Over 249, 000 Secondary and Primary school students throughout the country will be sitting for the annual national examinations in October, the number itself an increase in the number of last year's students sitting the examinations. The Secretary of Education, Dr. Uke Kombra in a recent press conference, stated that approximately 249, 189 students will be sitting for their exams nationwide. “This year we’ll be seeing 76, 571 Grade 10 students from 448 Secondary schools will start the examination season on October 9th; followed by 31, 252 Grade 12 students from 221 Secondary and High schools on October 16th and finally end with 141, 366 Grade 8 students from 3, 538 Primary schools.” “Additionally, there will be a separate exam for students taking STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in which a total of 324 Grade 12 students will be sitting for at the end of all general exams.” 2023 saw an increase in both the number of students sitting for exams and the number of schools in the country. Last year, the number of students who sat for their examinations was approximately 71, 000 students from 213 schools (Grade 10); 31, 000 students from 218 High Schools and Secondary Schools (Grade 12); and 125, 000 students from 3, 433 Primary Schools (Grade 8). I response to educational malpractices Dr. Kombra responded, saying that the guilty parties will not receive certification. “The education policy is very clear, if a student is caught cheating or engaging in any form of malpractice, the ultimate penalty is non-certification.” “We do not compromise with any form of cheating or malpractice in the examination process. We have taken all measures possible to ensure that there is no misconduct.” “There have been cases of cheatings and malpractices which were prevented, but the potential and risks of it occurring again are still there. Our department is taking all precautions to make sure that it does not happen.” “Anyone witnessing incidences of cheating or malpractice, either by a student or from someone outside, should be reported to the authorities.” Dr. Kombra also added that presently, examination papers for Grade 10s have already arrived and are being distributed.

This September 16, 2023, the Papua New Guinean community in Hawaii gathered from O'ahu and Hilo to celebrate Papua New Guinea's 48th Independence Day. Due to the time zone difference, independence came to Hawaiians a day later, but that did not spoil the atmosphere of the celebration. PNG students and those participating in sponsored professional work programs were welcomed by David and Cherry Kunert, as well as David's parents [the hosts], Daniel and Nancy Kunert. The PNG community was also joined by wantoks from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa and friends from the United States and Taiwan to join the independence celebrations. Daniel and Nancy Kunert have a rich history of involvement in PNG dating back to the 1960s (pre-independence) when they began their illustrious teaching careers in the Laiagam district of Enga province (then part of larger Central Highlands province) and then to Eastern Highland Province where Daniel Kunert became the second principal of Aiyura National High School of Excellence, serving from 1979 to 1986 and where Nancy taught English. They were deployed to Enga in the 1960s as young teachers in their 20s, soon after marriage, to begin their careers in PNG under the Lutheran Church program. The Kunerts enjoyed their time in PNG and the experiences they shared with others and especially with their students, who have now left their mark in PNG and around the world. They shared fond memories of working with PNG's founder, the late Sir Michael Somare, and the first Speaker of Parliament, Sir John Guise. They witnessed the day PNG gained independence from Australia. PNG students studying in Hawaii and the United States proudly represent the country in a variety of studies and disciplines. Even though they were studying abroad and not physically present in PNG, the students reiterated that their hearts are always tied to PNG. Additionally, during the celebration we learned that there are places in Melanesia that are still fighting for independence, such as West Papua, New Caledonia, and the Moluccas according to Leoshina Kariha, a senior at the University of Hawaii. “We invite other young people who are considering pursuing higher education abroad to apply for various scholarship programs, both at home and abroad.” “If you are considering joining the community in Hawaii, it is diverse and provides a rewarding environment in which to pursue an education.” Some of the fields that PNG students currently study in Hawaii include astrophysics, political science, law, business and economics, tropical conservation biology, and earth and planetary sciences.

Many schools in the country are using their term three break as an opportunity to prepare their students for the upcoming end-of-year exams. However with constant changes in schools’ curriculum; this has caused students performances to fluctuate from high to low. Sharing his thoughts on the situation, is the Principal for North East Academy Mr. Abakure Kaupa. Mr Kaupa told PNG HAUSBUNG that the curriculum division of the Education Department needs to address this issue. “The department needs to get itself in order and align courses properly starting from early childhood to Grade 12.” “I believe it’s because of this misalignment that we’re seeing a drop in the quality of performance from students because it starts from the early stages of learning and continues on to higher levels of education.” “The department needs to take ownership of the education system in the country.” “We can talk about the standards of education but if the curriculum is not aligned well, there will still be a problem.”

Department of Information Communication & Technology Minister Timothy Masiu has explicitly stated his support for music artists, recording companies and related parties advocating for copyright and fair compensation. According to Minister Masiu since the introduction of new technology the music industry has faced both rewards and difficulties. “I acknowledge, in my capacity as Minister of information and communication technology (ICT), that technology, particularly the internet and mobile platforms, have changed the music business. “Therefore, I support our composers, lyricists, record labels, and recording artists who are fighting for copyright recognition and just compensation because of the changes that come with them.” These changes present both opportunities and challenges that call for a proactive approach to copyright protection and advocacy.” Minister Masiu also acknowledged the importance of music platforms that help to protect the rights of music artists during a time when the law has failed. “Technology has revolutionized copyright revenue administration to the point where content streaming services like Spotify and iTunes already have built-in copyright distribution models that function like external copyright organizations.” “With the passage of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act in 2002, the post-independence process toward securing copyright recognition and fair compensation advanced.” “This legislation recognized the economic and moral rights of copyright owners by granting them necessary rights.” “However, the absence of a dedicated formal copyright system in Papua New Guinea over the last 21 years, hindered the efficient administration of copyright and neighbouring rights.” “This has compelled some artists to seek support from external copyright organizations like the Australasia Performing Rights Association Limited (APRA).” “The challenge now for the Government is that it must review its copyright and neighbouring rights policy and strategies.” He further commended the dedication of PNG artists for their resilience in their pursuit of copyright recognition and fair compensation. “I applaud all artists who have taken up the mantle of copyright advocacy.” “Your commitment is an example, and the work you do serves as a reminder of the value of protecting the intellectual property of our creative community.”

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program had a week-long workshop in early September on its “Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool” (SMART). This is a software primarily focused on tracking, analysing, reporting spatial data, providing critical insights for informed decision-making regarding specific locations. The workshop was led by the Research & Monitoring Coordinator Dillion Nason in Gomdan village, Morobe Province. Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program told PNG HAUSBUNG that the initiative uses a combination of specialized software, instruction, and patrolling criteria to improve conservation efforts. “SMART is essential for observing animals, spotting hazards, and improving patrol operations.” The training session was attended by Conservation Liaison Officers or COs and Rangers from the Nambis and Uruwa zones in the YUS conservation area. It was a crucial component of SMART's adaptive management process since it helped rangers and technical officers effectively communicate while addressing problems with SMART models or while on patrol. The training time also helped technical officers resolve any software issues and come up with appropriate patrol plans for each team in the area. They also had the opportunity to review their previous data collection, identify areas for improvement, and continue to implement improvement strategies. This training course marked the second training session, following the success of the first program held in 2022. Ranger Robson Soseng, a Lower Uruwa Ranger expressed his delight towards the workshop. “I am very happy with the current addition and introduction of SMART Patrol Plans, also what I learnt earlier this year during Refresher, I went away and practiced and now with the debrief it helps even more to correct my mistakes and become better. With the knowledge on how to transfer patrol data with our COs, this will make our work easier, phones will be with us rather sending it to Lae for data download,'' The workshop proved instrumental in assisting Conservation Liaison Officers and Rangers in organizing files, seamlessly transferring patrol data from phones to laptops, and ensuring the proper installation and configuration of the SMART application on smart phones. Additionally, conservation liaison officers were trained in editing SMART models on laptops and sending them to Rangers' phones. Conservation officer of Upper Uruwa, Gomdan, James Jio expressed his appreciation towards the workshop helping him to implement technology into his work. “This program has helped me understand what SMART does and how the data that my Rangers collect benefit our system as a whole, I got to learn how to deal with first hand technical issues; re-installing SMART Application, editing SMART packages and transferring it into my Rangers phone, transfer data from their phones into our field laptop and above all, I can also do monitoring in the livelihood area as I have install SMART into my phone.” “I believe this approach will alleviate the long-standing problem of communicating data and field equipment with the Lae office. If all commanders started participating in SMART interviews there would be better

An attacking masterclass led by Reece Walsh helped the Broncos power past the Warriors 42-12 on Saturday night and book in a grand final showdown with the Panthers. Lining up against the side he spent the first two seasons of his NRL career with for the first time since moving back to his junior club, Walsh was immense with ball in hand and inflicted much of the damage in front of a crowd of 52,273 at Suncorp Stadium. The 21-year-old Queensland star's class and confidence was more evident than ever as he shook off an early intercept – which gifted Dallin Watene-Zelezniak a 60-metre runaway try – to set up three tries and lay on six line breaks for teammates, before leaving the field for an early rest with four left to play. His performance was helped greatly by a dominant forward effort, with Payne Haas, Jordan Riki and Patrick Carrigan in particular able to dictate the pace of the game throughout. The opening quarter saw a shootout of the most thrilling kind, as the two sides traded blows in an end-to-end contest. Watene-Zelezniak opened things with a trademark diving effort, before he became the single season record holder for the Warriors with his 24th of the year after picking off a looping pass from Walsh and running 60 metres. In between that Billy Walters burrowed over, before the Broncos put on a clinic down their left edge to score through Herbie Farnworth, Jesse Arthars and add another through Walters, which came after Walsh burst through the line and linked with his dummy-half back through the middle of the field. Down 24-8 with 12 to play in the half, the Warriors had to be next to score and were, crossing through Marcelo Montoya after Adam Pompey was denied a set earlier but drew a penalty for a tackle off the ball. But with Pompey pushing a third conversion wide, what could have been a one-score deficit remained 12 points at the break. As it turned out the Broncos were far too good in the second half anyway, as things started to fall apart for the visitors, who had both Wayde Egan and Dylan Walker leave the field for HIAs which they passed and Pompey binned for a professional foul. Brisbane took full advantage to put the result beyond doubt with further tries to Jordan Riki and Ezra Mam, giving them a 24-point lead with 16 to play which allowed coach Kevin Walters to take Adam Reynolds and Walsh out of the game early. Even without their star No.7 on the field the Broncos kept the scoreboard ticking over with Farnworth grabbing his second of the night with 10 to play to confirm the final scoreline and set up a clash against the Panthers next Sunday at Accor Stadium. Source: NRL.Com

Papua New Guinean singer Danielle Morgan has been involved in the music industry since high school. After taking a break from the music scene for a decade, she returned stronger, competing, and becoming the first female artist to win one of the biggest music competitions in the Pacific region in 2022, ABC Pacific Break. According to Danielle, she draws emotions from music and personal experiences when it comes to writing songs. “The producer would play a track, and if I like the song, the lyrics will start coming in.” “But sometimes they don't, that's when I go back, sit down, and rearrange the words or I put in different words and so they rhyme.” One of her biggest pushes towards her returning to music was the emotional aftermath of her separating from her partner. “I felt very lost. I did not know who I was, at that point. I realized, I had identified as someone's partner, mother, daughter, I was someone to somebody, but no one to myself.” “When I realized, I didn't have to do that. I thought, what am I supposed to do now?” “So, I thought, let's go back to music and it really helped me to find myself again.” “A lot of people say that I’m their role model, but I don’t consider myself one.” “If you want to take away from my journey that I do to overcome hurdles, then go right ahead, but don't hold me to a level that even I can achieve.” “I am the same as everybody else. I am bound to make mistakes, that's part of being human.” Danielle performed on the opening night of Pacific Break 2023 alongside PNG-born Australian Artist Ngaiire, and ABC Radio Australia music host and Dj Hau Latukefu. She added, “If you're thinking of joining Pacific Break, please do so, it has done so many things for me and given me experiences and knowledge that I now implement.”

With their first runway coming up on October 21st, 2023, Kreativ Haus true to its word has created a platform with the intention of empowering local fashion designers and artisans and promoting Papua New Guinea’s rich artistic heritage through fashion and design. Kreativ Haus told PNGHAUSBUNG that the organization was formed by women who participated in a CUFA (Credit Union Foundation Australia) Business Accelerator Program workshop that took place at the Centre for Arts and Innovation, 8Mile from February to April of 2023. A new organization representing fashion designers and artisans as well as giving them a more sustainable option to meet their needs was founded because of a discussion among members who owned fashion and design SMEs. “Kreativ Haus was basically created by Fashion Designers, for Fashion Designers, and our mission is to take back and build on our space of the PNG Fashion Industry.” “We believe strongly in the ability of fashion and design to drive community growth, economic empowerment, and cultural expression.” “The talented Indigenous designers, artisans and makers who make up Kreativ Haus are committed to expressing the elegance, diversity and artistry of Indigenous fashion and design traditions.” The Kreativ Haus members include Dr Evangeline Maora, Felisha Kari, Dorecca Givagiva, Eileen-Hannah Bayagau, Rinnie Wartovo, Dr Eileen Totome, Esther Gebone, Gazellah Bruder, Theresa Yariyari, Vicky Keith, Stephie Saul and Ms Prisca Mauve. Joining Kreativ Haus Fashion Designer members include Kenny Ng (Guest Designer and Silver Sponsor of Kreativ Haus Runway 2023), Anna Amos (Guest Designer). Project managers of Kreativ Haus and all its planned projects include Yaku Ninich and Hannah Aria.

The APEC Haus in the city of Port Moresby will be coated in colours and culture as the Kreativ Haus Runway takes center stage on October 21st. The runway will showcase Papua New Guinea’s tribal cultures and heritage through fashion. With the noble goals of empowering regional fashion designers and artisans and promoting Papua New Guinea's rich artistic heritage, Kreativ Haus was recently founded. Despite being young, the organization is committed to supporting the development of indigenous talent, providing Papua New Guinean SMEs with sustainable opportunities, and improving the lives of their families. Kreativ Haus told PNG HAUSBUNG that the organization believes that by promoting local artists, they not only protect Papua New Guinea (PNG) cultural identity, but also stimulate the local economy. “We have a strong belief in the ability of fashion and design to promote community growth, economic empowerment, and cultural expression. The talented Indigenous designers, artisans, and creators who make up Kreativ Haus are committed to showcasing the elegance, diversity, and artistry of Indigenous fashion and design traditions.” In response to challenges the organization faced, Kreativ Haus stated that they do need more support in hosting their first runway event. “Currently the following organizations have come on board as our Sponsors: The Cosmopolitan Nightclub, Kenny PNG, Rangeview Plaza, The Stanley Hotel, Shady Rest Hotel, Hannah’s Beauty Box, Budget Rent-A-Car and just recently, Color Studios PNG. We are currently reaching out to potential sponsors and partners to not only help us host the runway, but to also help fund our workshops that will began in the month of February 2024”

Shaun Johnson's calf muscle is commanding far less attention at Warriors HQ this week, while at the Panthers and Storm hopes are high that they'll welcome back key playmakers for their preliminary final showdown. Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai and Storm No.7 Jahrome Hughes have been named to face each other on Friday night in Sydney after both taking part in team training on Sunday, but will need to pass through more demanding tests later in the week before they are declared certain starters. In Luai's case that is likely to include having to prove his injured shoulder can handle tackling some of his side's hulking middle forwards in an opposed session on Wednesday. His inclusion would be a huge boost alongside the likely return of centre Izack Tago from a pectoral complaint. Continuing to progress through running work will be the key to Hughes returning from the calf injury which ruled him out of week two, after saying on Monday that he "ran really well" at training on Sunday and was hopeful of taking part in Tuesday's session. But the Kiwi Test half admits the final call on his availability will likely have to be made by club medical staff, as was the case last week after he tried in vain to convince them he was OK to face the Roosters. "I was probably giving the physio a bit of a headache last week because I told him I was sweet, but he obviously didn’t think so," Hughes said. The thing that I don’t want to do is go out there underdone and [then] if I don’t get through the game it puts my team under pressure. Jahrome Hughes "I feel pretty good, but I will leave it up to our physios to decide what percentage I am at." If he isn't declared fit Tyran Wishart is almost certain to be the man handed the job at halfback again, after he impressed last week in a performance that included a brilliant solo effort for the opening try. One rep star who won't be present for Melbourne is Maroons wing Xavier Coates, who has failed to overcome a high ankle injury picked up in week one and is replaced by Reimis Smith. Forward Tui Kamikamica is named to play after undergoing a head injury assessment in the final 15 minutes of last week's match, but there's no Young Tonumaipea (facial cut) or Alec MacDonald (hamstring). The news is much better in Auckland, with coach Webster not anticipating any late changes despite Marata Niukore picking up a knee injury last week and the lingering concern over Johnson's calf. While he joined Niukore and Mitchell Barnett in missing parts of Tuesday's training, Johnson pulled up well the day after the game and is set to have a more settled week after only being declared fit to play the day before the game in week two. Josh Curran will be fine to play as well after dislocating his finger against the Knights. The Broncos have easily the healthiest roster among the remaining four sides, with forward Xavier Willison their only notable absentee, allowing Kevin Walters to field the same side who overpowered the Storm in week one of the finals. Source: NRL.com

Entertainer Visa class now has six visa types available online on the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICSA) website (www.ica.gov.pg) for the convenience of international artists, film makers, comedians, musicians and cultural groups. This was announced by the Minister for Immigration and Border Security, John Rosso recently. The visa classes available and accessible online include Film Maker (commercial & non-commercial), Comedian (commercial), Musician (commercial), Gospel Group (charity) and Cultural Group (charity). Minister Rosso said, the inclusion of six different visas available on the PNGICSA website allows international artists who want to come to PNG for entertainment-related purposes to apply online instead of the traditional paper lodgment. “The previous process required the entertainers to physically lodge their visa applications at the PNG diplomatic mission.” “This was unsuitable considering that the country does not have diplomatic representation in all countries.” “Entertainers are often on tour and in countries which might have missions for only a night or two. Finding time to submit applications in that manner was impractical.” He added that each of the visa types includes a migration service fee attached and holders are eligible for extensions. Rosso believes this new arrangement would allow PNG to bring in world class artists as well as develop local talent and promote the entertainment industry. Minister Rosso who is also Deputy Prime Minister stated that the government is advocating for digital transformation, and he supports PNGICSA’s efforts to digitize its services to ensure visitors have access to apply for visas in the comfort of their homes and travel to PNG without any needless delays.

With a healthy body and a consistent voice coming from the coaching box in 2023, Rocco Berry is beginning to show his true ability in the NRL arena. Since making his first-grade debut two years ago, Berry has worked under three different head coaches at the Warriors and had to overcome a range of injuries which have held him back. As a convert from rugby union who only switched codes at the end of 2018, he was also among those most impacted by the club's inability to field their own reserve-grade side during the pandemic. It's meant this season has been his first opportunity to play more than four NRL games in succession and since Round 11 he's been coach Andrew Webster's first-choice right centre. After getting the better of Origin star Bradman Best in their Finals Week Two clash – which included scoring a try and nailing the majority of his defensive assignments against the lethal left-side of the Knights – the 22-year-old said he’s gaining confidence every week from playing alongside veteran edge partners Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Shaun Johnson and Marata Niukore. [caption id="attachment_45365" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Warriors v Knights – Finals Week 2, 2023[/caption] “It’s just been good to play consistent footy, this is the most games I have played in a row by far and that plays a big part in form,” Berry told NRL.com. You build combos each week when you can play with the same players and that’s been huge. Each week I’m getting more reps and it builds confidence. Rocco Berry “Playing outside of Shaun and Marata has really allowed me to just do my job, which is to focus on kick chase and trying to give Dal the ball early and in good positions.” While his impressive effort to score in the 40-10 win over the Knights last Saturday was just his third try in 15 games this year, Berry has been in the thick of the attack as one of the main providers for prolific wing Watene-Zelezniak, who got over for his 22nd four-pointer of the season last week. But it’s on the defensive side that he’s been most impressive to date in 2023 and he will need to be at his very best again if he is to contain powerhouse Bronco Herbie Farnworth at Suncorp Stadium. Farnworth averages five tackle busts per game this year and has scored 13 tries in 24 appearances. “He’s a great player, a dangerous player who has really good carries,” Berry said of his opposite number this week. “When we played them earlier in the year he was a handful, so I am going to have to prepare well and make sure I am on my game. “But we think if we stay in our system our defence works against all attack. “I just can’t take a backwards step or be having any lapses in concentration.” The Warriors have a good recent record against the Broncos, with wins in two of their last four meetings, but have tasted victory at Suncorp Stadium just once in their past four visits. Source: NRL.com