Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) has invested more than K500,000 to support five licensed out-of-home care centres providing shelter, care and protection for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Papua New Guinea.
The national petroleum and energy company provides support to five centres licensed by the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS).
They are Born Free Foundation and 3-Mile New Hope Centre in the National Capital District, St Mary’s Home for Vulnerable Children and Bible Faith Outreach (BFO) in Western Highlands Province, and St Francis Care Centre in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province.
KPHL has raised funds for the centres through its annual Port Moresby Charity Golf Challenge since 2022.
Last year’s tournament raised more than K150,000 through the participation of 40 teams, corporate sponsorships and auction proceeds. The funds have since been distributed among the five care centres.
Born Free Foundation, Bible Faith Outreach and St Francis Care Centre each received K40,000, while St Mary’s Home for Vulnerable Children received K30,000 and 3-Mile New Hope Centre received K20,000.
KPHL Acting Managing Director Luke Liria said the company was proud to support the Government’s Vision 2050 by investing in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children.
He said supporting children to grow up in safe and nurturing environments was consistent with the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
“Through our partnership with the National Office of Child and Family Services and the gracious support of the business community that participates in our Charity Golf Challenge, we are helping to ensure these children are not forgotten,” Mr. Liria said.
He said investment in the children’s wellbeing, education and future would contribute to stronger communities and a more inclusive and prosperous Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Liria also acknowledged the founders and caregivers at the centres for opening their homes and dedicating their time to caring for children who are orphaned or come from abusive and difficult family environments.
“Only a person with a kind and patient nature can do that,” he said.
Since KPHL began supporting the centres, Born Free Foundation has received K115,000, 3-Mile New Hope Centre K45,000, Bible Faith Outreach K140,000, St Mary’s Home for Vulnerable Children K90,000 and St Francis Care Centre K140,000.
St Francis Care Centre founder Rebecca Rami said the latest funding would help complete the centre’s girls’ dormitory, which has been constructed with financial support from KPHL over the past three years.
Meanwhile, Bible Faith Outreach founder Rosa Kepo in Mt Hagen said funding received from KPHL had enabled the organisation to construct a boys’ dormitory, which is now occupied by the children.
Mr. Liria said KPHL would continue to seek support from the business community, with the next Charity Golf Challenge scheduled for November this year.
He said the company looked forward to continued participation and support from businesses in raising funds for the five care centres.
