The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) was started on ANZAC Day in 2003 by a group of kind Australians who wanted to help Papua New Guinea (PNG), One of these founders is Dr. Genevieve Nelson, who is now the CEO. The foundation was inspired by the brave actions of the Papua Infantry Battalion, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and Australian soldiers during World War II along the Kokoda Track. KTF was created to honor the special friendship and teamwork between PNG and Australia. At first, KTF helped students along the Kokoda Track by giving them scholarships for school. Over time, it started helping in more ways. Now, KTF works to improve education, health, fairness, and leadership in PNG. Today, KTF works in 18 out of PNG’s 22 provinces. Its programs help thousands of people every year, and it has offices in Oro, Central, Western, New Ireland provinces, and the National Capital District (NCD). One of KTF’s most important programs is the Archer Leadership Development Program. This program helps young people in PNG become great leaders who can make their communities better places to live. The Archer Leadership Development Program has been running for 15 years. Every year, it picks 11 amazing students who are in their last year of university. These students are chosen because they show they have the potential to become great leaders. The program gives these students the tools they need to succeed. It helps them grow their confidence, build new skills, and connect with people who can support their journey. This year’s group of Archer Leaders is made up of students studying different subjects from top universities in PNG. Here are their names and what they’re studying:

• Taine Kassman – Law, UPNG
• Vilousa Hahembe – Economics, UPNG
• Nabieu Lansana – Law, UPNG
• Issabelle Vilau – Masters in Economics, UPNG
• Denphil-Hunt Mitir – Law, UPNG
• Zeruiah Grammon – Law, UPNG
• Darrel Yockopua – Engineering Mineral Processing, Unitech
• Solange Dawana – Mechanical Engineering, Unitech
• Chelsea Paspalau – Fisheries & Marine Science, PNGUNRE
• Wallace Parimahi – Mining Engineering, Unitech
• Zaraleena Adamson – Mechanical Engineering, Unitech
• McBride Matai – Civil Engineering, Unitech

These students go through a year-long program that includes mentorship, work placements in PNG and Australia, tuition support, and projects that help their communities. KTF’s work through the Archer Leadership Development Program is about more than helping students. It’s about building a brighter future for PNG by investing in young people who will lead their communities. As KTF looks to the future, it invites more young people to become part of this incredible journey. Applications for the 2025 Archer Leadership Program are open now and will close on January 31st at 11:59 PM. If you or someone you know wants to apply, visit KTF’s website at www.ktf.ngo The Archer Leadership Development Program is proudly supported by the Fred P. Archer Trust (via Perpetual), Newmont, and Kina Bank. KTF continues to inspire hope, make positive changes, and build a stronger PNG for generations to come.