Christmas came early for an exciting group of early learners today at the Dame Carol Kidu Early Learning Centre at Taurama Tutu Bay just outside the nation’s capital, when they were gifted with new reading books.The United States’ State Department, through the Asia Foundation, generously funded the distribution of children’s books to Taurama and surrounding communities across Papua New Guinea. These titles where written and illustrated by PNG & Pacific Island authors for Pacific Islanders, emphasizing the nation’s shared values and telling stories that will motivate young readers and encourage the love of reading. United States Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock and the Asia Foundation formally presented the books to 10 communities at a reading event held at the Dame Carol Kidu Early Learning Centre. “Thank you to the parents and community leaders for supporting this event. These books will be loved for years to come, helping children to become principled, engaged, and responsible members of your communities who uphold the values you hold most dear, such as the freedom of religion and the freedom to practice one’s faith,” said U.S. Ambassador Yastishock. “ This initiative brings together Pacific communities, local creatives, and community partners. Let's Read supports broader goals of improving early learning, nurturing cultural understanding, and expanding access to children’s literature created by and for Pacific communities. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Kidu family, Lana Davina thanked all partners for their support and for donating a vital resource that will contribute to the learning and development of each child at the centre. Through this program, over 12,000 books will be distributed to schools and community partners across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The books are also translated into languages spoken across the region so to also preserve language and culture. In addition to print distribution, all titles are now available on the Let’s Read digital library, home to more than 15,000 free children’s books in over 70 languages at letsreadpacific.org. Download the Let’s Read app on any Android or iOS smartphone or tablet to access the full collection offline. The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby is proud to support the distribution of books to communities across Papua New Guinea, increasing access to educational materials while celebrating the shared values of the United States and Papua New Guinea.

Kopkop College has surged into Papua New Guinea’s top ten private schools, crediting its success to a “positive school culture” rooted in confidence, respect, and excellence, according to Lower Secondary Principal Frederick Raka.The school secured fifth place in the 2025 Grade 12 exams and third in Grade 10, marking a milestone for the institution founded by Dame Maria Kopkop. From kindergarten to secondary levels, Kopkop fosters a family-oriented environment where students freely explore, make mistakes, and learn through practical projects, presentations, and hands-on activities. “We build around values of confidence, respect, and excellence,” Raka said. “Consistency in student discipline and values comes through guidance sessions, lessons, and student presentations.” “One of the things that enhances learning is a school culture of always striving to do better.” Guidance sessions motivate students to set personal goals, with teachers providing academic feedback and reinforcing expected values. Extracurricular trips within and beyond the city further boost engagement, alongside strong parental involvement through regular conferencing to track progress and align on school expectations. Moreover, Raka highlighted growth in project-based learning for subjects like Science, Math, and Social Studies, plus reading programs, quizzes, spelling bees, and public speaking. An internal grade point average (GPA) system pushes students to exceed targets, building resilience. Looking to 2026, the school plans enhanced remedial programs, curriculum delivery, and staff reporting. Raka admitted that it is a huge challenge and praised the teachers while calling for unified support from parents, students, and staff to uphold the school’s ethos. Furthermore, he urged parents to keep children at Kopkop for senior secondary to ensure stability and stronger outcomes. “This achievement has brought great pride to our school community- parents, board, students, and staff- as partners in this journey.”

Thirty-three women from the JT Kaugere Women’s Association in Moresby South, have become the first recipients of passbooks for business accounts with Mama Bank following a three-day Financial Literacy Training by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR).The certification ceremony marked a milestone in promoting financial inclusion for unbanked populations. In total, 123 participants across Papua New Guinea benefited, including 59 women from Lae in Morobe Province, and 31 from Mt Hagen in Western Highlands Province. DFCDR Director for Program Development Mr. George Kulisi, represented Secretary Jerry Ubase at the event. He praised the Kaugere women for their engagement and urged them to prioritize regular savings. “This training empowers communities to build financial resilience,” Kulisi said. Participants hailed the program for highlighting the value of budgeting and saving. They pledged to spread the knowledge to family members, children, and fellow community women, fostering a broader culture of financial responsibility. In addition, two student interns from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) attached to DFCDR’s Media Section, also received certificates. Ms. Tziyon Mogu described the experience as a “privilege,” adding that she and her colleague plan to share the lessons with peers at school and in their home communities. Meanwhile, Mama Bank Port Moresby Branch Manager Evelyn Charlie advised against letting accounts sit idle. “Save consistently to watch your accounts grow.” In a related development, DFCDR announced a new initiative offering insurance coverage to all participants in the informal economy through its ongoing Financial Literacy Training programs.

A total of 124 new officers from the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) have successfully completed the National Certificate II in Government (Public Service Induction) program.The one-week mandatory training, held from October 27 to 31, was facilitated by the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). The program aims to equip new public servants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in the public sector. The officers, recruited both internally and externally under the Department’s current restructure, received training on public service systems and procedures, and were introduced to their roles and responsibilities, as well as workplace ethics, values, and codes of conduct. Speaking on behalf of Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase, Human Resource Managing Director Mr. John Limbou congratulated the inductees and encouraged them to put into practice what they have learned in their respective roles. SILAG Program Manager Mr. Jack Kwa also commended the participants and thanked Secretary Jerry Ubase and DFCDR for continuing to partner with SILAG in building the capacity of public servants. The training concluded with the officers signing an Oath of Loyalty and receiving their certificates during a presentation ceremony at the SILAG campus.

Telikom Limited, through its subsidiary Media Niugini Limited (EMTV), has entered into a landmark partnership with the Papua New Guinea Sports Federation to broadcast all sporting codes across the country. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Telikom Limited Board Chairman Mr. Cedric Rondoke expressed his gratitude to the Minister for Sports and the Federation for making the partnership possible, describing it as a historic milestone for both the company and the nation. “For a long time, we at EMTV have been seeking partnerships, especially to broadcast sports,” Mr. Rondoke said. “Sports in PNG are played by everyone — men, women, children, young and old. This agreement gives us the opportunity to showcase all of these through our network.” The new agreement will allow EMTV to broadcast more than 18 different sports disciplines, marking the first time such a comprehensive arrangement has been made between the state-owned media company and the PNG Sports Federation. Mr. Rondoke commended the Federation for developing a new broadcasting policy that enables the partnership, calling it a “special policy” and the first of its kind. He added that while the agreement is initially for three years, both parties intend for it to continue long-term, with improvements made along the way to align with international standards. “We will fine-tune the policy to meet global requirements for each sport. This is the beginning of a continuous partnership between the media and the sports community in PNG.” The Telikom Chairman also emphasized the company’s broader commitment to public service, noting that profitability is not always the primary goal. “Whether we make money or not, that is secondary,” Mr. Rondoke said. “Our focus is to ensure everyone has access to the services and facilities owned by Telikom — including EMTV. This partnership is for the people of this country.” Mr. Rondoke highlighted EMTV’s strong national reach, boasting over four million viewers, and reaffirmed that sports broadcasts will remain free-to-air, ensuring access for all Papua New Guineans. “You don’t have to pay for it — it’s free. It’s for the people,” he stated. Looking ahead, Mr. Rondoke said the Telikom Group envisions “bigger and better things” by 2026, using this partnership as a foundation to elevate sports coverage and national pride. He concluded by thanking the PNG Sports Federation and the Minister for Sports for their leadership and collaboration. “This is a milestone moment,” he said. “We hope it sets the foundation for even greater achievements in the years to come.” 

PNG LNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says his side has learned key lessons from last week’s performance and is ready to deliver a stronger showing when they face Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championships this weekend.Coming off a tough opening-round match, Demetriou said the short turnaround between games posed its challenges, but the team has used the week to sharpen their focus. “It’s always difficult when you’re the second weekend — we saw that with the Samoa-Tonga game,” he said. “We took some good learnings out of our performance. We need to control the ball better, especially in the heat, because fatigue catches up and it costs you points.” Demetriou confirmed a few squad changes aimed at adding size and versatility through the middle third. Rising winger Dudley Dotoi will make his official debut after impressing in the PM’s XIII, while Valentine Richard returns to bring added aggression up front. “Dudley’s earned his debut. He’s had an outstanding season and deserves his chance,” Demetriou said. “Val gives us a bit more punch in the middle, and Rob Matty’s inclusion on the bench gives us that versatility we need. Overall, I’m pretty happy with how the squad is shaping up.” The Kumuls coach was frank about the need for improvement in key areas, particularly ball control and defensive execution. “We were only at 55% completion in the second half last week,” he explained. “To defend well, we’ve got to hold the ball and finish our sets in good areas. The heat and fatigue make it tough when you’re defending too much even the best players will concede points under that kind of pressure.” Demetriou said he expects a physical battle through the middle against Fiji but believes PNG can turn that challenge into an advantage if they stick to their plan. “If we can put Fiji in the areas we want and get our aggression on, we can really trouble them. We showed some strike last week and I’d love to see Gairo get more ball and show what he can do.” With several key players unavailable, including Jeremiah Simbiken, Roderick Tai, and Elijah Rottenger, Demetriou said the experience gained by younger players this year will be vital heading toward the 2026 World Cup. “This is about getting players ready for the World Cup,” he said. “We’ve got to think bigger. We want to have our best-ever World Cup. Dudley’s earned his debut, Rob’s consistent and dependable, and both bring great energy to the team.” Demetriou reaffirmed his commitment to coaching the Kumuls through to the 2026 World Cup, calling it an “absolute privilege” to lead the national side. “I love this job. It’s an honour to represent PNG and Rugby League in this nation,” he said. “We’re celebrating 25 years since the 2000 team won its first game on foreign soil and that’s an achievement, we’re proud of, and it reminds us of what’s possible.” The coach praised the passionate home fans at Santos National Football Stadium, saying their energy makes a real difference. “I don’t know if there’s a better crowd in the world,” he said. “By kick-off last week the stadium was packed, and the energy was electric. When we play that Kumuls style of footy — fast, aggressive, and exciting — it brings the crowd alive.” Demetriou also highlighted the need to contain Fiji’s offload game, led by the dynamic Viliame Kikau, while continuing to develop PNG’s own attacking combinations. “Fiji’s second-phase play is dangerous, so we’ve got to stay connected in defence. But if we stick to our game and get players like Gairo involved, we can really show what this team’s about.”

Veteran striker Raymond Gunemba has been named captain of the Papua New Guinea Kapuls as they prepare to defend their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title on home soil next month. The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) today announced the four national squads that will represent the country at the upcoming tournament, which runs from November 10 to 22, 2025, in Port Moresby. The event will feature the fourth edition of the Men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup alongside the inaugural Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, marking a historic step for football in the Melanesian region. Matches will be played at the Sir John Guise Stadium and PNG Football Stadium, with additional exhibition games scheduled at Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium on November 16, bringing the excitement to fans in Morobe Province. Papua New Guinea will compete in four divisions: - Men’s Senior National Team (Kapuls) – defending champions after their 2024 victory in the Solomon Islands - Women’s Senior National Team – participating in the first-ever Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup - Men’s Development Team (U23) - Women’s Development Team (U20) Gunemba, one of PNG’s most experienced and respected players, will play a crucial leadership role in guiding the Kapuls as they aim to retain their title before a home crowd. His inclusion highlights PNGFA’s strategy of blending experience with emerging talent. PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said hosting the tournament and fielding four national teams reflects the nation’s growing strength and depth in football. “It is an honour for PNG to host the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup and to see our men defending their title on home soil under the leadership of one of our most respected players,” said Kapi Natto. “This tournament also marks a historic milestone for women’s football in Melanesia, with the launch of the inaugural women’s competition.” The national squads will assemble for training camps in the coming week under the supervision of the PNGFA Technical Department.

The PNG LNG Kumuls delivered a dominant performance securing a decisive victory over the Cook Islands Aitu in their Pacific Championship clash with a last minute try from rising Kumuls star, Gairo Voro.The match on Saturday afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city started dramatically with Rua Ngatikaura giving the Cook Islands an early lead in the 4th minute.But as the crowd started chatting, the vibe changed and PNG responded swiftly as Robert Derby scored in the 12th minute.Rhyse Martin then added his first try of the afternoon in the 26th minute, followed by Derby’s second try in the 31st minute and Alex Johnston crossing in the 35th. By half-time, the Kumuls led 22-12 after Martin converted three of the four first-half tries.The second half saw the Kumuls maintain their momentum. Laybutt added another try in the 48th minute, and Macdonald scored his fourth try in the 55th minute. The Aitu managed a consolation try in the 68th minute, but the Kumuls' defense held firm. Laybutt's conversions ensured the Kumuls secured a comprehensive 40-28 victory.The Kumuls' success can be attributed to their structured gameplay, aggressive defense, and effective utilization of set pieces.Their ability to maintain possession and apply consistent pressure left the Cook Islands with limited opportunities to mount a comeback.Looking ahead with this victory, the Kumuls have set a strong foundation for the remainder of the Pacific Championships.Their next challenge will be to maintain this level of performance and continue their pursuit of the championship title as they face off another pacific powerhouse, the Fiji Bati.The Cook Islands Aitu, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address the areas that contributed to their defeat to remain competitive in the tournament.The man of match was awarded to none other than Lacklan Lam.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) never fails to show its passion for rugby league and this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) was no exception with the crowd roaring as members of the Brisbane Broncos NRL and NRLW teams made a surprise appearance during the Pacific Championships clash.Fans erupted with excitement when they spotted star players Ben Hunt, Ezra Mam, and two NRLW representatives seated in the corporate box. All eyes turned to the stands as supporters waved, snapped photos from a distance, and tried to capture a glimpse of their rugby league heroes. Even from afar, the premiership winners were visibly moved by the overwhelming energy from the Port Moresby city crowd. When the players made their way down to the field for a brief lap of honour with their Premiership Trophy, the stadium’s 11,064 spectators rose to their feet in thunderous applause. As the trophy made its way around the field, fans proudly gifted the Broncos with bilums and PNG woven items, symbols of the nation’s heartfelt appreciation. In a touching moment, one of the bilums was placed around the trophy itself — a gesture that perfectly captured the connection between the team and its loyal PNG supporters. Though the tour around the field was brief, it was a memorable moment for everyone who witnessed it. For many Papua New Guineans, this magical afternoon— when the Broncos and their trophy graced the Santos NFS — will be remembered and retold for generations.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has officially announced its 12-team line-up for the 2026 season, unveiling one major change that marks both an end and a new beginning in the country’s premier domestic rugby league competition.In a move signaling the continued evolution of the sport, the Kandes Rugby Football League Club (RFLC) from Madang Province has been granted a competition license, joining the semi-professional league for the 2026 season. At the same time, the Kimbe Cutters have not been reissued their license following an end-of-season review, marking their end in the semi- professional league competition. PNGNRLC Chairman Adrian Chow described the inclusion of the Kandes as a strategic step in expanding rugby league’s footprint across Papua New Guinea and nurturing the next generation of players. “The addition of the Kandes is an exciting development for our game. Their entry demonstrates our vision to grow rugby league nationally, while maintaining strong governance and compliance standards that ensure the integrity of our competition,” Chow said. The new Madang-based franchise will represent one of PNG’s most passionate rugby league provinces, a region that has produced notable talent over the years but has not previously hosted a team in the national competition. Meanwhile, the Kimbe Cutters, who joined the competition in 2019, will not participate in the 2026 season after failing to meet all license renewal requirements. “We appreciate the contribution that the Kimbe Cutters have made to the competition,” Chow said. “PNGNRLC remains committed to working closely with the club to support their return to the competition once all entry requirements are met.” According to the PNGNRLC, the decision followed an extensive annual review process assessing each club’s governance, financial management, player development, and operational capacity. The board, acting on the recommendation of the management, approved the decision not to renew the Cutters’ license. Tony Archer, PNGNRLC’s General Manager of Pathways and Participation, emphasized that the licensing system is central to maintaining professionalism and sustainability across all clubs. “Every club is issued a license based on its ability to meet key criteria around governance, development, and operational capacity,” Archer explained. “Although difficult, decisions like this are essential to ensure the continued growth and professionalism of our game.” All clubs are reviewed annually under the PNGNRLC’s governance framework — part of the organization’s Strategic Plan to transform teams into pathway-driven, professionally managed entities that align with national rugby league goals. The inclusion of the Kandes RFLC highlights PNGNRLC’s commitment to expanding rugby league’s reach, creating new pathways for emerging talent, and engaging fans across diverse provinces. Chow added, “Our focus is on developing a stronger, sustainable competition that represents every region of Papua New Guinea. The 2026 season will be an exciting one for players, fans, and partners.” With twelve clubs set to compete, the 2026 PNGNRLC season is shaping up to deliver another thrilling year of rugby league — driven by passion, accountability, and the promise of new beginnings. PNGNRLC extended its gratitude to all clubs, players, sponsors, and supporters for their continued dedication to the sport, reaffirming its goal of growing rugby league as the national game for all Papua New Guineans.

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, UNICEF has called for renewed national commitment and investment in children, warning that too many are still being left behind despite five decades of progress.During her week-long visit to the country, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms. June Kunugi, urged the Government, civil society, and private sector to unite around a shared vision for children’s well-being over the next fifty years. “Papua New Guinea has made important progress over the past five decades, but too many children are still being left behind.” “The country is falling behind its neighbors across Asia and the Pacific on multiple fronts crucial for child survival, education, and protection. Now is the time for change.” Ms. Kunugi congratulated Papua New Guinea on reaching its Golden Jubilee, commending the Government’s efforts to place children at the heart of its development agenda. She welcomed the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Children, describing it as a “key milestone toward stronger national dialogue and accountability for child well-being.” “Lasting progress for children requires collective effort.” “Government leadership is vital, but it must be supported by communities, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that no child is left behind.” UNICEF acknowledged notable achievements in several sectors, including strengthening the national immunization programme through rehabilitation of the cold chain system, expanded financing for vaccines, and improved service delivery. Ms. Kunugi also praised the Government’s commitment to ending violence against children, citing the development of a comprehensive National Roadmap to End Violence Against Children as an important step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child. Despite positive progress, UNICEF warned that major challenges continue to hold back many of the country’s 4.5 million children. Immunization coverage remains critically low, with most provinces reporting only 50 - 60% coverage among children under five, and no province achieving full coverage. Child malnutrition continues to affect growth and cognitive development, with stunting rates remaining high nationwide. Access to quality education is uneven, and school retention rates remain low, with only 10–15% of children reaching tertiary education. Violence and abuse are widespread, with many children experiencing or witnessing gender-based and domestic violence, increasing their vulnerability later in life. “Too many children still miss out on essential services; from routine immunization to safe learning opportunities and protection from violence.” “I have witnessed immense resilience and eagerness to improve across the country, but communities cannot do it alone.” “They need strong, sustained government leadership, support, and partnerships.” UNICEF reiterated its continued partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and development partners to strengthen systems for health, education, and protection, and to ensure that every child survives, learns, and thrives. As the nation looks toward its centenary in 2075, Ms. Kunugi underscored the urgency of acting now. “The next fifty years must be defined by bold investment in our children, because their future is the nation’s future.”

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCD PHA) has joined the global movement to raise awareness about breast cancer and other common cancers by commemorating Pinktober with a series of community-focused events in Port Moresby.As part of the campaign, public health and curative health staff from the NCD PHA conducted awareness sessions across the city, educating residents on the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular screenings. The initiative aligns with the global call to action against cancer, particularly breast cancer, which continues to impact women across Papua New Guinea. A key highlight of the Pinktober activities was the Walkathon, held in partnership with the Governor for the National Capital District, Powes Parkop. The walk attracted strong participation from city residents, symbolizing unity and shared responsibility in the fight against cancer. Speaking during the event, Dr. Robin Oge, Chief Executive Officer of the NCD PHA, described cancer as a “silent killer” in Papua New Guinea and globally. He emphasized the need for prevention to start at the community level. “Our goal is to ensure both men and women in our communities enjoy cancer-free lives through early detection and proper information sharing.” He highlighted the most common cancers affecting women in PNG, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer, and liver cancer. For men, prevalent types include prostate cancer, oral cancer, and liver cancer. Dr. Oge also underscored the importance of public health promotion and community responsibility. “Information and prevention are our strongest tools. Everyone has a role to play in saving lives. Make healthier lifestyle choices and seek early screening.” Governor Parkop echoed similar sentiments, stating that cancer awareness and education should be a shared responsibility among organizations, communities, and individuals. “Early detection, prevention, and continuous education are key to reducing the cancer burden in PNG.” The NCD PHA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a cancer-free future for Papua New Guinea and encouraged both men and women across the country to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any unusual symptoms. “Early detection and treatment of cancer is crucial to prolong life,” Dr. Oge concluded.