Kerebi DAVID

Teachers in Rabaul District, East New Britain Province have recently completed a Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Roles and Responsibilities of school Board of Management (BOM). This training was aimed at outlining the differences in the functions of school boards and the administration and improving the standards of schools in the district. Attending the TOT were primary school head teachers and elementary school Teachers In-charge in the district. These teachers were able to also take part in discussions and presentations on the roles and responsibilities of school board of Management. Addressing the participants during the TOT opening on behalf of the District Administration was Deputy District Administrator- Operations John Vule who stressed on the importance of proper management of schools. “This is an important training as it sets a clear differentiation between the functions or roles of BOM members and teachers. There should be effective communication and working relation between the two for proper management of resources and improved learning,” said Vule. When going through the introduction and outline of the training, the District Education Coordinator Markus Tipepe said that the BOM is an important body, they are the custodians while head teachers and TIC's are Administrators to the schools. “The BOM must take an active role in decision making, planning, strategizing and providing advice to our schools development. There should be clear plans so we can work together in improving our schools,” said Tipepe. Rabaul District Education Inspector Cecilia Tapil stated that the TOT will also equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop Disaster Risk Management Plan, Behaviour Management Policy and Psycho-socio support which can be incorporated in their School Learning Improvement Program (SLIP). The District Education Inspector further said that quality teaching means quality learning and participants can use the knowledge acquired in the training and impart them to their colleagues in their respective schools which can help better manage and run schools in the district.

A training session was conducted for Reelae's School and Learning Management System (SLMS) recently under the rollout of the e-education pilot program. At least twenty students and staff of Flexible Open & Distance Education (FODE) from the NCD and Central campuses were taken through an interactive end-user training that focused on effectively using the system. The School and Learning Management System is an enterprise-level cloud solution that allows large learning institutions to manage, track, and store all aspects of their operations and learning activities and with this technology, FODE will be able to run its school operations and manage all aspects of learning, that is securely accessible through a web browser. The system will allow the education institution to have full control of managing all its administration and operational functions including student registration and individual student assessments. FODE Deputy Principal-Curriculum and IT Curriculum Officer Dr. Janet Subagan-Mondez, who facilitated the training, stated that this is timely for the institution as it will open an avenue of where FODE should be. "This pilot for Reelae is a very good platform because it will enable us to jumpstart the direction where we would like to head to,” said Dr. Janet. "From here it will provide more flexibility and accessibility for our students. So this platform will help improve how we deliver FODE service. Print-base is important but we need to exhaust available technologies that are efficient, affordable and user-friendly," Dr Janet stated. Ms Helen Korken, FODE-Central Province Coordinator on the other hand expressed that one of the ongoing challenges they face is the consistent requirement for general printing, that covers for student resources, notices, and such. "I see that this online platform is going to solve a lot of our problems. Now looking at that (Reelae SLMS) I'm just looking forward to it because all our students will be able to access it and they won't have to wait for printing materials to come out." "As someone who went through the training, I saw that it will be very helpful to our students and staff as well and we will be able to reach all our students; all of them will have access to it and then it will be easy for us as well to monitor and follow up with them," Ms Helen said. FODE student and one of the pioneer users of the SLMS, Mr Radalu Kuson, expressed his enthusiasm about the platform as well stating that, "We are on our phones and go to social media all the time, so it was easy to follow when the instructor was showing us”. He expressed that with the use of the system, it will certainly help him have meaningful direct conversations with instructors and get the instant assistance he requires. Over 50 users are part of this e-education pilot program that was made possible through a partnership agreement signed between Reelae, FODE, the PNG Department of Information & Communications Technology's (DICT) and SNS Technology. This partnership aims to revolutionize the education landscape in PNG by integrating a school management system and a learning management system into one platform and aligning with DICT's Digital Government Plan.

Papua New Guinea Kick Boxing Federation returns with exciting events lined up for this year after holding off most of its events in the past two and half years due to the global Covid 19 pandemic. PNG Kickboxing President and retired World Champion Stanley Nandex stated in an interview with PNG Hausbung that kickboxing is a worldwide sport and covid pandemic has put all its national, regional and international fights on halt but this year the federation has being given clearance by the Kick Boxing Federation Head Office to commence of its events. “I urge all Regional and Provincial Presidents and members to restart your programs and prepare your fighters to qualify for the major events this year including the world championships and Title Fights,” said Nandex. Mr Nandex stated that its first ever event would be the Regional Championships starting with the Kokoda Track2 Kickboxing Showdown which will be happening outside of Port Moresby at the Correctional Service Training College from 24th -25th March. “This event is strictly for Southern Region fighters, while the Highlands Regional Championship is set for April in Goroka, New Guinea Islands locked in for May in Rabaul and Momase in June in Wewak,” he stated. The winners from these regional tournaments will be selected for the national championships in September to qualify for the world championships. Furthermore, PNG Female kickboxing league has been established as well to manage all female fighters to be part of the major draw card this year. “The PNG Female Kickboxing League will also be managing the current international titles belt holder Jessy Gonopa who will be taking on European champion Alexitra in the intercontinental middle weight title which will be in September,” said Nandex. "Inclusion of female kickboxing league is to empower women and girls to use this platform to raise role models as well," he stated. “Law and order has being our major hindrance and setback to the country’s development therefore I am appealing to all relevant authorities and the government to support Kickboxing as development partners which not only develop great sports men and women but with its strict discipline ethic can also change mindsets,” he said.

With a state of emergency being declared for areas of Vanuatu which were most impact by tropical cyclone Judy, they are now bracing themselves to face a second tropical cyclone called Kevin. While this is happening in Vanuatu, here in Papua New Guinea we are experiencing strong winds as a result of that. However National Weather Services Director Mr Jimmy Gomoga said, "There is no tropical cyclone warning for Papua New Guinea." “There are no cyclone warnings or threat for PNG, however we have strong wind warnings as well as gale force warning for PNG Waters,” said. Gomoga. He highlighted, "Strong winds will be felt along the Southern Coast of Papua New Guinea/ Indonesian Borders all the way to the Milne Bay Islands." "Warning to small crafts and boats to take necessary precautions before or while at seas in the warning areas, but it is best to stay on land until strong winds go down." “The National Weather Service is keeping a close watch on the system and if anything arises warnings will be sent out early, however for now, everyone is urged to not panic but rest assure that here is no cyclone warning for PNG at present."

23 Community workers from all over Hela Province have acquired better skills and understanding on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support after attending a training facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG in Tari, Hela Province recently. The skills learned through the training not only better equip these individuals to provide mental health support to survivors, but also help them better manage the stress and vicarious trauma they experience in their line of work. The program aims to build the capacity of community workers to provide evidence-based counselling support. The project is part of United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG peace building efforts in the Highlands Region. Amongst the 23 trainees, was Mrs Jenny Martin, who was delighted to share her experience for the last 2 years giving counselling and help to women and youths. “Being a community worker is tough most times; especially in cases of gender-based violence were it is so easy for personal emotions to cloud judgements,” said Jenny. “Usually I forget about my own safety, or about hearing both sides of the story, and immediately take the side of the female survivor. I make judgements without considering that both parties need help especially psychosocial support!” Jenny who is a mother of three is a community worker with the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and a Public Officer with Komo Youths4Change and is committed to serving women and youths in her area and help survivors of violence. Jenny expressed how there is a huge gap in the mental and psychosocial aspects of a person's wellbeing, and that there was a big need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support training for all community workers and frontline service providers. “This week has taught me a lot,” shared Jenny. “The most important learning has been Psychological First Aid and the four steps; Prepare, Look, Listen and Link.” “I especially have an appreciation for the importance of preparation because most times I do not take time to prepare myself or to take into consideration my safety”, she stated. “Through this training, I now know that in order to help others, I must ensure my safety first then the safety of others.” As a community worker, she shared that it is difficult to help survivors immediately, especially when their abusers demand for survivors to be returned to them and to not seek any form of help. Jenny mentioned that whenever a situation gets difficult, she always tries to identify if any one of the parties is showing more understanding and then she speaks to that person and redirects them to the Family Support Centre in Komo. “The Psychological First Aid training has helped me recognise that the law is better than retaliation. It is better to link survivors and perpetrators to the right place and right people, rather than taking matters into one's own hands, which is most of what is happening in Komo,” she said. Jenny mentioned that, there are about 28 community workers working with her at the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and she plans to take the lessons from the training back to her colleagues and empower them with the knowledge she acquired. “My aim is to support my fellow community workers so that we can work together to deal with the violence and attitude problem we see in our communities,” said Jenny. UNFPA and UN Women will continue to expand training for mental health and psychosocial support in the Highlands Region to address the critical lack of professional support available in the Region.

The PNG Government through the Climate Change and Development Authority recognizes the importance of blue carbon as the next best solution for greenhouse gas emission. Blue carbon is simply the term for carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems. You have probably heard that human activities emit (or give off) something called carbon dioxide, which contains atmospheric carbon. Climate Change and Development Authority is hosting a three days workshop with the purpose of understanding blue carbon activities that are taking place in PNG as well as the challenges , gaps and barriers. The Blue Carbon Workshop is facilitated by experts from key development sectors through panel discussions and presentations and streaming live on CCDA social platforms through these 3 days of workshop. The theme for the workshop is; “Identifying Blue Carbon Ecosystems as a source to enhance low carbon growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.” Ms Debra Sungi, Climate Change and Development Authority Acting General Manager said the Blue Carbon refers to the role of the coastal ecosystem particularly mangrove forest, seagrass meadows and tidal salt marshes and estuaries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to their capture of organic carbon dioxide. “The diverse ecosystems of PNG in the blue carbon space is not explored yet, so we don’t have data, that scientifically is to say that we do not know how much carbon content we have in a particular area.” “We have the biggest area and that is something the government acknowledges which is why the workshop is trying to bring together actors that are involved in the Blue Carbon space ‘’, said Ms Sungi. This workshop attracted academics, project developers, government agencies, NGOs and all those working in the blue carbon space coming together for this workshop. Ms Sungi stated that this workshop is simply getting all these actors together and establishing at the end of the workshop a framework on how best they can develop a policy that is inclusive, that is effective and can be implemented in our country, and that is that basic aim of the workshop. She also highlighted that two biggest developers that came on board are the Australian Government and the Government of Germany who are assisting CCDA in developing the policy of Blue Carbon thus providing equal support too. Sungi further stated that despite not having set up a policy framework, there is already work being done in the communities, in the provinces as well as at the national level. “So it’s best getting everyone here to the workshop so that we can develop this policy to address our commitment, our obligations and at the same time bring the nature base solution for climate change and also ensuring that we conserve, and restore coastal eco-systems for our people especially, our village communities along the coastlines.” Blue carbon activities are a type of nature-based solution that aims to restore, protect, and sustainably manage mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes. There are several blue carbon activities that are currently taking place in PNG. Such activities have contributed to reducing PNG Green House Gas emissions. So by the end of this workshop all stakeholders and partners should re-affirm their commitments to decide better, coordinate smartly and access resources actively in partnership towards developing a Blue Carbon Policy framework in PNG.

Police in East Sepik Province have apprehended a murder suspect who was on the run since February 12th with the help of a community leader. The suspect is now in police custody. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari has extended thanks to community leader, Mr Sam Wafi of Kusambuk area who assisted police in the capture and arrest of a murder suspect. “The murder occurred on the afternoon of February 12 at Suaduogum village in Yangoru, East Sepik province.” “The apprehended suspect and another suspect attacked the deceased in his village and chopped off his hands; the deceased then tried to run away and seek help but was hit by an oncoming vehicle.” PPC Tammari further stated, “The deceased was rushed to Boram Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased was identified as Late Nigel Hovi.” According to police investigation and briefing, the deceased and the suspect had an ongoing feud which eventually resulted in the murder on Sunday February 12, 2023. “The relatives of the deceased in retaliation have burned down eight houses including a church in the village of the suspected murderers.” PPC Christopher Tamari said he is grateful for Mr Wafi’s assistance because his help to apprehend the suspect has eventually helped to prevent further fights within the area. Mr Tamari further apologised to the affected communities for the late police response. He also conveyed sympathy and apology for the loss of life and the loss and damage to properties especially to the innocent victims. “Murder cases are being reported every week in all six districts of the province and serious crimes are being committed daily in Wewak, Yangoru Saussia, Maprik, Angoram, Ambunti-Drekirkir and Wosera Gawi.” “I am now calling in the people of East Sepik to respect one other, and to find the right ways to resolve problems instead of resorting to violence all the time.” Mr Tamari has added his reassurance to the people of East Sepik that police is always there to assist, therefore it is right to seek police intervention so that police and law can solve complaints and disputes to maintain community peace.

93 Yumi FM, the number one Tok Pisin Radio station in the country turned 26 years old yesterday. 93 Yumi FM, was established in 1997 on February 24th and is sister station to Legend FM 101 and 96 Nau FM. In 2019, according to an independent Tebbut Media Survey, Yumi FM broadcasting in Tok Pisin is the country’s top rated radio station by a large margin. It reached of 46% of the market over a 30 day period making it the top rated radio station. Everyday Yumi FM connects with millions of listeners and fans nationwide, playing all the hits from PNG local artists, updates everyone with the latest and factual news contents and offcourse has some of the best top PNG radio personalities that keep everyone company every day. One of the longest serving radio personality with YUMI FM, Kake Lareva Kasty in an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG stated that Life without music is boring and everyone needs music in their lives. Kasty who will be clocking in 24 years with the radio station said it is a great feeling to connect with the rest of the country everyday and knowing that you are the reason someone out there is smiling. “Behind every listeners smile is a best friend who puts it there, and that is me, your one and only Kake Lareva Kasty as well as my fellow announcers!” Kasty further said that music is a universal language that can connect everyone of all race and status, it speaks to the heart and the mind in every situation. “Na mipla long Yumi FM i hamamas long pleim disla olgeta music blong yu long harim over 26 years now”, said Kasty. “On behalf of the YUMI FM Poroman Crew, bikpla tok hamamas long yupla olgeta fans na listeners, yupla stap na mipla stap.” Kasty further highlighted that one of the biggest highlight for the radio station is going online whereby the PNG Community overseas can connect with their favourite Tok Pisin station and still listen to their local songs. "Believe in your dreams said Kasty, if you ever wish to work in a radio station especially here at YUMI FM and you can archive it. “I am living my dream, despite taking another route earlier on in life, I never gave up on my dream and here I am going 24 years with YUMI FM." "Radio is an amazing industry to be in and I am grateful to be part of Yumi FM and to the listeners who have being part of us for the last 26 years, we love you and give you our gratitude and we wish to continue this relationship for many more years to come."

The Mt Bosavi region is located bordering Gulf, Western, Southern Highlands and Hela provinces. The Mt. Bosavi Region encompasses about two million acres of virgin rainforest. where the indigenous residents of the region’s widely scattered amongst 28 villages. Usually in seclusion and away from public eye, the area has now become the centre of widespread attention; both local and international following the recent abduction of a research group days ago. Locals in the Mt Bosavi Region living around the area where the hostages were being held are also attempting to communicate with the kidnappers to release the hostages. That's according to Mr Andrew Awabi, Chairman for Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. Awabi further stated that locals in Bosavi are not only communicating for the release but are also safe guarding the hostages by making their presence known around the area. "The area where the hostages are held is in Fogo’Maiyu an isolated village at the border of Western Province, Gulf and Southern Highlands Province." “People of Bosavi living at Fogo’Maiyu have pleaded for the release but the kidnappers said they wanted K3.4million from the PNG Government before they do so.” said Awabi. Locals also claim there are about 21 men with high powered guns watching over the hostages while waiting for a response from the PNG Government. Mr Awabi said, “We want the relevant authorities to send in Police and PNG Defence to help bring these hostages to safety because these hostages are under heavy gun watch.” “Bosavi People are peace loving people and this incident is shocking to the people of Bosavi Region.” Mr Awabi further stressed that the people of Bosavi are willing to help authorities locate the hostages. "With no road access into Bosavi Region, the only possible way is via chopper or by foot if the authorities want to walk." He highlighted that the authorities will need to come to Mt Bosavi station and from there the locals can assist to direct authorities to Fogo’Maiyu where these hostages are believed to be held. Awabi added, "The people of Bosavi want to sincerely apologise to the families of the hostages and the entire country about what is currently happing in their area, stating that it is a first of a kind incident and they can only wish that the hostages return safe to their families by God’s will." Earlier this week, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Police Commissioner David Manning said he has been updated by Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Police Operations, Dr Philip Mitna, on negotiations to secure the release of the people that have been taken captive, with police authorised to use all necessary force to free those being held. He was responding to confirmed reports of people being detained by armed criminals in the vicinity of Fogoma’iu Village, Southern Highlands province. Commissioner Manning said, “I have been briefed on the situation in which one foreign national and three PNG university students are being held by criminals in the border region of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Provinces." “This is a delicate situation and police, in coordination with other security elements, are engaged in an operation to enable the safe release of the people involved. This is a remote area and air support has been approved.”

People in the Southern Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will continue to experience heavy rains despite the country now moving towards the Autumn season. The Director for the National Weather Service, Mr. Jimmy Gomoga, mentioned that the country has gone past summer period and is heading into the autumn season and by the end of March, autumn kicks in. He explained that due to the transitional change in the climate, the Southern parts of the country will continue to experience above average rainfalls then the rest of the country. “While the Southern part of the country will be wetter, the New Guinea Islands and some parts of the Highlands region should be expecting below normal rainfalls,” said Mr. Gomoga. Western Province, Gulf, Milne Bay Province and Central Province are some of the main provinces in the Southern Region that will be experiencing above average rainfalls. He also stated that the New Guinea Islands Region will be quite dry as well as some parts of the Highlands Region. Gomoga said Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands and West Sepik as the provinces that will be receiving less rain during this time. “The transitional period for the weather pattern will be from April to May and by the end of May is when Dry season should kick in." He further highlighted that there are no cyclone warnings despite the last strong winds that were felt. These gale winds were formed outside of PNG but in the Coral Seas going towards Australia and as a result of that PNG felt a bit of it especially in the Southern region. “At the moment it’s very quiet, however PNG National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and if any information regarding any system arises, we will let the public know as soon as possible,” said Mr. Gomoga. However, everyone is urged to still take precautions because the country is in the middle of the wet season. Gomoga stated that the Tropical systems may form and people should be aware of that and be on alert from weather warnings from the PNG National Weather Service.

Students from Sol-Nomane Karimui (SNK) District in Simbu Province who are attending various tertiary institutions in the country will have their school fee issues sorted out with assistance from their local member,  Francis Alua. Francis Alua has allocated a fund of K2million as school fee assistance that will go towards helping students who are struggling with tuition and boarding fees. Mr. Andrew McCarthy from the office of SNK District stated that  Alua also refuted an article in one of the daily newspapers this week that stated that his office did not allocated K12 million, saying that the information was wrong. “All stakeholders and the general public are advised to correct themselves on this misinformation, thus this clarification should put to rest any animosities on our member’s School fees Assistance,” said Mr. McCarthy. McCarthy further stated that the SNK District Development Authority is currently working on the breakup of these funds and once Form 11 is attached to the breakup of the funds and signed by the member any time next week, the assistance will then be distributed to various tertiary schools in the country. “Assurance to all parents and students that every students from SNK district will benefit one way or the other and the honorable member is committed and will continue to support human resource in the district,” said McCarthy.

Western Highlands Province is now seeing Talapia and Trout fish hitting its markets and supermarkets all because of the increase in freshwater fish farming in the province. Provincial Livestock and Fisheries Manager for Western Highlands Mr. Kevin Nemba said that for the past 2 years the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has been very supportive towards fish farming projects in the Province, thus  resulting in the boom of fresh water fish farming. “We have fish farms in all four districts in the province with focus on two main types of fish, Talapia and Trout,” said Mr. Nemba. “As for Trout we have now developed two main farms at the border of Tambul and Mendi, apart from Betty Heggins as the number one Trout fish farmer in the highlands we are now trying to expand production on Trout as well in WHP.” Mr. Nemba further stated that Tambul and Mul have more bigger fish farms and about 8 of the fish farmers have now entered into Small Micro Entrepreneur with their fish farming and that is a great achievement for these farmers. With about eight fish farmers now in the SME sector, the people of Western Highlands are enjoying the luxury of having fish for dinner because these farmers are now supplying Talapia and Trout to the main market, and big supermarkets in the province. “The focus now is to grow all small-scale fish farmers into SME owners and Provincial Livestock and Fisheries Department will continue to support these farmers with feed ling, trainings and equipment to grow freshwater fish farms in Western Highlands Province,” said Mr. Nemba.