Kokoda Track Foundation’s (KTF) 2023 Archer Gathering saw 13 years of Archer alumni gathered for a 2 day event that’s focused on start-up social organizations and programs, collaboration and leadership.
The event saw a total of 41 participants.
The theme, “Ideas to Implementation,” focused on practical knowledge to inspire and motivate participants to turn ideas into action, fostering tangible and sustainable change.
The amazing young leaders worked on developing 4 organizations with an aim to improve social outcomes in PNG, including:
1. LITE (Learning IT education): improving digital literacy in rural PNG.
2. Elevate Equality Foundation: aimed at improving lives and outcomes for people living with a disability in PNG and influence disability policy change.
3. Art Activism PNG: using creative arts, theatre, dance and music to ignite minds, stir souls and paint a masterpiece of change to come.
4. Coastline Care: addressing climate change through the large-scale planting of mangroves to protect and conserve coastal areas, restoring reefs and food supplies.
On the last day of the gathering, groups presented to a panel of experts to pitch for prizes to help establish and formalize these organizations.
Prizes included a MacBook Air, consulting from Terri the Managing Director at Conversus Leaders, graphic design of a suite of logos, the build of a website, business books and Digicel credit.
2023 Archer Leader Getta Kamber said, it was a privilege to stand amongst great minds and people working together to bring about change within our community.
“Change begins with us and it starts with where we are and what we do.”
“Thank you KTF for a push to help us build such great ideas for implementation.”
She further stated that they were thrilled to be joined by special guests who inspired them over the gathering including Dame Carol Kidu (former Minister for Community Development and Founder and Patron of Ginigoada) John Wylie (CEO of PNGSDP), Roppe Uyassi (CEO, PNG Kina Bank) and Dan Baulch (Deputy Commissioner PNG ICAC).
The Archer Gathering is generously supported by Mundago Abroad; and the yearlong Archer program is generously supported by Newmont PNG, Kina Bank and the Fred P Archer trust managed by Perpetual Trustees.