Port Moresby Nature Park has proudly announced that it has been reaccredited by the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA). This recognition highlights the park’s dedication to high standards in animal care, conservation, and education in Papua New Guinea. ZAA accreditation is a prestigious acknowledgment given to zoos and wildlife institutions that demonstrate excellence in animal welfare, conservation, and education. Meeting and surpassing these standards, the Port Moresby Nature Park continues to be a leader in wildlife conservation in the region. The park’s management expressed immense pride in this achievement, attributing the success to the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and community supporters. This reaccreditation reinforces the park’s commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for its animals while also raising awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity. Visitors to the park can experience interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to inspire action and foster a deeper appreciation for nature. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including native species such as tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and crocodiles. As Papua New Guinea’s only internationally accredited wildlife park, Port Moresby Nature Park welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually, including 30,000 students who participate in its educational and holiday programs. The park also serves as the country’s only internationally accredited rescue and conservation facility, working to protect PNG’s unique flora and fauna. Looking ahead, the Nature Park remains dedicated to its mission of conservation and education, with continued support from the public, businesses, government, and development agencies. The team at Port Moresby Nature Park is excited for the future and remains committed to protecting PNG’s wildlife for generations to come.

Papua New Guinea and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister James Marape and the newly appointed French Ambassador to PNG, Pierre Fournier. During their discussion yesterday, the two leaders emphasized shared priorities, including environmental conservation, security cooperation, trade, and investment. Prime Minister Marape welcomed Ambassador Fournier and acknowledged France’s vital role in PNG’s development. “France is an important partner to us. With President Macron’s vision for sustainable development, environmental conservation, and global cooperation aligns closely with our own priorities," Prime Minister Marape openly addressed. Ambassador Fournier reaffirmed France’s support for PNG’s conservation initiatives, referencing ongoing forestry and environmental projects initiated during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to PNG. He pledged to accelerate their implementation, stating, “France is eager to move forward on these initiatives. We will work closely with the PNG government to ensure swift progress.” The meeting also reviewed the PNG-France Security Agreement (SOFA), with Ambassador Fournier highlighting the upcoming visits of senior French military officials in March. These visits will focus on enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in maritime security, training, and regional stability. Prime Minister Marape underscored PNG’s strategic geopolitical position as a gateway between the Pacific and Southeast Asia, reinforcing the country’s aspirations to join ASEAN and strengthen partnerships with regional economic blocs like APEC. “Papua New Guinea is the only Pacific nation with proximity to Southeast Asia. This unique positioning enables us to foster regional collaboration and trade,” he noted, urging France’s support in boosting PNG’s economic development through investment in infrastructure and trade. To further solidify bilateral ties, Marape announced plans to appoint a new PNG Ambassador to France, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration. The meeting concluded with an invitation for Prime Minister Marape to attend the United Nations Conference on Oceans in June, where discussions will focus on biodiversity conservation and climate action. Ambassador Fournier also highlighted upcoming bilateral projects, including infrastructure financing and capacity-building initiatives. Reflecting on the discussions, Prime Minister Marape expressed optimism about the future of PNG-France relations. “I look forward to working closely with you, Ambassador Fournier, to build on the strong foundation of our partnership and take it to new heights in the coming years," the PM concluded.

In PNG Cybercrime is at its highest peak, from email fraud, ransomware, card skimming, cyberbullying, and child pornography that need serious addressing. Recognizing the growing dangers of the online world, Save the Children partnered with META, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, to launch the I Am Digital (IAD) program. This initiative aims to educate students and communities on how to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. And with an Exclusive Interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Isabel Druma the Advocacy and Communications Manager of Save the Children PNG, she shared insight on the ONLINE SAFETY Awareness. “There’s a significant gap in cybersecurity awareness in PNG, especially among children,” Ms. Druma said. The awareness program begins as a pilot in the National Capital District, with a two-fold approach: Empowering students as IAD ambassadors Directly engaging entire School Assemblies. The IAD Ambassadors program trains students from grades 9 to 11 to become online safety advocates within their schools and then these ambassadors pass on their knowledge to peers through peer-to-peer education. Last year, 10 ambassadors successfully completed training and began rolling out sessions before the school holidays. “We’ve seen students become more aware of online risks,” Isabel said. “Before this, many students didn’t know the dangers of befriending strangers online or how to protect their personal information.” Alongside the ambassador program, Save the Children is directly engaging entire School Assemblies with sessions targeting students from grade 5 to grade 11 and anyone with access to phones or the internet. These sessions focused on online behavior, stranger danger, and protecting personal information. “We found that many students were unaware that sharing personal photos or becoming friends with strangers online could be harmful. These sessions are about changing that,” Isabel explained. To sustain the impact, Save the Children also conducts workshops for teachers with sessions to provide educators with tools and knowledge on the Cybercrime Act and strategies for creating child-friendly spaces to discuss online safety. The Workshops also emphasize referral pathways for reporting cybercrimes, such as the OneTalk Helpim Counseling Line (7150 8000), which connects victims to the cybercrime unit for further support. “We’re equipping teachers with resources to foster a safe digital environment in schools,” Isabel added. The program's success lies on Save the Children's collaboration with the National Office of Children and Family Services (NOCFS), META, Netsafe New Zealand, and organizations like OneTalk Helpim Counseling Line. Together, they’re creating comprehensive resources and educating stakeholders about PNG's Cybercrime Act. "With initiatives like I Am Digital and Save the Children, we continue to protect and empower the next generation of PNG’s digital citizens, ensuring a safer and brighter future for all."

Alarmingly, the prevalence of Hypertension has been rising in Papua New Guinea (PNG) due to changing lifestyles, urbanization, and dietary shifts. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls remains persistently elevated. Often dubbed a "silent killer," hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss . CPL has been actively addressing this health challenge through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. On January 25th, CPL’s Alotau branch conducted a community outreach program at Ganabeu Compound, focusing on free health checks and hypertension education. The event saw 46 residents undergoing screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Participants were educated on the dangers of high blood pressure, its relationship with high blood sugar, and the importance of regular monitoring. A City Pharmacy representative emphasized, "Hypertension doesn’t have to remain a silent threat. Together, through education and proactive measures, we can make a difference." Historically, hypertension in PNG was rare in traditional societies, but modern trends show an alarming increase, particularly among urban populations and the Initiatives like CPL’s health checks are vital for raising awareness and promoting early intervention. Through its outreach, CPL reinforces the importance of community well-being and demonstrates its role in addressing public health challenges in PNG.

From coming first in last year's Grade 10 National Examination, La Salle Technical Secondary School isn’t wasting any time and with 95% of students already registered and present, the school is ready to kick off full classes tomorrow. La Salle Principal Br. Antony Samy confirmed that the first period commenced smoothly today, with subsequent periods focused on distributing course outlines for the year. "Actual teaching begins tomorrow, and from then onwards, attendance will be strictly monitored and students who fail to attend will receive warning letters to ensure full participation,” said Br. Antony. Then Br. Antony stressed the vital role parents play in maintaining consistent school attendance, emphasizing the shared responsibility between families and educators. “As parents, your role is to make sure your child attends school daily, and our role is to teach and nurture their development,” he explained. “To reinforce this partnership, we’ll be sending a letter to parents today, encouraging them to prioritize their children’s daily school attendance.” The school has a total capacity of 1, 275 students, with 987 presents as of this morning. Principal Antony remains optimistic about reaching 98% attendance by the end of the day, while confirming that registration is now officially closed. In addition, Br. Antony thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for prioritizing education as a foundation for the nation’s future. “We appreciate the government’s efforts, especially as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary,” he said. On government funding (GTFS), Principal Anthony stated, "We’ve been informed that the first payment is being processed and should be available by the end of this week or early next week." As the school year begins, La Salle Technical Secondary School continues to lead by example, fostering a strong learning environment and ensuring students are equipped for success.

With the core values of Serve and Together, Kina Bank visited the children of Life PNG Care on December 7, 2024, and donated food and toiletry items to show their commitment to giving back to the communities the bank operates in. This donation was an initiative from the Customer Experience Team, with each member contributing from their own pockets to support the underprivileged children of Life PNG Care. Their General Manager of Customer Experience, Karo Geno, emphasized the importance of providing every child with a chance to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. He praised Life PNG Care for their programs that offer much more for these underprivileged children. “Life PNG Care is more than just a charity; it is a lifeline for countless children in need." "We chose to support Life PNG Care because we believe in the power of compassion and the impact of giving." Also present during this event was the Director of Life PNG Care, Collin Pake, who expressed his gratitude to Kina Bank's Customer Experience Team for their generous donation, which will help sustain their vital work. “Life PNG Care provides education, shelter, and essential resources to those children who need it most by transforming one child's life at a time and creating a brighter future for our nation." He continued by thanking Kina Bank for their donation. “We rely on donations from individuals and business houses to assist us. With your support, we can continue to provide essential services, education, and a safe place for our children.” In 2024, the Customer Experience Team was among other departments and groups in Kina Bank who visited and donated essential items to schools, hospitals, charity organizations, prisons, and other Non-Governmental Organizations. The team plans to continue their community initiatives with more visits in 2025.

Speaking at the Dedication Service and launch of the 2025 Academic Year at Sione Kami Memorial Church on 24th January 2025, Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra uncover transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping Papua New Guinea’s education landscape. Dr. Kombra began by reaffirming the Department of Education’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, emphasizing that the reforms are designed to give every child access to quality education. "Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind." Among the initiatives to reform the country's education system, the phasing out of elementary schools, grades 1, and 2 will be moved up to primary schools. Dr. Kombra explained, "This change will simplify the education system, making it more efficient and providing continuity for young learners. We are addressing the necessary adjustments in registration, curriculum, and teacher inspections to ensure this transition is seamless." This transition will help make way for the introduction of early childhood education (ECE), which was another highlight of Dr. Kombra’s address. Announcing that there will be ECE centers set to begin this year to help provide foundational learning for children aged 4-5. "Early childhood education is critical for building a strong foundation for our children because in this way we are creating pathways that prepare them for a lifetime of learning and success." Then he also highlighted the government’s plan to enhance the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program as part of the national framework, noting that teachers and administrators have already undergone training. "This program is aligned with our values and will ensure that education contributes not only to intellectual growth but also to moral and spiritual development." Technology was another key focus of the speech, with Dr. Kombra challenging the department’s e-learning division to expand access to digital tools and online resources. "ICT and e-learning are no longer optional," he said. "They are essential for ensuring equitable learning opportunities, particularly for students in remote areas." Dr. Kombra further elaborated on the Free Education Policy, which will see targeted adjustments in 2025 to better support remote schools. "We know the challenges faced by schools in remote areas, and we are tailoring our support to address these specific needs." Dr. Kombra further stated that the year of jubilee would be marked by inviting educators and stakeholders to contribute ideas for national celebrations. "This is a milestone for our nation," he said. "Let us work together to create a celebration that reflects the achievements and potential of Papua New Guinea."

New York CNN— Around 12 hours after shutting itself down in the United States, TikTok is back for many users almost like it never left, attributing its return to a move by President-elect Donald Trump to save the app. TikTok welcomed users back with a notification that said: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” The whiplash move to bring the app back comes after TikTok became unusable for Americans late Saturday night. Users who tried to open the app at that time were met with a message saying it was offline and asking users to “stay tuned.” “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” TikTok’s message read in part. The app was also unavailable on the Apple and Google Play stores, along with Lemon8 and CapCut, which are also owned by TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance. Early on Sunday, Trump said he would issue an executive order following his inauguration on Monday to delay enforcement of the divest-or-ban law. And within hours, access to TikTok’s app and webpage began to return for US users. TikTok’s restoration will be welcome news for the app’s 170 million American users, many of whom use the app for hours every day to find news, entertainment and community and, in some cases, to make a living, after weeks of uncertainty. And it signaled that Trump may be poised to score a major political victory by claiming responsibility for bringing back the popular platform. In a statement midday Sunday, TikTok said Trump’s promise to save the app allowed it to restore US users’ access even before his expected executive order is signed. “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the company said in a statement. “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.” TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” in Washington, DC, Sunday night, before being seated prominently at the incoming president’s inauguration Monday. But while TikTok’s shutdown lasted just a few hours, securing the app’s long-term future in the United States is likely to be more complicated. The path to securing TikTok’s future Trump said Sunday in a Truth Social post that he plans to issue an executive order following his inauguration on Monday to “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.” He urged TikTok’s partners to allow the app to be restored, saying “the order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.” “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” Trump said. Trump had said he was considering a 90-day extension in the ban to give him time to work out a deal to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner. In his post, Trump said he would seek a 50-50 joint venture between TikTok’s existing parent company, China-based ByteDance, and a new, American owner. Such an announcement could serve as a kind of immediate political victory for Trump with America’s youth. Although Trump supported a TikTok ban in his first term as president, he has recently said he wants to keep the app alive — posting on Truth Social Sunday morning: “SAVE TIKTOK!” Last month, he asked the Supreme Court to stay the law so his incoming administration could work out a deal to keep TikTok available to Americans. The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday. TikTok appealed to Trump in its pop-up message on the app starting late Saturday night notifying users that the app was unavailable in the United States. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” the company posted in its pop-up message. “Please stay tuned!” And Chew also lauded Trump in a video responding to the company’s Supreme Court loss on Friday, saying, “we are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform, one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process.” Trump attributed his election victory in part to TikTok at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in December. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said, then claiming to have won the youth vote by a significant margin. “And there are those that say that TikTok had something to do with it.” The law banning TikTok passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress, citing national security concerns. Although a Pew Research Center Survey in 2023 found about half of Americans supported the ban, it has consistently proven unpopular with younger generations. With his executive order, Trump is expected to delay enforcement of the ban to give TikTok parent company ByteDance more time to find an American owner. Trump’s Sunday message may have been enough to reassure TikTok’s technology partners, including Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s content in the United States, and Apple and Google, which host the app on their app stores, to continue supporting the app. Under the law, those companies could face penalties of up to $5,000 per person who has access to TikTok, if it is enforced. Not a permanent solution But the executive order could face challenges, including from members of Trump’s own party, who say they oppose any extension of the ban. “We commend Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft for following the law and halting operations with ByteDance and TikTok, and we encourage other companies to do the same,” Republican Senators Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, and Pete Ricketts, of Nebraska, wrote in a joint statement Sunday. “The law, after all, risks ruinous bankruptcy for any company who violates it. Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date.” Cotton and Ricketts said TikTok should only come back online by “severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China. Only then will Americans be protected from the grave threat posed to their privacy and security by a communist-controlled TikTok.” The app’s brief blackout marked the realization of a yearslong effort to block US access to TikTok over national security concerns related to its China-based owner ByteDance. Outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last April that gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to an owner from the United States or one of its allies or face a ban. So even if Trump pledges to reverse the ban, he can’t simply undo a law passed by Congress and signed by a president with an executive order. That’s why TikTok shut down in the first place. Despite the Biden administration all but saying they would defer enforcement to the incoming Trump administration, a person close to TikTok says “multiple critical service providers” indicated to TikTok that they were concerned that the ban might be enforced starting Sunday. For example, Apple released a statement Sunday that cited the ban as its reason for removing TikTok from its app store. It noted the app will remain available for customers who already downloaded it, but it won’t be able to be redownloaded if deleted. “Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates,” the company said in its statement. “Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.” The long-term fix The only truly permanent solutions to keep TikTok online appear to be: 1) pass a new law reversing the old one — no easy task, considering that the existing bill had such broad bipartisan support in Congress — or 2) force a sale to an acceptable buyer. Two potential buyers — a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt and “Shark Tank’s” Kevin O’Leary, as well as AI search engine PerplexityAI — have submitted formal bids for the app and others have reportedly shown interest in TikTok. ByteDance, however, has long been adamant that it has no intention of selling. TikTok’s near-magical algorithm, keeping users hooked on the app, is its secret power, and putting a price tag on such a valuable commodity, envied by every other social media app, is difficult. McCourt’s buyer group has said it would buy TikTok’s US assets without the algorithm and rebuild the app, but tech giants like Meta and YouTube have for years worked to replicate TikTok’s popular algorithm without quite succeeding. O’Leary told CNN he met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month to discuss the outlook for the app. Spinning off an American-only version of TikTok could also mean the rest of the world has to download a new app to access US users’ content. Yet Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported last week that China is weighing a sale — to Elon Musk. Musk may have the resources to buy the app, and he’s a major Trump supporter and about to take a quasi-role in his government. But it’s unclear that he would want to, and he has not publicly commented directly on the acquisition reports. On Sunday, Musk posted on X that he opposes the TikTok ban “because it goes against freedom of speech.” “That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change,” Musk said. If ByteDance chooses to engage, Trump could perhaps argue that significant progress has been made on a deal — a legal threshold that would legally permit Trump to reverse the ban to allow the sale process to commence. In his Truth Social post Sunday, Trump said the United States should have “a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.” “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say (sic) up,” he said. “Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.” That’s only a temporary measure, though, as the sale would ultimately need to go through. Until then, TikTok’s future will remain very much in doubt. When asked about the app’s restoration and Trump’s desire for a deal, China’s foreign ministry told reporters Monday that it believed companies should decide independently about their operations and deals. “We hope the US can listen to rational voices and provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for market players from all countries,” said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. A ‘surreal’ shutdown Many TikTok users had held onto hope that the shutdown would be short-lived. Still, the Saturday night shutdown was a sad loss for some users — a reminder of the app’s cultural influence. Many users joined the app in early 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic was otherwise isolating them from community and other creative outlets. “I’m so sad for so many people. I was shocked. I think I was probably in denial a little bit that it would actually just go dark,” influencer Shannon Lange told CNN early Sunday, before access to the app was restored. Influencer Alix Earle, who had nearly 8 million TikTok followers, posted a tearful video on the platform ahead of the shutdown saying, “I feel like I’m going through heartbreak. This platform is more than an app or a job to me. I have so many memories on here. I have posted every day for the past 6 years of my life.” Julie Turkel, a TikTok creator who said she was scrolling the app when it stopped working Saturday night, called the shutdown “surreal.” “It was just surreal, it did have a very eerie feeling,” Turkel told CNN. She added that although she had anticipated the shutdown after TikTok’s warnings last week, “seeing it actually go down is different.” Turkel told CNN early Sunday she was taking a digital “detox,” opting not to spend time on Instagram or other short-form video platforms, while TikTok was down. The break didn’t last long. When the app returned on Sunday, Lange posted a video smiling and dancing, with overlaid text that read: “Longest 13 hours of my life and I was sleeping for 9 of them.”  

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) took a significant step in its 2025 stakeholder engagement by joining over 2,500 teachers at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church for the Teachers Dedication Service in Port Moresby city today. This marks NSL’s first major event of the year and highlights the important relationship with the education sector, which comprises approximately 50% of NSL’s membership base. At the event, CEO Mr. Paul Sayer addressed the teachers, emphasizing the importance of updating beneficiary information and investing in their future through voluntary contributions. Mr. Sayer encouraged the teachers to take full advantage of NSL’s offerings, including the FREE Financial Literacy Program designed to help members achieve a financially secure retirement. "We want to ensure that our members are well-prepared for retirement," said Mr. Sayer. "Updating beneficiary lists and considering additional contributions not only secures your future but also positions you for opportunities like Housing Advances," he further explained. In addition to these important messages, Mr. Sayer shared positive news for long-term contributors. He thanked the government on behalf of NSL’s 235,000 members for the decision to remove a 2% tax on retirement savings for those who have contributed for 15 years or more. This change, set to take effect this year and will allow eligible members to access their full superannuation savings upon retirement. In addition to the announcement, NSL shared preliminary financial results for 2024, with a current interim crediting rate of 6%. The final interest rate for 2024 is expected to be one of the highest in recent years. The results highlight NSL’s solid performance amidst challenges, with significant payouts to members, including K450 million in benefits and K106 million in housing advances to support homeownership for over 5,000 members. The event also provided an opportunity for NSL to address queries and collect updated member details from teachers ahead of the new academic year.

Haus Kunai Films is bringing an incredible opportunity to Port Moresby city with its first-ever film and video production training. This five-day program is tailored for anyone passionate about entering the creative industry or enhancing their social media content. Scheduled to take place from February 3rd to February 7th, 2025, at the American Corner, National Library in Waigani, the training sessions will run daily from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This training is designed to cater for all levels, offering skills that can be applied to various devices such as DSLRs, GoPros, and mobile phones. Editing training will cover professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as beginner-friendly tools such as CapCut. Haus Kunai Films has a proven track record of success. In 2023, participants in Kavieng worked on the set of the National Geographic TV series Welcome to Earth starring Will Smith. In 2024, students in Colorado Springs saw their documentaries broadcast on PBS TV and with the experience delivering training both locally and internationally, Haus Kunai Films ensures participants receive world-class instruction. To make the program even more exciting, two lucky participants will be selected to join an upcoming film production in March, offering hands-on experience on a professional film set which is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring creatives to launch their careers. For those interested, registration is now open. To secure your spot, contact Haus Kunai Films at 78588890 or email hauskunaifilms@gmail.com. You can also reach out via their social media platforms for assistance. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or looking to enhance your marketing efforts, this training promises to be a valuable steppingstone into the world of video production.

The Minister for Education, Lukas Dekena, has outlined the government’s 2025 Academic Year Plan and its commitment to ensuring quality education for all students in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Minister Dekena, when speaking at the Dedication Service for Education today in Port Moresby city, emphasized that education remains a fundamental right for all children and a powerful tool for the country’s development. “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our people,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work towards ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Recognizing the challenges faced by educators, the Minister confirmed that efforts are being made to improve teacher welfare. He highlighted the importance of providing resources, such as free airfares, teachers leave allowance and improving the quality of teaching through ongoing training and support for teachers. One of the major announcements in the Minister’s speech was the phased elimination of the Grade 8 and Grade 10 selection processes. “Beginning this year, five provinces will pilot this initiative, with the goal of extending access to education for all students up to Grade 12 by 2027. This initiative will ensure that more students stay in school and continue their academic journeys without being hindered by examination-based selection,” the Minister explained. To accommodate students who may not follow the traditional academic route, Minister Dekena highlighted the importance of alternative education pathways, such as vocational training and the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program. These programs will provide opportunities for students who drop out of the formal education system to continue learning and developing practical skills. In line with the government’s commitment to integrating Christian values into education, the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum will be piloted in selected schools within the National Capital District in 2025. The curriculum is designed to embed Christian principles into the learning environment, shaping students to become law-abiding and God-fearing citizens. Minister Dekena also revealed the long-term Education Transformation Mission 2075, which will be officially launched during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in September 2025. The mission will focus on transforming the education system by embedding Christian values, enhancing the quality of education, and producing a generation of well-rounded citizens committed to the country’s growth and development. As the ceremony concluded, Minister Dekena called on all education stakeholders to remain dedicated to the mission of delivering quality education and ensuring that no child is left behind. “Together, we can restore the future of our children,” he stated, reinforcing the collective responsibility to commit to the education sector and help create a brighter future for PNG. The event ended with a pledge of dedication from all attendees, symbolizing their collective resolve to support the Ministry’s initiatives and make the vision of quality education a reality for every child in the country.

This morning, the Ministry of Education held its Dedication Service and Launched the 2025 Academic Year at the Reverend Sione Kami Memorial Church in Port Moresby city, dedicating the year to God. The ceremony revolved around the theme, “Restoration of Wholeness Through Jubilee with God”, inspired by Leviticus 25:10. This annual event marked a significant milestone in reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to delivering quality education across Papua New Guinea. The Dedication Service and Academic Year Launch is a key event for the Ministry of Education, setting the tone for the year ahead. It provides an opportunity to align the department’s plans with its vision of accessible and quality education for all. This year’s theme emphasizes spiritual guidance and unity as the foundation for achieving educational excellence. The program opened with a prayer by Pastor Onamusi, followed by a welcoming address from Mr. Paul Ainui, Deputy Secretary of the Curriculum & Standards Directorate. The RSKMC Church Band then led the congregation in an uplifting session of praise and worship. Key messages were delivered by, Mr. Dennis Bagelo, Director General of OLA; Mr. Samson Wangihomie, TSC Chairman; and Dr. Uke Kombra, PhD, OBE, Secretary for Education. The Keynote Address was presented by Lucas Dawa Dekena the Minister for Education and Member for Gumine. During his speech, Minister Dekena highlighted the government’s bold commitment to free education. "The government’s commitment to free education in 2025 ensures that every child in the system will have access to fully funded education, leaving no child behind in our pursuit of shaping a brighter future." Dr. Uke Kombra also emphasized the Ministry’s mission to provide equal opportunities for all students. "We are committed to creating accessible, quality education pathways for every child in Papua New Guinea, ensuring no one is left behind as we transform our education system for a brighter future." The ceremony also included the Dedication of the Ministry’s Plans for 2025, led by Reverend Jack Moha, and a Dedication Prayer for all Ministry of Education officers by Pastor Onamusi. The event’s program featured an item presentation and a freewill offering led by Mr. Dominic Mealin, the Ministry’s Legal Officer. The ceremony highlighted the Ministry's unwavering resolve to empower the nation through education. The focus on free education and accessible pathways reflects the government’s pledge to support children in every corner of Papua New Guinea, ensuring no child is left behind. The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Wailipe Wingi, Deputy Secretary of Schools Directorate, and a closing prayer by Pastor Edwards. This year’s Dedication Service not only reaffirmed the Ministry’s goals but also united all stakeholders in a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future in education.