Like their counterparts, the Grade 12 students of Karkar Secondary School in Madang are also sitting for exams. However, while examinations are progressing successfully, the school’s ongoing issues are still present despite constant communication with higher authorities. Principal Mr. Jim Kaboanga stated that due to its location away from the mainland, running the establishment is quite costly. “When it comes to travelling and transportation of exam papers, since the school is on an island, people take a one-hour trip out from town, and then you have to take another boat for another one-hour trip to the school.” “And it doesn’t help that the fuel prices have currently skyrocketed.” “Sometimes we have to hire boats and if that’s not possible, we have to use ships.” Mr. Kaboanga added that the school’s heavy reliance on the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) also places an extra financial burden on the school. “The GTFS policy prevents the school from charging additional fees to parents; however, the subsidy itself is not being paid in full.” “We’ve tried seeking assistance from the district authorities but so far our cries have fallen on deaf ears.” The school is currently accommodating 187 Grade 12 students for examinations - a decrease from the 235 students that enrolled at the beginning of this year.

The Creative Arts Strand of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Music Division hosted their final recital on Monday October 16th, where each performer presented eight music pieces within four segments of their show. Four students were assessed based on the level of their artistic skills and competency in applying Western music theory in practice on the instrument of their choice. Speaking at the recital, Head of Division for Music Mr. Francis Be stated that a lot of people do not take creative arts seriously due to limited perception and lack of knowledge about arts education. “When it comes to music, we teach our students two sets of skills: hard skills and soft skills. Most of the time people see the hard skills; that is, playing instruments and performing. But not everyone sees the soft skills – the self-confidence you need to develop, self-expression, the teamwork and interdependency members of a band have towards one another.“ “They learn how to express themselves individually while simultaneously contributing ideas to the team.” The students presenting were: · John Taylor Lindsey – Classical Guitar · Raffie Kagenifa – Piano · Maxwell Waira – Saxophone · Abraham Sepoe – Electric Guitar. The event took place at the Faculty of Creative Arts Raun Haus, and the music pieces presented by the students were Classical pieces, Jazz pieces, PNG Contemporary pieces and Popular Band pieces.

After a successful completion of Grade 10 examinations, the Grade 12s of Gordons Secondary School began their national exams. This year the school has 274 students sitting for upper secondary examinations. There are 31, 252 students nationwide in total sitting for this year’s Grade 12 national examinations. Gordons Secondary School Principal Mr. George Wek Kenega stated that there was no significant increase or decrease in student numbers. “We have almost the same number of students we used to have since 2022. Of course, during the school year, students withdraw due to absenteeism, and personal issues but the estimated numbers remain consistent.” Mr. Kenega added that the school did not face any issues in regard to exam papers in the weeks leading up to exam dates. “The exam papers were collected last Friday, and we had a meeting with the measurement services division; security and supervision matters were discussed.” “This morning we had the external invigilators arrive.” Their examination schedule is as follows: Oct 16th Session 1: Advance Mathematics Paper 1/ General Mathematics Paper 1 Session 2: History Oct 17th Session 1: Physics/ Accounting Session 2: Geography Oct 18th Session 1: Biology/ Economics Session 2: Business Studies Oct 19th Session 1: Language & Literature / Applied English Session 2: Chemistry/ Legal Studies Oct 20th Session 1: Information Communication Technology Session 2: Advance Mathematics Paper 2/ General Mathematics Paper 2 Mr. Kenega added that remedial classes also went smoothly, and they expect Grade 12s to perform well.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Limited, in partnership with the National Department of Health recently launched ‘Global Handwashing Day’ on Friday 13th October, at the Salvation Army Boroko Primary school in Port Moresby where over 350 students and staff participated in the activities. This year’s theme was ‘Clean Hands Are Within Reach’ which saw over 306, 000 individuals wash their hands nationwide. Colgate-Palmolive told PNG Hausbung that washing hands helps to reduce the number of pathogens that causes diseases. “The simple act of cleaning hands saves lives and is one of the most important ways of reducing the spread of diarrheal diseases by 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 20%. Furthermore, hand washing plays an important role in reducing the transmission of outbreak related pathogens such as cholera and COVID-19.” “Proper hand hygiene has also been linked to reduced school absenteeism and improvements in well-being, dignity, and overall productivity of individuals and communities.” Colgate-Palmolive’s school health program, Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH), has positively impacted over 2 million children since its introduction in 2012. “We encourage individuals, families and communities to work together to build healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs and diseases and maintain good health.” Meanwhile, Sunday October 15th also marked an annual international observance aimed at educating individuals of the importance of hand hygiene to everyone’s health.

Ten Bougainvillean women will commence work on an Australian berry farm under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. They are the first group of Bouganvilleans to be sent to Australia as part of the program. In order to support this crucial project, Australia collaborated closely with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the PNG Government Labour Mobility Unit, and the PNG Government MPs from Bougainville. Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Jon Philip stated that Australia has sought hard-working, Bougainvilleans to represent their region and expressed his delight in accomplishing that goal. “Through PALM, workers from all over the Pacific are learning useful skills and making money to support their families and communities.” “In Australia, they are filling labour shortages in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and aged care.” “We anticipate that a large number of Bougainvilleans will use the program to travel to Australia after these remarkable women.” Since work began in January 2023, more than one hundred Bougainvilleans have been selected to join the PNG Labour Mobility Unit work-ready pool. Labor mobility is an important driver of economic growth and one of the most effective ways to support individuals and their communities. It also brings huge benefits to employers and host communities in Australia, while strengthening connections between people. Employee wellbeing is at the heart of the PALM program, through strong worker support provisions and reporting requirements.

Mainohana Catholic Technical High School, located in Kairuku district, Central Province, received 1,000 kg of rice donated by the Taiwan Technical Mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG), on Monday this week. This donation was supported by the Embassy of the Holy See and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI), through Caritas PNG (CPNG). Among those present to witness the event were: His Excellency Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG and the Solomon Islands; His Excellency Mr. Ben Wang, Taiwan Ambassador to PNG; His Excellency Otto Separy, Bishop of the Diocese of Bereina and President of CBC PNGSI; Reverend Father. Giorgio Licini PIME, Secretary General of CBC PNGSI and Ms. Mavis Tito, National Director of CPNG. The Nucio expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for choosing Caritas PNG as the recipient of the donation, stating that the gesture was an act of love by the Taiwanese people. He added his encouragement to the students not to take such donations for granted and to cherish the vocation of education. “Receiving this donation is wonderful and as a student, you can show your gratitude to the people of Taiwan by succeeding in your studies.” His Excellency Mr. Wang also said he was grateful that Caritas PNG was able to accept the donation and facilitate its delivery to the school. “Thanks to Caritas PNG and the Catholic Church network, we were able to get to know your school and come to offer this gift from the people of Taiwan, who are always ready to help those in need.” Rev. Bisop Otto of the Diocese of Bereina said the Church values and supports education, especially for young people, and cooperates with various organizations to help with donations, because of this, although just to a small extent, is also a sign of this support. The school’s principal Mr. Nick Maino said he was pleased to receive the donation and said this was a timely blessing, especially for boarding students who recently had to go home due to lack of food.

Dare2Create and Knack Studios will be hosting a poetry in motion event coming up in October called ‘Hope that Haunts You’, from the 26th -28th at Ullie Beier, Dance Studio, UPNG. The event will feature original poetry written by Knack Studios’ Andrew Kuliniasi and young poets in Port Moresby along with original contemporary dance pieces choreographed by Dare2Create’s Nadya Parascos. According to Kuliniasi, the event will showcase poetry containing elements of both traditional and contemporary horrors. “The poetry in motion show will portray two things: cultural superstitious beliefs and the modern horrors that we face now such as gender-based violence, sorcery-related violence, alcohol abuse and such.” “It’s a show that not only looks at the horrors and/or fears of Papua New Guinea but also compares and contrasts the different circumstances surrounding these beliefs.” “In the present, a lot of traditional superstition is deemed as irrational due to its paranormal nature, but we also want to see how these past fears influence the present fears that we have.” In regard to performance, Dare2Create’s Nadya Parascos stated that the dance pieces are interpretations of the poetry. “The dance styles used are distinctly my own style of choreography where I use the body and its angles, the face and its expressions to portray emotion and tell a story, hence even if you did not hear the words spoken, you will understand the message.” She added that she believes, as a stand-alone theatre production this showcase will be the first of its kind, however poetry-in-motion performances themselves are not a new thing. Parascos also actively shows her support for performing artists in the creative industry.

Community First PNG Project Initiatives, a venture that offers confidential online counselling care for women and youth, ran a one day  Kid's Counselling Day program on the 1st of October at the Wellness Lodge. Certified Clinical Supervisor, Professional Counsellor, and Child Protection Officer, Dorothy L. Koch, stated that this program was a response to meet children’s mental and behavioral needs. “Many kids are having a lot of issues communicating and experiencing behavioral issues amongst themselves and also towards their parents.” “Maybe those kids have been hurt through physical, sexual, verbal abuse or even bullying. Sometimes they can be affected by family separation; family loss; possibly a loved one passed on and the guardians do not know how to take care of the child.” “This is why we as professional counsellors, we are giving this opportunity to help not only children, but parents and guardians as well.” Presently, the organization does one-on-one therapy support; however, the program offers mass counselling. Koch sees this as a good prospect to impact a greater number of individuals and in turn, contribute to bettering communities. “A lot of these kids have unhealed trauma and do not know who to speak to and when to speak out; and October being the month of mental health, we want to start it off with this counselling program.” Koch added that after at least two years’ time they would like to see more mental hospitals, not just for children, but for adults and people with disabilities. “After 48 years of independence Papua New Guinea still has one psychiatric hospital, which is Laloki.” “We don’t just need financial support from sponsors, but we want people to realize that at the end of the day, these children, make up our family units, our community and our country.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) recently presented a cheque of K5, 000 to the University of Papua New Guinea’s Earth Sciences Division to support the university’s 2023 Geosciences Open Day, which is to be staged today, October 6th. OTML Manager Corporate Affairs, Dexter Wagambie, presented the cheque to Dr. Jospeh Espi, Associate Professor and Head of Earth Sciences Division, in front of promising geoscientists and staff members. Dr. Espi stated that the last Open Day was held in the 1990s. “In 2022, we had our first Geosciences Open Day, and this year’s event will mark the second successive Geosciences Open Day.” “We are immensely grateful to OTML, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Kedi Illimbit for their unwavering support.” Mr. Illimbit expressed his pride in OTML’s involvement. “OTML is proud to be part of this milestone, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to inspire the next generation of geoscientists.” The 2023 UPNG Geosciences Open Day promises to be a platform where geo-science enthusiasts, students, and professionals congregate to exchange ideas, showcase research, and inspire the future leaders of the industry. The year 2023 also has special significance for the Department of Earth Sciences as it celebrates the ‘Golden Jubilee’ - 50 years of teaching, research, and community service in geosciences, collaboration, and graduates with quality, relevance, innovation and progress, from 1973 to 2023.

The National Government, through the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), has made a timely donation of K100, 000 to Papua New Guinea's international singer Anslom Nakikus, to assist with his international tour, as part of the State’s efforts to promote the music and entertainment industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Minister for NGCB and Bougainville Affairs, Manasseh Makiba presented the cheque to the well-known PNG singing sensation and his band on September 21st. Anslom expressed his gratitude to the government and NGCB for believing in his band and promoting his music, which has made its mark on the international music scene as one of the top bands and a force to be reckoned with. "I am deeply humbled to receive such support from the government, and I thank Prime Minister James Marape, Minister Makiba, and Chairman Clemence Kanau for the timely sponsorship, which will greatly aid my Band in our upcoming international tour." Anslom, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter, was born Ronald Nakikus in Rabaul, East New Britain Province. Reggae and Rastafarian culture have a significant influence on the band’s music, and his lyrics frequently address issues of social justice, peace, and unity. At the 2023 International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) in the United States of America, Anslom won three international music awards, including Band of the Year. A few weeks later, he won two additional American music awards at the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA), including the ICon Award, the highest honor in the ICMA's international music community, and the Best of America Award for Reggae with his song "Love Me Again." Minister Makiba congratulated Anslom on his achievements. “The Marape-Rosso Government is proud of these accomplishments and pleased to support Anslom and his band as they continue to promote PNG on a global scale.” “This is due to the fact that he independently promoted our nation worldwide and helped it become well-known in the music industry .He is giving the younger generation an excellent example of how to compete globally and create the highest caliber of music, rather than just thinking locally.” “As a Government, we try to promote our country in different ways, and music is one of the ways we can promote Papua New Guinea's culture, and talent.” “On a global scale, you (Anslom) essentially serve as an ambassador for Papua New Guinea and even the Pacific.”

Actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in most of the “Harry Potter” movies, has died at 82 following a “bout of pneumonia,” a statement issued on behalf of his family said on Thursday, PA Media news agency reported. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement issued by his publicist Clair Dobbs said, according to PA. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.” “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.” Gambon was known for his extensive catalog of work across TV, film and radio, with another of his biggest roles as the psoriasis-ridden sleuth in the 1980s hit series “The Singing Detective.” One of the leading thespians of his generation, Gambon was born in Cabra, Dublin, but moved to London as a child. He grew up in an Irish immigrant community in Camden and his first job was as an apprentice toolmaker.  He developed a passion for antique guns, clocks and classic cars that lasted a lifetime. “I’ve always been an obsessive collector of things,” he told a Guardian interviewer in 2004. “Richard Briers collects stamps. I collect cars and guns, which are much more expensive, and much more difficult to store.” [caption id="attachment_45774" align="aligncenter" width="1118"] Michael Gambon, pictured in 2016, has died at the age of 82.[/caption] While apprenticing as a toolmaker, Gambon studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, making his professional stage debut in Dublin’s the Gate Theatre production of “Othello” (1962). He caught the attention of actor Laurence Olivier, who hired him to join the newly-formed National Theatre Company. Four years later, Gambon joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, finally playing title roles in his favorite Shakespearean plays. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Gambon became a household name playing lead character Philip Marlow in the 1986 Anglo-American public television mini-series “The Singing Detective.” In 1990 he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Eight years later he was made a Knight Bachelor for his services to drama. But it was as Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series that Gambon will perhaps be best remembered, a role he took up following the death of Richard Harris in 2002. In all, Gambon was cast as Dumbledore for six of the eight “Harry Potter” films. Tributes for ‘legend’ Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the series, paid tribute to Gambon in a post on Instagram. “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set,” wrote Grint. “He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life.” James Phelps, who played Ron’s brother Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, posted a tribute to Gambon on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday. “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend,” wrote Phelps. “He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” Phelps added, detailing a fond memory he had working with the veteran actor between takes on the sixth “Harry Potter” movie. And Fiona Shaw, who played Potter’s aunt Petunia Dursley in the movies, told the BBC that Gambon “varied his career remarkably.” Shaw also said Gambon was a “gun maker” who always said “he could fool the V&A [museum] into believing that they were 18th century guns.” “So I will think of him as a trickster, just a brilliant, magnificent trickster, but with text there was nothing like him, he could do anything.” Helen Mirren also paid tribute to Gambon in an interview with the BBC, recalling his sense of humor. “Naughty but very, very funny,” she said. “He kept me constantly in laughter.” Mirren also called Gambon an “instinctive actor” who made an “extraordinary contribution to the British landscape of theater.” Over the course of his career, Gambon won multiple Best Actor awards at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) and was nominated for two Emmy awards. Source: CNN News

While students in the National Capital District (NCD) and many provinces in the country are preparing for the end of year examinations, others are facing uncertainty in their academic future due to negative factors beyond their control. Recently in this year there have been numerous instances of natural and social disasters that have affected academic routines. In a recent press conference led by the Secretary of Education Dr. Uke Kombra, he addressed the different situations of tribal fights, law and order and natural disasters; and explained the policies and arrangements governing such circumstances. “According to national policy, any student from a school that been closed for more than six weeks of classes is not allowed to sit for exams.” “Students from schools closed for less than five weeks can be moved to another school to sit for exams there. But if a school has been affected, closed or suspended for 30 days (six weeks of classes) and the students have not received any form of instruction or teaching. That school would be disqualified to sit for exams. “The same policy applies to an individual student who misses out on six weeks of classes.” “In the case of a school situated within a tribal fighting zone and the school is closed, these policies would also apply. The Provincial Education Board will then determine whether the schools will stay open, or the students have to be transferred to another school. That can happen the following year.” Dr. Kombra also added that individuals responsible for instances tribal fighting are not only destroying their communities but also their own lives and futures.