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.

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."