days was exhausting but rewarding when I was pregnant with my first child." After a year and a half, she left Shorncliffe to work as a Site Manager for Regional Engineering and Construction (REC) Ltd. in 2014, where she was on-site full-time to build classrooms at Balop Teacher's Training College in Lae Morobe Province. “During that time that I was with REC, I wanted to continue my studies, and my employer granted approval to take courses at the International Training Institute (ITI) Lae campus. “So, I worked during the day and studied at night – I took night classes.” She started working at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in 2016 as the Special Projects Manager. After her baby was born, she moved to Port Moresby and worked for PAU for four years as a single mother. She even finished the course she had begun at ITI in Lae and received a Diploma in Business Management from the Port Moresby campus. “I chose to focus on my career, and it became the support that I needed during the difficult times – I had found a purpose and a way to block out all the negative.” “Even if things were falling apart in my personal life, I would always show up to work on time and dedicated myself 100% to my career.” She eventually left PAU to work in the Property Division of Brian Bell Group. She made the decision to earn her degree because she was still passionate about her studies. She earned a Bachelor of Business Management from Divine Word University after accruing all of her allotted vacation days. She felt driven to apply after seeing an advertisement for her current job on her social media page and having friends suggest it to her. "I had no prior experience in the oil and gas industry, so I was both interested and apprehensive at the same time." "Despite being urged to apply, I decided to learn more about TotalEnergies worldwide and the kind of work they were doing in PNG." She oversees all office-related matters, including residential and commercial buildings, critical equipment, and housekeeping for the Upstream Logistics site in Gulf, the office in Port Moresby, and the logistics site out at AES. She works as part of a fully national team, which is led by a national female director, and is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. “There’s a common respect of how far someone has worked to be where they are and so I appreciate that.” “Working for a big company such as TotalEnergies has really helped take me out of my comfort zone.” She credits God for bringing her this far in life, her children as being a huge driving force, and her parents, to be better for them. She shares a reminder that when you join an organization, if you have the right attitude and are willing to learn, you will go far in life. “My educational journey is not over yet; I am planning to pursue my master’s in management by God’s grace and timing.” “I am grateful to be in a conducive working environment; there are colleagues here that have extensive knowledge in their own profession with Oil & Gas and I am privileged to work with them.” “I have good support from my managers and the team around me, everyone is supportive, it excels me to want better for myself and the services I manage here at TotalEnergies.”