A new community-led poultry project for helping children stay in school has been launched in Awasa Village in Huon Gulf District, Morobe Province.

The "Chicken for Learning" Project, established by villager Jetta Caleb, will use income earned from poultry farming to support students with school fees and other educational expenses.

Funded through the Santos Foundation Employee Benefit Small Grants Program, the work is the first of its kind in Huon Gulf District, combining sustainable livelihoods with education support.

The project will be managed by the Christian Outreach Centre (C.O.C.) Church Youth Ministry who will be responsible for raising, managing, and marketing the poultry.

This’ll aid young people develop practical skills in agricultural and business skills while helping fund education for future generations.

The first beneficiaries will be students attending Buakap Early Childhood Learning Centre and Busamang Primary School.

During the launch, Mr. Caleb said the project was created to provide long-term support for children rather than one-off assistance.

"Education changes lives. If we can create a sustainable project that continually supports our children to attend school while empowering our youths with practical skills, then we are investing in the future of our community.”

The official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Ward 15 Councillor Tom Boya and Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter.

Minister Peter praised Mr. Caleb's leadership, describing the initiative as an example of community-driven development that creates opportunities for young people while strengthening education and local ownership.

“I commend Mr. Jetta Caleb, for his vision and assure him of my support in helping expand this initiative wherever possible."

He also expressed his confidence in the future success of Mr. Caleb’s project, inspiring other communities to follow in similar initiatives.