Students at Pirtop Elementary and Primary School now have a better place to learn, thanks to the opening of a new 4-in-1 classroom building, marking a big step forward for education in this remote island community.
The project, led by Pamili Ministry Inc. and supported through funding from the Puma Energy Foundation, will benefit more than 180 students from Pirtop and four nearby villages. For many families, the new classroom means their children can attend school in a safer, more comfortable setting—without having to travel long distances.
“This facility is a game-changer for children in the area,” said Licks Ramani, Technical Officer at Pamili Ministry Inc. “It’s more than just a building—it’s an opportunity for a brighter future.”
The journey to completion began in August 2024, when four staff members from Puma Energy’s Port Moresby office formed a Charity Committee—a volunteer group supported by the Puma Energy Foundation. Their first mission: to support the construction of a much-needed classroom for the children of Duke of York Island.
Despite challenges—such as transporting building materials by sea and sourcing timber all the way from New Ireland Province—the team pushed forward. Thanks to the strong collaboration between local volunteers, suppliers, and community leaders, the classroom was completed and officially handed over in April 2025.
The Puma Energy Foundation and Pamili Ministry Inc. extended heartfelt thanks to the Duke of York Local Level Government, local hardware suppliers, and especially the hardworking youth from the area who helped make the project a success.
Now standing proudly in the heart of Pirtop, the new classroom is more than just walls and a roof—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when communities and partners come together to invest in education and the next generation.