More than 700 students of Kiunga Secondary School in the North Fly District of Western Province have been encouraged to read more books to improve both their oral and written communication skills. During the school’s National Book Week celebration held on August 8th, 2025, students were reminded that books play a crucial role in learning, as they are a vital part of literature that educates and empowers. To mark the 45th anniversary of National Book Week, the school organized a range of educational and creative activities aligned with the theme, “Reading our past and transforming our future.” These included a character parade, riddles, quizzes, spelling bee, poetry recitals, essay writing, and a debate. Students actively participated in these events, showcasing their talents in indoor activities that inspired them to read more. The experience aimed to help them expand their thinking capacity and gain a deeper appreciation for literature. Speaking at the event, the school’s Head of English Department, Ms. Joanne Vaninara, motivated students by highlighting the benefits of reading. “I discourage you to hold onto your phone most of the time. Book is the one that makes or gives you a lot of English vocabulary.” “It will help you write well and speak fluently. Let’s continue to read books as it has the power to transform our lives.” She further emphasized that books are the store of knowledge and it is a powerful tool for learning, entertainment and personal development. Classes continued as normal during the morning, after which students spent the rest of the day participating in Book Week celebrations, demonstrating the educational and personal value of reading. Meanwhile, Head Boy Kiapin Heron, also shared his thoughts on how students can develop their English language skills. “The society that we live in also contributes to how we speak and write. If we live in community that speak English, we can speak fluently and write well.” “We students are happy to celebrate in this National Book Week so that we can continue to learn more new things.” To recognize student participation, awards were presented to representatives from Grades nine to twelve who excelled in classroom activities like the spelling bee, poster creation, and debate. As the school nears the end of the term, the administration reminded students, particularly those in Grades ten and twelve, to take care of their well-being during the upcoming holiday. These students are preparing for their national examinations, scheduled for October 6th to 17th this year.

Papua New Guinea will mark a major milestone next week with the 2025 PNG Update, a high-level national conference commemorating fifty years of independence. The event, themed “Papua New Guinea at 50: past, present and future,” will be held on the 21st–22nd of August at the University of Papua New Guinea’s Waigani campus in Port Moresby. The Golden Jubilee conference is jointly hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the Australian National University (ANU), and is expected to draw over 1, 000 participants including national leaders, civil servants, diplomats, academics, students, and members of the judiciary. Prime Minister James Marape will officially open the two-day conference, which will begin with a series of keynote addresses reflecting on the country’s post-independence journey and setting the tone for the next fifty years. Distinguished speakers will include Dr. Fr. John Momis, widely regarded as the architect of PNG’s Constitution and former President of Bougainville, as well as Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Ewen McDonald. Prominent national figures such as former Treasurer Bart Philemon, former Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel, Dame Carol Kidu, Dr. Thomas Webster, and Dame Jean Kekedo will also lead plenary sessions on topics ranging from the economy and governance to foreign relations. The second day will feature more than twenty sessions exploring issues critical to PNG’s development, including gender-based violence, climate change, mining and agriculture, health policy, digital transformation, and election reform. Ahead of the main event, a special book launch will take place on the evening of Wednesday 20 August. Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey will unveil Struggle, Reform, Boom and Bust, a new economic history of PNG co-authored by ANU and UPNG scholars. The launch will be held at 5:30pm at UPNG's School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP) Lecture Theatre 2. The 2025 PNG Update is open to the public and does not require prior registration. Attendees can check in at the welcome desk outside the New Lecture Theatre on arrival. The event will also be livestreamed via UPNG’s official Facebook page. Professor Stephen Howes, Director of the ANU Development Policy Centre, said that every PNG Update is important, but this year’s event is particularly significant as the country celebrate fifty years of nationhood. Meanwhile, Dr Lawrence Sause, Executive Dean of UPNG’s School of Business and Public Policy, added that this event also marks UPNG’s own 50th anniversary as PNG’s leading national university. “It’s a chance to reflect not only on our national journey, but also on how institutions like UPNG have contributed to shaping the country.”

The Education Department has confirmed that the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) funding for schools for the third quarter (Term 3) has been fully processed and paid out, with approximately K220 million disbursed to support education across the country. Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra clarified during a recent discussion that the second quarter payments were made some time ago, countering earlier reports suggesting delays. The third quarter payments began processing last week and were completed earlier on the 7th August. “We’ve received the full warrant for Term 3, and the total amount—around K211 million—has been released. If you include rounding, it's close to K220 million. All schools should now be receiving their funds,” said Dr. Kombra He said, the funding process follows a structured pathway: the Treasury issues a warrant, authorizing expenditure, which is then handled by the Department of Finance. Once finance verifies available cash flow from national revenue, the funds are allocated accordingly. “When the cash comes from revenue, finance releases the money, and we pay the schools,” Dr. Kombra explained. “So far, we’ve received warrants for the entire school year. As long as the funds are available, payments continue,” he said. While schools have been receiving their quarterly payments, occasional delays have been acknowledged and attributed to the timing of cash flow availability within the Department of Finance. “Delays do cause disruptions, but we are working closely with finance to ensure smoother and faster delivery in future quarters.” The full funding for Term 4 is also covered under the current warrant, pending release as cash becomes available.

In response to the resurgence of the deadly poliovirus in Papua New Guinea (PNG), UNICEF and the Government of PNG have launched a nationwide vaccination blitz to immunise nearly three million children against polio, measles, and other preventable diseases. Speaking at the launch ceremony at New Erima High School in Port Moresby, UNICEF PNG Representative Dr Veera Mendonca delivered an urgent message to parents and caregivers across the country. “The goal is urgent and clear: to vaccinate nearly three million children under the age of 10 before the virus can spread further and destroy their futures.” The campaign, led by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and other partners, will run from the 11th to 26th August across seventeen mainland provinces. These include Morobe, Madang, West Sepik, East Sepik, the National Capital District, and others identified as high-risk due to low immunisation rates. “This campaign is about one thing and one thing only; reaching every single child, no matter where they live.” Health authorities launched the emergency effort after the poliovirus was detected in Lae City in Morobe Province, through surveillance of sewage samples and in three asymptomatic children, strong indicators of community transmission. PNG, which had previously been certified polio-free, is now confronting a dangerous decline in routine immunisation coverage. “Technical specialists in immunisation, cold chain, advocacy, and social and behaviour change are working alongside national and provincial authorities to ensure the campaign reaches every child, including those in hard-to-reach areas.” In addition, UNICEF is providing critical support, including oral polio vaccines, cold chain infrastructure, and technical guidance for planning and delivery. The campaign also integrates routine vaccinations to protect against other diseases, further strengthening PNG’s public health defences. “UNICEF is also supporting community engagement activities to raise awareness and encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children.” Meanwhile, the Government has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre and committed resources to support the rapid rollout in which Dr Mendonca praised the swift and decisive action. “We commend the Government of PNG for responding with urgency, making the necessary funds available, and showing the leadership needed to protect every child.” “Polio can take away a child’s future in an instant, but we can stop it. We have the experience, we have the partnerships, and most importantly, we have the will.” Moreover, she emphasised that the success of the campaign will depend not only on policy and logistics, but on the collective effort of communities nationwide. “The heart of this battle is not in offices; it is in schools and in communities. It is with mothers, fathers, local leaders, health workers, pastors, teachers, and students.” With one of the youngest populations in the world, Papua New Guinea faces both a challenge and an opportunity. “PNG is blessed with one of the youngest populations on earth.” “To reap the fruits of this demographic dividend, children must grow up healthy.” While some provinces have shown strong performance in immunisation efforts, others are significantly lagging behind. Dr Mendonca expressed hope that this campaign would mark a turning point. “Some provinces are already doing reasonably well when it comes to immunisation, but some others are woefully behind. This campaign is going to change that once and for all.” “This is not just a campaign, let it be a turning point for the children of Papua New Guinea.”

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has officially announced that the second player transfer window for the 2025 Premier Soccer League season will open on Monday, 18 August 2025, and close on Monday, 1 September 2025. This window allows participating clubs to:         Register and de-register players          Facilitate player movements between clubs within the league          Recruit players from other federations, subject to FIFA’s International Transfer Management System (TMS)regulations Important Notes for Clubs:          Transfer Documentation: All transfers must be accompanied by a signed transfer          document, approved by both the releasing and receiving clubs.          Advance Preparation: Clubs are encouraged to prepare all transfer paperwork early          to avoid last-minute issues.          International Transfers: Incoming players from overseas federations must comply          with FIFA’s TMS transfer periods.          Squad Limit: The Master List remains capped at 30 registered players.          Transfer Limit: A maximum of five (5) transfers is allowed during this window,          including players not previously registered with another franchise club.          Transfer Fees: ·         Current Senior National Players: K1,000 per player ·         Other Players: K500 per player         Payments are to be made to the National Soccer League BSP Account.          Required Forms: All clubs must use the official Transfer Form provided by the Competitions Department, and attach: o   Letter of Release from the releasing club, or o   Letter of Request from the requesting club          Submission Deadline: Updated Master Lists must be emailed to the Competitions Department by Monday, 1 September 2025, before 11:59 PM. Competition Update:         First Round concludes after Round 11 on 23 August 2025.          The competition will then take a two-week break.          Second Round resumes with Round 12 on 13 September 2025. PNGFA urges all clubs to strictly adhere to the transfer window deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth transition into the second half of the 2025 season.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) have announced that Round 18 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup will be named "Round for Ray" to support WNBPG Kimbe Cutter player Ray Amos. Amos sustained a serious neck injury in Round 5 of the competition while scoring a try just four minutes into the first half. He is currently at Port Moresby General Hospital receiving rehabilitation. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina and Performance and Pathway General Manager Tony Archer have visited Amos and his family to inform them of the decision. According to Hondina, PNGRFL and PNG NRLC have been providing support since the injury occurred, and Amos's condition has improved. "We would like to acknowledge the hard-working doctors and nurses at Port Moresby General Hospital for their expertise," Hondina said. The "Round for Ray" initiative will be held at all Digicel ExxonMobil venues in Minj, Rabaul, Lae, Goroka, and Port Moresby city. Fans will have the opportunity to make donations at these locations. A bank account has also been established to assist Amos with medical bills and related expenses. Donation details will be released on Friday, August 15th, 2025.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has announced a revised match schedule for the ongoing PNGFA Futsal League 2025. Effective immediately, matches will now be played twice a week — every Monday and Thursday. This scheduling change follows consultation with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Competitions Department and is necessary to conclude the league earlier than planned. The adjustment will allow PNGFA to identify the national champion and submit the final squad list for the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 no later than 12 September 2025. The upcoming OFC tournament will mark a historic first, with PNGFA’s inaugural futsal champion club representing the country at the regional level. The league was initially scheduled to run through October. However, ending the competition earlier avoids a number of preparation challenges ahead of the OFC tournament in Fiji this November, including:  Finalizing and processing passports for players and officials Securing funding for travel, accommodation, meals, and insurance Managing leave arrangements for players and staff from work, school, and home Preparing full sets of team uniforms (including goalkeepers and bibs) in line with OFC requirements PNGFA thanks all clubs for their continued support, cooperation, and professionalism throughout this first-ever national futsal competition. Your participation has made history for the sport in Papua New Guinea. PNGFA also appreciates the encouragement and recognition from OFC, acknowledging this major step in the development of futsal in PNG.

The Papua New Guinea U16 Men’s National Football Team has departed Port Moresby today for Honiara, Solomon Islands, to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship, the official qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mathew Witu, the 23-man squad will proudly represent PNG on the regional stage. Their mission: to claim one of the two qualification spots available for next year’s World Cup, a feat that would mark a historic first for PNG’s men’s youth football. Coach Witu expressed his confidence in the team’s readiness and stated, “Our boys have put in the work and are ready to compete. This is an opportunity not just to represent the country, but to make history. We’ll give it everything we have.” PNG Football Association President John Kapi Natto, who officially farewelled the team on Friday, offered words of inspiration: “You can rewrite our history by creating your own history and qualify for the U17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar 2026.” In the lead-up to the tournament, the team has undergone a rigorous preparation program, including technical drills, tactical simulations, strength training, and team-building exercises. The PNGFA technical team and staff from PNG High-Performance Sport have worked closely with the players to ensure they are in peak condition for competition. The OFC U16 Men’s Championship begins this Friday at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. PNG has been drawn into a competitive group alongside Melanesian rivals Fiji, as well as the Cook Islands and Tahiti. PNG U16 Fixtures – Group Stage Venue: Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara Match 1: PNG vs Cook Islands | 17/08/25 | 12:00pm (11:00am PNG time) Match 2: PNG vs Tahiti | 20/08/25 | 12:00pm (11:00am PNG time) Match 3: PNG vs Fiji | 23/08/25 | 3:00pm (2:00pm PNG time)

As part of its ongoing commitment to support health and wellbeing within Papua New Guinea’s justice system, Pacific International Hospital (PIH) conducted free eye screenings for members of the judiciary during a retreat held at Loloata Island Resort on 5 August 2025. The screening was part of the Judicial Wellness Initiative, a collaborative effort between PIH and the Papua New Guinea Judiciary aimed at promoting long-term health among judiciary staff. A total of 24 Judges and their spouses benefited from the service, which focused on the early detection of vision issues and raising awareness about preventive eye care. PIH General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Mr. Shadab Anwar Siddiqui said, “We’re proud to continue supporting the PNG Judiciary through targeted wellness programs. Our collaboration ensures that staff working in vital sectors like the judiciary have access to preventive and quality healthcare services.” The initiative follows the success of International Judicial Well-being Day, held on 25 July 2025 at the Waigani Court Grounds. During that event, PIH provided free basic health checks to over 200 staff members from the National Judicial Staff Services (NJSS), including blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI assessments. The Judicial Wellness Initiative highlights a growing recognition of the importance of preventive healthcare in sustaining an effective and resilient judiciary. Both PIH and the judiciary have pledged to continue working together to deliver accessible and high-quality health services for legal professionals across the country. “The Judicial Wellness Initiative reflects the shared commitment of PIH and the Papua New Guinea Judiciary to promote health and wellness among its workforce,” Mr. Siddiqui added.

In a powerful show of unity and commitment, the World Health Organization joined the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners at New Erima Primary School in Port Moresby to launch a nationwide campaign to protect children from the threat of polio. This vital initiative marks a bold step forward in safeguarding the health and future of the country’s youngest generation. Speaking at the launch, Dr Masahiro Zakoji, on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Papua New Guinea, emphasized the significance of the campaign. “This moment represents more than just a public health initiative; it is a bold step forward in our shared mission to secure the health and future of Papua New Guinea’s youngest generation.” Since May 2025, PNG has been responding to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), with over 31 detections confirmed through environmental and community surveillance. While no cases of paralysis have been reported, the risk of further transmission remains high due to low routine immunization coverage and the difficulty of reaching children in remote and underserved areas. The campaign is being rolled out across all provinces with a targeted approach: Mainland Provinces (17 high-risk areas): Two rounds of vaccination using both the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). New Guinea Islands Provinces (5 lower-risk areas): A single round of IPV. To maximize impact, the campaign also integrates routine immunization and essential child health services, including vitamin A supplementation and deworming. WHO is working hand-in-hand with the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners to ensure the campaign’s success. Key contributions include: Supporting the development of the outbreak response plan, immunization guidelines, and tools. Training over 100 provincial trainers, who will cascade knowledge to more than 5,000 vaccinators, 3, 000 social mobilisers, and 900 supervisors. Deploying 20 consultants to provinces to support campaign implementation and strengthen polio surveillance. Enhancing surveillance systems and providing operational support to vaccination teams, especially in resource-limited areas. The campaign is made possible through the unwavering support of health development partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), UNICEF, Gavi, and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. Their contributions are vital to achieving high immunization coverage and building resilient health systems across the country. Dr Zakoji concluded with heartfelt thanks to the health workers, community leaders, and partners whose tireless efforts are making this campaign possible. “Your dedication is the driving force behind our progress. Together, we can achieve a polio-free future for Papua New Guinea.”

South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture and community by partnering with the Enga Cultural Show Committee. The brewery donated K5,000 to support the 31st Enga Cultural Show, which commenced on Friday 8th and ending tomorrow, Sunday 10th August at John Siki Oval in Wabag. The annual show is one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic cultural festivals, celebrating the unique heritage and traditions of the Enga Province. SP Brewery’s External Affairs Manager, Luke Beliga, expressed the company’s pride in supporting the event. "SP Brewery is happy to support the 31st Enga Cultural Show. We believe this event will continue to promote the culture of Enga, foster a safe and peaceful community, and boost tourism in the area. This show aligns with our core purpose of fostering the joy of true togetherness, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring communities together and showcase the diverse culture of this country,” Beliga stated. Chairlady of the Enga Show Committee, Margaret Potane, thanked SP Brewery for its contribution. “We thank SP Brewery for supporting this show. It reflects their commitment to preserving our culture, and the embracing spirit of togetherness that this show represents,” Potane said. SP Brewery’s support for the Enga Cultural Show reflects its ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility and its efforts to back local events that promote unity, diversity, and cultural pride across Papua New Guinea.

The United States Department of Defense’s Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) has launched new recovery missions across Papua New Guinea, running from July 12 through September 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate American service members missing from World War II. The DPAA has been active in Papua New Guinea since 1978, seeking to account for the approximately 3,300 U.S. personnel who went missing in the country during the war. This year’s missions focus on areas within Madang, Morobe, East New Britain, and Oro provinces, where significant WWII battles occurred. DPAA teams are working closely with a wide range of partners including the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG), the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), and local and provincial leaders in the targeted regions. “DPAA is grateful for Papua New Guinea’s continued support in the search for our missing,” said Captain Cole Euverard, mission lead. “Every mission brings us closer to accounting for our nation’s heroes and bringing them home to be laid to rest by their families.” He added that without the ongoing assistance from PNG’s institutions and communities, the recovery efforts would not be possible. The DPAA's global mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of U.S. personnel missing in action from past conflicts. Their investigation and recovery teams operate worldwide, including in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Europe, searching for those still unaccounted for. These latest missions reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea, rooted in a shared history and mutual respect for the sacrifices made during World War II.