Leaders and partners who played a role in bringing peace to Central Wantoat in Morobe province have been acknowledged for their commitment towards restoring hope and rebuilding communities after years of fear, division and displacement.The appreciation was highlighted during a peace and reconciliation ceremony where community representatives, church leaders, government officials and development partners, recognised the efforts of individuals and organisations that helped bring rival groups together.Community mediator Omin Erinu was acknowledged for stepping forward during the crisis period between 2022 and 2024 to help reconnect communities when communication had broken down.Mr. Erinu said he accepted the challenge because he saw families becoming divided and people losing trust in each other.“When the problem became serious, people stopped communicating. I decided to become a bridge so both sides could sit down, talk and find a peaceful solution,” he said.He thanked community members who supported the peace process and encouraged them to continue working together to protect the peace that had been restored.ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing was also recognised for the church’s role in supporting reconciliation and bringing spiritual guidance to affected communities.Pastor Kidabing said the church’s involvement was based on its responsibility to promote forgiveness, healing and unity.“The church must stand with people during difficult times. Peace requires forgiveness, understanding and a willingness to rebuild relationships,” he said.Representing the Markham District Development Authority, District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah acknowledged the commitment of all partners who contributed towards restoring stability in Wantoat.Mr. Noah said peace could only be achieved through cooperation between communities, government institutions, churches, and supporting organisations.He said the MDDA appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders and was committed to working with them to bring lasting stability and transformation to the area.Meanwhile, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation representative, Elijah Tuping, thanked the Wantoat peace committee for approaching the Foundation and allowing it to be part of the reconciliation journey.Mr. Tuping said the Foundation, established by Papua New Guinean musician and businessman Honlly Isaac, believed in supporting disadvantaged communities and creating opportunities through agriculture and social development programs.He said the Foundation had supported vulnerable groups, including juveniles, inmates and hospital patients, over the past five years and was ready to work with partners in Wantoat.“The vision is not only to respond to problems but to help communities rebuild and become productive,” Mr. Tuping said.The partnership between ELCPNG, the Department of Law and Justice Sector, Markham DDA and the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, is expected to support programs focused on changing mindsets, empowering young people and creating sustainable development opportunities in Wantoat.The ceremony marked a new beginning for communities once affected by conflict, with leaders calling for continued unity and cooperation to protect lasting peace.

A community once gripped by fear, suspicion and violence in Morobe is beginning a new chapter after a peace and reconciliation ceremony held on Friday.The event brought together divided communities determined to rebuild their future.Hundreds of people from Wantoat in the Leron Wantoat Local Level Government (LLG) area of Markham District gathered on Friday to witness what church leaders described as the beginning of a new era for the area.The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) led the ceremony at the Wantoat Evangelical Lutheran Church Circuit, where five parish congregations surrendered weapons and renounced alleged criminal activities associated with years of conflict sparked by sorcery accusations.The violence began in 2022 as allegations of sorcery spread through villages, causing neighbours to turn against one another.The conflict intensified in 2023 and reached its peak in 2024, resulting in killings, destruction of property and widespread fear that displaced families and disrupted government services.Residents avoided travelling freely while schools, health services and normal economic activities were affected.One of the people credited with helping restore calm is local young leader Omin Erinu, who returned to his village after completing his Advanced Bachelor of Management at the University of Goroka.Working alongside village elders, he helped establish a Peace and Reconciliation Team that encouraged dialogue, disarmament and mediation between rival communities.The initiative later received strong backing from ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing, whose leadership helped unite church and community leaders in pursuing reconciliation.Pastor Kidabing said Friday's ceremony symbolised more than the surrender of weapons; it represented the restoration of hope."We can now see a peaceful environment returning to Wantoat.People can once again live, work and move freely without fear," he said.He acknowledged the support of the Markham District Development Authority, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, the Law and Justice Sector and other partners who contributed to the peace process.During the height of the crisis, the Markham District Development Authority, under the leadership of Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, provided K100,000 to support police operations.The funding enabled members of the Special Services Division (SSD) to conduct a week-long operation aimed at restoring normalcy and also assisted the Peace and Reconciliation Committee in staging its first reconciliation ceremony last year.However, lasting peace only began to emerge through sustained dialogue led by church and community leaders.District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah was at the occasion delivered a speech and described the reconciliation as a powerful reminder that forgiveness and unity remain the strongest foundations for rebuilding communities.The church's next focus will be youth empowerment through agriculture, sports, community development and mindset transformation programmes to ensure peace is sustained across Wantoat.

While schools are primarily recognised for preparing students academically, a secondary school in the Morobe Province is taking an extra step by equipping young people with practical musical skills before they complete their formal education.Over the past nine years, the Markham Valley Secondary School in the Markham District has been offering students the opportunity to learn music apart from academic activities. Students are taught on playing electric instruments, stage presentations and sound system setups through a volunteer led program coordinated by self-taught musician, Jed Kayo.Although this is not part of the formal curriculum, the program has become an avenue for students to develop practical skills that could benefit them long after they leave the classroom.Kayo, who is also a former grade 12 student from the school, has been providing his services since establishing the program in 2017. His vision is to ensure students leave formal school with more than just academic qualifications."I want students to have another skill they can use after completing school," he said. "Not everyone will find formal employment or continue to university, but music and sound system skills can help them become useful in their respective local communities."Beginning with just ten students, the program has grown to 24 participants who meet outside normal schooling hours to learn keyboard, guitar, live singing, stage performance and the operation of electronic sound equipment.Students are also introduced to setting up public address systems, connecting amplifiers, mixers, speakers and microphones, giving them hands-on experience with equipment commonly used at church gatherings, cultural events, community functions and public ceremonies.Kayo, who learned these skills through years of self-study and practical experience, continues to volunteer his time and wants to see local communities filled with productive youths. He believes the greatest reward is seeing former students use what they have learned after leaving school.Several graduates have continued developing their musical talents while pursuing further studies, while others are involved in church worship teams, live sound engineering, studio recording and performances with established bands.Beyond music itself, the program encourages discipline, teamwork, commitment and self-confidence, which Kayo believes are equally important as students prepare for life beyond secondary school.He also acknowledged the support of the school administration for embracing a program that complements academic learning because without the school's encouragement, many students would never have had the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities.As schools across Papua New Guinea continue exploring ways to better prepare students for life after graduation, Markham Valley Secondary School's music program demonstrates that practical life skills can successfully complement classroom education.For the school, the goal is not simply to produce musicians. It is to help produce capable young men and women who would leave school equipped with confidence, practical skills and a willingness to contribute positively to the society. 

Student Enrolments from Markham District into tertiary institutions by 2027 and onwards are expected to rise following the signing of a scholarship Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) and the Secondary School.Education officials say the partnership will create an additional pathway for academically deserving students to pursue university education, complementing the district's existing scholarship programme.The agreement, signed during a visit by an IBSUniversity delegation to Markham Valley Secondary School on Tuesday, July 7, makes the school the first secondary school in Morobe Province to establish a formal scholarship partnership with IBSUniversity.Markham District Education Inspector Jacob Hosea said the district has already established a strong record of supporting students into tertiary institutions through its scholarship programme over the past five years.Mr. Hosea said district scholarship records for 2025 show that 173 students from the district's four high schools and one secondary school enrolled at five of Papua New Guinea's leading universities. Of those, 98 students enrolled at the University of Goroka, 21 at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 20 at the University of Papua New Guinea, 17 at Pacific Adventist University, and 17 at Divine Word University.He said Markham Valley Secondary School alone accounted for 74 students who progressed to tertiary institutions in the latest academic year, highlighting the school's contribution to the district's education achievements.Mr. Hosea said the new partnership with IBSUniversity is expected to increase those numbers by providing another scholarship avenue for students who may otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.According to the Morobe Provincial Education Office, Wantoat High School, Ragiampun Adventist High School and Markham Valley Secondary School are among the province's top-performing schools, reflecting the district's continued emphasis on quality education.School Principal Billy Kayo welcomed the partnership, describing it as a unique opportunity that would encourage students to work harder and aspire to university education."I have been in education for a very long time, and this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever heard about," Mr. Kayo said.According to the IBSUniversity administration, the scholarship programme is intended to widen access to higher education by recognising academic achievement and strengthening links between secondary and tertiary institutions.Education officials believe the new partnership will not only increase the number of Markham students entering university but also contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the district's long-term social and economic development.

The Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) has signed its first scholarship Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a secondary school in Morobe Province, paving the way for eligible students to further their studies.Students at Markham Valley Secondary School in Markham District now have an opportunity to pursue tertiary studies through the university scholarship programme.The agreement was formalised on Tuesday, July 7, during a visit by the University's delegation to school. Markham Valley Secondary School, located approximately 124 kilometres from Lae City, is one of Morobe Province's largest boarding schools, enrolling more than 1,800 students each year.The MoU establishes a partnership between the two institutions aimed at creating opportunities for academically deserving students to continue their education through degree programmes offered by IBSUniversity.Principal Billy Kayo welcomed the partnership, saying it would provide students with opportunities rarely available to secondary schools."I have been in education for a very long time, and this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever heard about," Mr. Kayo said.He said the partnership would encourage students to perform well academically and provide them with a clear pathway to higher education.Mr. Kayo also thanked IBSUniversity for selecting Markham Valley Secondary School as the first school in Morobe Province to enter into the scholarship partnership.According to the IBSUniversity administration, the agreement reflects the university's commitment to working closely with secondary schools to improve access to higher education for students across Papua New Guinea.The initiative is intended to recognise academic excellence while supporting students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for future careers.The signing ceremony was attended by members of the IBSUniversity delegation, school administrators, teachers and students.The partnership makes Markham Valley Secondary School the first secondary school in Morobe Province to enter into a formal scholarship agreement with IBSUniversity and is expected to create greater educational opportunities for future Markham and Morobe human resources. 

The Status of Education in the Markham District in Morobe province has rapidly transformed because of the good accessibility to basic services. District Education Inspector Jacob Hosea said Markham has improved a lot over the years by passing good number of students to tertiary institutions because of good support prioritize by District Development Authority (DDA) under the chairmanship of their Member for Parliament (MP), Koni Iguan. "We have produced a good number of students because we have teachers teaching in schools. ""Teachers fully spend time in classrooms because we have better road links throughout the district," Mr. Hosea said. Mr. Hosea said apart from road links, Markham has high schools in all Local Level Governments (LLGs) with a complement of secondary schools in the area unlike other districts in the province. He revealed that a good number of students are now in colleges and universities throughout Papua New Guinea basing on the data collection from last year's district scholarship. According to Morobe Provincial Education office, Wantoat High School, Ragiampun Adventist High School and Markham Valley Secondary School have been labeled as the top five performing schools in province. And according to the district scholarship data from last year (2025), 98 students have registered to study at the University of Goroka. 20 students registered at University of Papua New Guinea, 21 students registered at Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 17 students enrolled at Pacific Adventist University, and 17 students enrolled at Divide Word University. Markham Valley Secondary School on record passed a total of 74 students directly to tertiary institutions throughout the country. Schools in Markham are the only remote schools in Morobe competing strongly with schools in the capital, Lae city. 

Markham District Development Authority in Morobe, through the chairmanship of Member for parliament Koni Iguan has invested a capital funding to help a science student to venture into herbal medicine production within the district. A capital funding of K100, 000. 00 was presented by the MP to Allan Thompson on Sunday at Raginam village in Umi Local Level Government (LLG) council. Allan graduated with a Bachelor of Science major in biology and chemistry from Pacific Adventist University - PAU in 2023. After graduating, he established an herbal medicine firm known as Allan Thompson Herbal medicine and produced four different types of herbal medicine products. All his products were tested by the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medical Health and Science laboratory with the supervision of Dr. Martha Yahimbu. Patients throughout the country, including business background individuals and politicians testified that his products brought healing within days where the demand for his products got MDDAs attention. Iguan upon presenting the funding, commended young Allan for the humble approach he took to raise an initiative to work with locals in his own electorate. "You have that qualification to produce something that a company or a country would need outside of your own district but you've humbled yourself to come work with locals in your own electorate," "The DDA, under my chairmanship have recognized your humble approach and service linked to the communities in our district." "The DDA thus had resolved to assist following a request you made to help bring part of health care which is a major challenge country is facing, "Onga Wafa LLLG Council President Willie Simbisi who accompanied the MP with his colleague LLG presidents to witness the important presentation, also shared same statement saying such humble initiatives when linked to local communities would attract developments. He said when such key human resources go work with locals in their own communities would attract government at all levels to connect roads, bridges and schools needed in a ward or LLG which will in turn totally transform an electorate. Allan says the funding he got will help him to build a laboratory at his own village to conduct more research and testing on possible ways on identifying rightful solutions to herbal medicine production for use in Papua New Guinea. He added this could help bridge that gap of bringing together traditional herbal knowledge and modern testing and validation.Going forward, Alan would at least support and strengthen efforts to improve access to safe and reliable medicine in the country, especially by reducing pressure on imported supplies and encouraging more local solutions.

THE Lae District Court has dismissed an election petition challenging the victory of Ward 17 (Wafibampun) councillor in Atzera LLG, Markham District, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle. The petition, filed by Edward Nayut, sought to nullify the election of the sitting councillor following the 2026 local-level government elections. However, the court ruled in favour of the declared winner at 10:56am on May 26, 2026, dismissing the case on technical grounds. According to Morobe Provincial Administration Legal Unit lawyer Greg Guri, the petition failed to meet key legal requirements under Section 208 of the Organic Law on National and Local-Level Government Elections. “The petitioner failed to comply with the mandatory requirement of providing at least two witnesses and did not clearly specify the reliefs sought under the law,” Mr Guri said. He further added that the petitioner also failed to comply with the mandatory 40-day filing requirement as stipulated under the District Court Practice Rules 2008 and the National Court Election Petition Rules. The court found these omissions significant enough to dismiss the matter without proceeding to substantive hearing. Ward councilors Moxie Zigin was originally declared winner on primary count with 267 votes, ahead of former councillor Kenny Buagan, who secured 97 votes. Other candidates included Richard Andrew with 87 votes, Abi Moses with 46 votes, and petitioner Edward Nayut with 45 votes. In response to the ruling, the councillor expressed gratitude to supporters in Wafibampun village and across Atzera, acknowledging their continued backing throughout the legal process. “I sincerely thank my people for their unwavering support. I also acknowledge our church leaders for their prayers and my legal team for their commitment,” Zigin said. He added that balancing official duties while attending court proceedings had been challenging but remained committed to serving his ward and the wider Atzera community. The petitioner had named the council president of Atzera LLG, Moxie Zigin, as the first defendant, along with Electoral Commission Manager for Morobe, Simon Soheke, and other parties. With the case now concluded, the councillor has called on all stakeholders to move forward and focus on development priorities in Atzera.

Brazilian Coach, Marcus Gusmao has come out to clarify that his decision to resign from the semi-professional club Hekari United FC, was driven by unmet expectations, squad composition concerns and professional accountability following what he described as a campaign that went off track from the beginning.Speaking on his decision to step down, Gusmão made it clear that remaining in the role would not have aligned with his standards or original plans for the team. “Yes, things weren’t going to work out the way I thought, so the best decision was to leave. My expectations were disappointed,” Gusmão said. According to the outgoing coach, his vision required a more experienced roster capable of handling the intensity of regional tournament football. He had strong convictions that the squad that was assembled did not match the competitive demands of the competition. “Everything went wrong from the start; the club should have brought in players from the Papua New Guinea national team. The current group doesn’t have enough experience for a tournament like this,” he stated. Gusmão indicated that recruitment and selection decisions were not fully in his hands, suggesting misalignment between technical direction and final squad choices. “Yes, but the choice wasn’t mine — if you know what I mean,” he added. He said his professional reputation also weighed heavily in the decision to exit rather than continue under conditions he believed would not produce results. “There were many problems, and my reputation was at stake. It was best to leave,” he noted. Gusmão’s departure now shifts attention to how clubs align coaching authority, recruitment strategy, and competitive goals going forward.

In a country where many young people are left behind by the formal education system, Sepik FC Education Services, through its Haniak Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) Centre, is proving that community-based initiatives can offer a vital second chance for learners determined to complete their education.Despite limited resources and a small student cohort reaching national examination level in 2025, the Haniak FODE Centre recorded encouraging improvements in student performance, highlighting the importance of alternative education pathways in Papua New Guinea.Out of 20 students enrolled at the centre from Grades 7 to 12, only six students—two Grade 10s and four Grade 12s—were able to sit for the FODE National Examinations this year. According to Sepik FC Director for Sports and Education Services, Mr. Clarence Hukahu, the results reflect both the challenges facing FODE centres and the resilience of students who remain committed to learning.“Many of our students come to us after dropping out of the formal school system due to school fee difficulties, family responsibilities, or lack of access to secondary schools,” Mr. Hukahu said.He noted that although the number of examination candidates was small, the academic progress recorded by those who sat the exams was significant.“Students who previously recorded fails and basic passes in Grade 10, and D grades in Grade 12 subjects, improved by one to two grade levels. This shows that with consistent support and guidance, these students are capable of achieving better outcomes,” he said.The Haniak FODE Centre operates under Sepik FC Education Services, a program that integrates education development with sports and youth empowerment. Mr. Hukahu explained that the initiative is driven largely by community support, volunteers, and modest student contributions, rather than large-scale government funding."Our work is about giving young people another opportunity to continue their education. FODE is not an easy pathway, but it is often the only option available to those who missed out on mainstream schooling,” he said.Sepik FC Education Services has confirmed that the Haniak FODE program will continue in 2026, with fees expected to remain unchanged in order to remain affordable for students and families. The fee structure includes a K170 registration fee, K150 per subject for upgrading, K60 per subject for continuing students, K2 per hour for contact sessions, and K2 per assignment for assessment marking.Looking ahead, Sepik FC Education Services plans to expand its reach beyond Haniak. Plans are underway to extend education services to Koil Island to cater for students from the Southern Islands, as well as to establish similar support programs in Port Moresby.Mr. Hukahu said the expansion is aimed at reaching marginalized youths who are geographically isolated or unable to access formal secondary schools.“Education should not stop because of where a student lives or their financial situation. Our goal is to bring education closer to the people,” he said.He acknowledged the support of Sepik FC board members, volunteers, support staff, teachers, sponsors, parents, and community members, stating that their collective effort continues to sustain the program.As Papua New Guinea continues to reform its education system, initiatives such as the Haniak FODE Centre demonstrate how grassroots efforts can complement national policies by addressing gaps in access and retention—especially for students seeking a second chance to complete their education.“Always moving forward and onwards,” Mr. Hukahu said.

A local elementary school on the border of Nawaeb and Huon Gulf districts in Morobe Province is preparing to adapt to changes in the education system.Naromangki Elementary School, established in 1999, has a student population of 137 drawn from both districts.Through the commitment of the school board and administration, the school has progressed from bush-material classrooms to permanent buildings. Despite receiving small government subsidies, effective management has enabled steady infrastructure development.The school has also installed a solar power system and computer facilities to support administration and serve the surrounding communities.Teacher-in-Charge Satibe Som said subsidies for 2024 and 2025 had been combined, with K50,000 allocated to build a four-in-one, double-storey classroom.“This is in line with education reforms as the school prepares to operate as an Early Childhood Learning Centre,” he said.Managing Director of Henry Son Construction Limited, Hending Rafi, said the project would cost about K500,000 and could be completed within six months.He said the company had more than 20 years’ experience in the construction industry and was confident of delivering professional work but noted that additional funding support would be required to complete the project.

Wawin National School of Excellence in the Morobe Province has received an Internet Connection boost from DataCo PNG Limited during its 22nd graduation ceremony this year. Established in 2001, the school was privileged to announce the Internet connection at its graduation, which saw DataCo PNG Limited's General Manager Commercial, Une O' Ome, representing DataCo PNG Limited's Chief Executive Officer Paul Komboi, who was unable to attend as the keynote speaker. "I am also very proud to announce that DataCo PNG Ltd has launched a broadband Internet connection for Wawin National School of Excellence," O' Ome stated. "The school is now connected to the Internet through fiber optic technology." "This is something that we Papua New Guineans have dreamed of having access to in schools," O' Ome added. This positive news was shared in front of 127 graduating Grade 12 students, their parents, guardians, and key stakeholders present at the event. School Principal Mr. Pal Pu expressed gratitude to DataCo PNG Ltd for its long-term investment in the school. "Your investment is beneficial for our country, where everything is now transitioning into a digital system, and it is a timely investment," Pu remarked. "We have been planning to connect this school for years but were searching for ways to start." "You have come to answer our unanswered plans, which will have a great impact on nation building," Pu continued. Students’ representative co-president Hembesause Brendon thanked DataCo PNG Ltd for the investment, stating that future generations of students would benefit greatly. "On behalf of this year's students, I am very grateful for the best network the school has in connecting with this important partner in delivering quality education for the good of our country," Brendon said.