Teachers complete Standard Based Education training in Wau

By SAMPSON BONAI in Wau

Teachers have been urged to take ownership of the new Standard-Based Education curriculum for the benefit of the children,says facilitator Christine Rodney.

She was speaking at the completion of the weeklong SBE in-service training at Wau Primary School on Friday Sept 28.

Teachers from Wau on Friday completed the Standard Based Education curriculum week-long in-service training at Wau Primary School from Sept 24-28.The teachers came from Wau, Pine Top, Nami,Riverside, Aiyaiti and Regina primary schools in Bulolo District.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

"The training has enriched and empowered us to face new challenges," Rodney said.

"Therefore we need to review, align, realign and reposition ourselves from Outcome Based Educatoon to Standard Based Education to raise standards in all subjects but more specifically English, mathematics and science in primary school starting from elementary level.

"We the facilitators believe that all off you are well informed and prepared as agents of change of education to roll out Standard Based Education for the benefit of our  children come 2019."

Rodney encouraged all  teachers to go out and face the new challenges that they would encounter.

Bulolo school inspector Mufuanuc Zurete was away in Garaina to oversee a similar training.

He relayed his message through his wife Elizabeth Zurete to congratulate the teachers for the completion of the training.

"The implementation of SBE in 2019 rests with the teachers to adopt to the new curriculum and the phasing out of the old curriculum,"Zurete said.

"Teachers who have not attended the weeklong in-service training will not receive any teaching postings in 2019."

Head teacher Mathew Humango thanked the three facilitators for their tireless effort in imparting the new SBE during the weeklong training.

He said the teachers had grasped the new curriculum and were ready to implement it in 2019.

Teachers came from Pinetop, Regina, Nami, Riverside, Aiyaiti and Wau primary schools.

Lutheran Sunday School camp held in Wau

By SAMPSON BONAI in Wau

CHILDREN have been urged to respect their parents to become successful in their future lives,says a pastor.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG pastor Welebu Yamu, who presided over a three-day ELCPNG Sunday School Bible Camp in Wau last week,  encouraged the children to submit to their parents and obey them.

The camp was held at Kaisenik village in Wau Rural LLG.

Sunday School children performing at the Bible camp at Kaisenik Village in Wau Rural.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

"I encourage the children to submit to their parents,uncles and teachers to learn to become good and responsible people later on in their lives," Yamu said.

Sunday School children performing a traditional item during the three-day Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Mumeng District Sunday School Bible Camp held at Kaisenik Village in Wau Rural last week.

"God has placed a proper order for all of us to follow every day of our lives to live longer on this earth."

Yamu quoted the Bible verse from Exodus 20:12: "Honour your father and your mother so that you will live long on this earth."

He said parents should become teachers of their children and be good examples for them.

He quoted Proverbs 22:6:"Train a child on the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.

"God has created heaven and earth and later he creates human beings out from his own image and blessed them to multiply and filled the earth."

Bible lessons were divided into four parts and delivered to the children.

The children were accompanied by their parents to signify unity in the body of Christ.

The children from the four zones performed various creative dances and dramas.

They were also tested on their knowledge and understanding of Bible with quizzes.

 Kaisenik  parent Joel Yawing thank ed ELCPNG Sunday School Ministry for organising the camp

"The Word of God is the solution to the lives of the children of today's generation" he said.

The changing face of Lae

By SAMPSON BONAI in Lae

Lae City, the industrial hub of Papua New Guinea,  is experiencing a building boom.

The new Bank of PNG Building being constructed along 3rd Street, opposite Lae Post Office,  is nearing completion and should be open for business before end of this year.

The new Bank of PNG Building being constructed along 3rd Street,  opposite Lae Post Office,  is nearing completion and should be open for business before the end of this year.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

Papindo Supermarket has constructed a new look two-storey building along 7th Street to replace the old one that got burnt down in 1995.

The brand-New Papindo Shopping Centre along 7th Street.

Eye One Shopping Centre is a new two-storey building constructed at the site of the old Huon Theatre.

Eye One Shopping Centre is a new two-storey building at the site of the old Huon Theatre. It has become one of the busiest shopping venues in Lae.

It has become one of the busiest shopping venues in Lae. 

The old Wan Jin Wah shop at 7th Street is dwarfed by the towering Papindo Shopping Centre and the adjoining Victoria Supermarket.

The iconic Wan Jin Wah shop along 7th Street   is dwarfed by the towering Papindo Shopping Centre across the road.

Two new modern shopping complexes are being built at the Main Market area. 

Lae Plaza is situated along Aircorps Road near Bank South Pacific and Lae Shopping Centre is situated along Kisere Street behind Bowmans Hardware.

Lae Plaza offers the people of Morobe that heightened shopping experience right in the heart of Lae City. It has three stories of shops and self-contained units.

Improve tourist attractions in PNG to attract more tourists, says ADB

Asian Development Bank

The number of people visiting Papua New Guinea increased by 166% in the 10 years from 2005 to 2015.

However, a new brief from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warns that continued visitor growth is not inevitable and that government action is needed to help attract more of the lucrative tourist market.

Despite the high growth in visitor numbers, tourism revenue in PNG remains low compared to other Pacific countries.

 The ADB brief, Tourism as a Driver of Growth in the Pacific: A Pathway to Growth and Prosperity for Pacific Island Countries, offers a number of recommendations, including some specific to PNG, to help the country grow its tourism sector.

As a first step, it recommends the national tourism policies be reviewed with a view to increasing visitor numbers and spending.

It also recommends fostering tourist attractions around the country, such as developing Madang as a tourist destination, especially for cruise ships, and increasing Mount Wilhelm’s tourism potential by improving access to it.

The brief also says restoration of the Baiyer River Sanctuary could attract tourists to the area.

The brief identifies tourism as a unique opportunity for economic growth in the coming decade that could help Pacific island countries self-sufficiently fund national objectives, such as improved health services, education and transport.
Along with generating employment and income growth across the region, tourism development can serve as a catalyst for the protection and preservation of natural and cultural assets, the brief notes.

Visitor numbers across six Pacific countries examined have increased by almost 50% in the past 10 years, but the brief warns that continued tourism sector growth will not happen automatically, and that its benefits will continue to be unevenly distributed unless governments take action.

The brief recommends countries create an enabling environment to facilitate tourism growth and maximise its benefits.

This means investing in infrastructure, human resources, and product development and marketing, as well as ensuring that tourism policy, strategy, and the regulatory environment are designed to grow the sector sustainably.

“While many Pacific countries are using tourism effectively to generate income and employment, opportunities exist to expand and increase its benefits and ensure its sustainability,” said Rob Jauncey, Regional Advisor with ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office.

“As Pacific countries develop and pursue strategies to grow their tourism sectors, ADB stands ready to offer insight and advice, and provide technical assistance, finance, or coordination support.”

The brief was produced by ADB’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), a regional technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

PSDI works with ADB's 14 Pacific developing member countries to improve the enabling environment for business and to support inclusive, private sector-led economic growth.

It has operated in the region for 11 years and assisted with more than 300 reforms.

Morobe is at the 'Lukim Nau PNG Expo'

A team from Huon Gulf District led by CEO Moses Wanga is attending the three-day 'Lukim PNG Nau Tourism Expo' in Kokopo which starts today.

Huon Gulf recently made history by being the first Morobe District to sign an agreement with Tourism Promotion Authority to develop tourism there.

Salamaua LLG President Philemon Tomala signs his district's agreement as Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu and Huon Gulf CEO Moses Wanga witness.

Huon Gulf District has also made it possible for Morobe Tourism Bureau EO Defol Jabbar to attend.

We thank Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour, who is very keen to see Huon Gulf, and particularly Salamaua, develop into a major tourism hub.

Although MTB does not have funding as yet, Seymour ensured that Defol travelled to Kokopo, for the good of tourism in Morobe.

Defol will show Wanga and the Huon Gulf Team around Kokopo and Rabaul so they can learn from these areas about the importance of tourism.

He will keep us updated from the expo.

IFC: US and European tourists are biggest spenders in PNG

The FINANCIAL -- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, September 21, 2018 — New research shows visitors from North America and Europe are the biggest holiday spenders in Papua New Guinea, with Europeans spending USD$3600 and North Americans spending USD$4000 per trip on average.

Two Italian tourists having fun with local Goroka dancers at the 2018 Goroka Show.~Picture courtesy of Tourism Promotion Authority

The figures were released by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Association at the 2018 Lukim PNG Nau, this year’s tourism expo showcasing the country.

The research, compiled from the International Visitor Survey, shows travel agents play a key role in North Americans deciding to travel to Papua New Guinea, while Europeans tend to use travel guides and the internet to plan and book their trips independently online.

Drawing on data from six months, the research reveals North Americans are primarily interested in cultural activities and tours, while the market is also an important one for bird watchers. For the North American market, Papua New Guinea is likely viewed as a holiday destination for a “once in a lifetime trip” with the majority of travelers over 60 years of age.

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of Papua New Guinea growing its tourism by developing niche markets such as cultural, adventure and historical tourism.

Overall Papua New Guinea is heavily reliant on the Australian market for tourists, with Australia making up 48 percent of total visitors in the first six months of this year. The Australian holiday market is predominately a mature male market with most visitors between 40 and 70 years of age, and highly interested in active and adventure holidays.

The findings highlight that diving is an important activity for Asian travelers to Papua New Guinea, with potential to increase arrivals to the country from tourists interested in dive and World War Two experiences

Overall, the first six months of this year saw more than 34,600 visitors to Papua New Guinea, contributing some PGK $260 million (USD$78 million) to the country’s economy. That number is set to be overtaken in the second half of the year with Papua New Guinea hosting APEC – the Asia Pacific Economic Forum.

IFC’s tourism work in Papua New Guinea is focused on supporting the development of tourism business, improving tourism-related conditions, and helping attract investment in the tourism sector. IFC is also working with the World Bank to improve tourism services in the targeted destinations of East New Britain and Milne Bay.

Young people in Wau rebuild broken bridge

By SAMPSON BONAI in Wau

YOUNG PEOPLE from Kaisenik Village in Wau have used their own initiative to rebuild the broken Mabung Bridge.

This was to allow for vehicles to transport Sunday School children from Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Mumeng District to attend their three-day conference at Kaisenik from Sept 20-23.

Young people from Kaisenik Village used their own initiative to rebuild the broken Mabung bridge.~Pictures by MICHELLE.YAWING

Part of the bridge's timber flooring  broke six months ago.

This left big holes on top of the bridge which made it dangerous for vehicles to cross over.

Kaisenik village spokesman Joel Yawing said:."Wau Rural LLG had no money to purchase timber to carry out proper maintenance work on the bridge and reopen it to all traffic."

Young people who were preparing to host the conference took upon themselves to cut trees for timber for the bridge.

A vehicle attempting to cross the restored Mabung bridge at Kaisenik Village in Wau Rural.

They managed to reopen the bridge for delegates from the five zones within ELCPNG Mumeng District to travel to Kaisenik Village to attend the three-day conference.

Garaina set for cocoa boom

By SAMPSON BONAI

GARAINA will experience an economic boom when cocoa production reaches its peak in the next few years, says PNG Cocoa Board chief executive officer Boto Gaupu.

"PNG Cocoa Board has built a number of cocoa nurseries in Garaina station, Gaure and Garasa with 70,000 hybrid cocoa plants for distribution to the local people to grow on their land," he said.

COCOA COCOA EVERYWHERE IN GARAINA: 20, 000 cocoa trees at the nursery at Garaina Station waiting to be distributed to cocoa growers in Garaina. Other nurseries are located at Gaure and Garasa area.Cocoa Board CEO Boto Gaupu, who is from Garaina, wants It to become the biggest producer of cocoa in Morobe.~Sampson Bonai

"The people of Garaina should become economically-independent when they start  harvesting cocoa beans from their plots and transport it to the markets in Lae.

"A number of cocoa fermentries will be built in the villages for the growers to dry their beans. 

"Cocoa Board will charter aircrafts under the air freight subsidy to airlift the cocoa beans to Lae.

"Waria Valley will soon become the leading cocoa-growing LLG in Bulolo.

"We want to put money into the pockets of the people in the rural areas to help them improve their lifestyles in the future."

Gaupu said several nurseries had been built at Wandumi village in Wau and at Upper and Middle Watut areas respectively.

He said board extension officers were monitoring all the nurseries in Bulolo district to ensure the hybrid cocoa adopted well to the climate before they were distributed to the people for planting.

Gaupu said that the launching of the cocoa project in Waria Valley would be held ne in Sept 2019 in Garaina

He said the event would be attended by Agriculture Minister Benny Allen and other senior ministers and departmental heads .

Lutheran Sunday School Conference in Wau

By SAMPSON BONAI inWau

Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Mumeng District is hosting a three-day Sunday School Conference at Kaisenik Village in Wau.

The three conference will end on Sunday Sept 30.

The theme of the conference is taken from Exodus 20 -12："The children should submit under the authority of their parents and learn from them to become better leaders of the future."

An estimated 60 children from the four zones within ELCPNG Mining District are attending the conference in Wau.

75th Anniversary of Battle of Finschhafen

Finschhafen article in The National Weekender today commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Scarlet Beach Landing and the Battle of Finschhafen tomorrow.

It also promotes Beautiful Finschhafen as one of the best untouched tourism destinations in PNG.

Please click to enlarge and read article below:

Independence soccer tournament in Garaina a success

By SAMPSON BONAI

ARIHE men claimed the 2018 Waria Valley Independence  Unity Cup Soccer Tournament title after defeating Terize 1-0 in the grand final in Garaina on Wednesday.

Arihe with the tropy after defeating Terize in the men's grand final in Waria Valley Independence Unity Cup Soccer Tournament in Garaina on Wednesday.-Picture by SAMPSON BONAI

Terize finished second and walked away with the runner-up trophy and K500 cash prize money.

In the women's division, Au proved too strong over Palm Shadows from Garaina 2-0 in the grandfinal to walk home with the trophy and K1 000 cash prize money.

Palm Shadows settled for the runner-up  trophy and K500 cash prize money.  

Teko (men) finished third and walked away with K250 and Terabe (women) also finished third and settled for K250.

Palm Shadows (men) came fourth and Arihe (women) also settled for the fourth placings and won two trophies respectively.

Teko men and Edu Toiros won the fair play trophies.

Michael Rouna (men) from Guri team and Koni Sapi (women) from Au team took out the player-of -the-tournament awards.

Ebong Peter (men) of Palm Shadows won the golden boot award for scoring a seben goals and Rihu Kenia (women) also took out the same award.

Samuel Guidea (men) won the individual award as the best goal keeper and Rayban Sepsi took out the best defenders award.

Jethro Perabi (men) from GSA and Belinda Sio (women) from Palm Shadow won the midfielder awards.

Gerau men and Terube women took out the most-improved team awards retrospectively.

The grand final ended peacefully without and everyone went away satisfied for taking part in Undependence celebrations by participating in the Unity Cup soccer tournament.

A total 48 teams - 28 men and 18 women -  took part in this third Unity Cup tournament in Garaina from September 9-19.

Major sponsor and Cocoa Board Chief Executive Officer Boto Gaupu thanked the 48 teams for participating in the tournament and congratulated the winning teams.

Arihe team manager Joe Tongata (left) receiving the winning trophy and K1000 prize money from major sponsor and Cocoa Board CEO Boto Gaupu after defeating Terize 1-0 in the grand final of Waria Valley Independence Unity Cup Soccer Tournament in Garaina on Wednesday.

"We will host a bigger and better tournament next year to coincides with the launching of the cocoa project in Waria Valley," Gaupu said.

"I encourage all the team's to train hard to compete for the first cash prize money of K5,000.

"I held talks with Federation Football PNG President John Kapi Natto and he will  accompany me to scout for rural soccer talents during 2019 soccer tournament.

"I also extend my words and appreciation and thanks to all the technical officials and chairman Sobi Sasia for organising a successful soccer tournament this year."

Waria soccer team receives new uniforms

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

A local soccer club from Ono in Waria is proud recipient of a new set of soccer uniforms, thanks to PNG Cocoa Board chief executive officer Boto Gaupu.

PNG Cocoa Board CEO Boto Gaupu (left) with the GPA Victims soccer team and their new uniforms.~Picture by SAMPSON BONAI

The GPA Victims soccer team participated in the Unity Cup Waria Valley Independence Soccer Tourmament being held in Garaina from Sept 10-19.

 It bowed out of the finals.

"I'm presenting the new soccer uniforms to the team to be used in the next soccer tournament in 2019," Gaupu said.

"This is as a token of appreciation for participating in the Unity Cup Independence soccer tournament this year."

Team manager Yamup Sako thanked Gaupu for the new uniforms.

"I thank Gaupu on behalf of GPA Victims for the new set of uniforms," he said.

"We will look after the uniforms and use themin the Waria Valley Unity Cup in 2019.

"I'm confident we will do better next year.

"The new uniforms have boosted the morale of players to prepare well for next year's tournament.

"We will return back to our village at Ono after witnessing the grand final."

Cocoa boss calls for change in Garaina

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

Educated people of Garaina have been urged to work together and follow the footsteps of their forefathers to bring vital development to the valley.

Chief executive officer of PNG Cocoa Board Boto Gaupu said this when launching the week-long Independence Soccer Tournament and Unity Cup in Garaina today.

Cocoa Board CEO Boto Gaupu addresses the crowd in Garaina today.~Picture by SAMPSON BONAI

"Garaina has seen better days as enjoyed by our forefathers," he said.

"The station has suffered due to continuous neglect over the years by our elected leaders and educated elite of the valley.

"We should now forget our differences.

"Stand united and work together to bring back peace and unity for the  good of our people.

"The valley is known for criminal activities over the years.

"We have to change that bad perception and prove to everyone in Bulolo and Miorobe that we are good and hard-working people,".

Gaupu said sports was an important activity to promote peace and respect among the young people from the 18 ward councils.

He is from Sikemu village in Waria Valley  and grew up the hard way to achieve an  education.

Gaupu urged young people to strive to become better soccer players.

He will bring Federation Football PNG president John  Kapi Natto next year to scout for soccer talents from Garaina.

"Next year's soccer tournament will be bigger and better," Gaupu said.

"The organising committee  will be working in advance to prepare the best tournament."

Gaupu said he had introduced cocoa into the valley.

Over 100,000 cocoa seedlings have been planted by people from Gaure,Garaina and Garasa.

Gaupu said another 20,000 seedlings were now being cared for at the nursery.

They will be distributed to people who have not received any seedlings from their respective villages.

Gaupu said he came from the valley, headed the Cocoa Board and had introduced cocoa into Garaina.

He urged everyone to get the hybrid seedlings from the nursery and plant it on  their land.

They will benefit financially from their  labour in a few  years time.

The official launching of cocoa farming in Garaina will be held next year.

The departmental head and minister responsible for agriculture will be invited to launch cocoa farming in the valley at Garaina Station.

"I appeal to everyone to work hard to improve your lifestyle with the income you receive from your  cocoa harvest," Gaupu said.

"We will all join hands to change the face of Garaina.

"We will make it become the leading cocoa producer in Bulolo and Morobe."

Lutheran Church Garaina Circuit meeting in November

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Garaina Circuit will convened its conference in November to elect new circuit leaders.

Circuit vice-president Tuo Solulu confirmed that the conference would be held from Nov 26-30 at Sopa Parish Centre in Garaina.

"The conference fee is K20 per person," he said.

"The maximum number of voting delegates who are eligible to attend the conference is 10.

"The agenda is to elect the new circuit president, vice-president,secretary and Good News director."

Big Independence pumpkin harvest in Garaina

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

It was a special Independence harvest for Waria LLG patrol officer Steven Pizza (left) and wife Angela when they dug of up 5kg of pumpkin from their garden.

Angela said she brought the pumpkin seedlings in Bulolo last year and planted in their garden at Korepa village.

"I went down to the village to harvest pumpkins and I was surprised to see the huge pumpkin inside the garden," she said.

"I told my husband about the huge pumpkin from our garden.


"He was also surprised about the big pumpkin and told me to bring it to Garaina Station."

 Pissa kept the pumpkin at the house until the Waria Valley Independence Soccer Tournament and Unity Cup.

He brought it out of the house and showed it to their family members and the media

"We will share the harvest with our relatives from home," he said.

"We will replant the seedlings again and expect another similar harvest next year."

BSP empowers Garaina people with bank accounts

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

People of remote Garaina in Morobe are turning up in droves to open Bank South Pacific accounts.

Two Bulolo-based BSP officers Javen Malcolm and Joseph Teiva are in Garaina to assist the people to open bank accounts.

"We came here this week to instal cash agents and ETPOS machines, and
open new bank accounts for the people from Wards 10 and 11 in Waria LLG," Malcolm said.

Enoki Tumei from Bapi village in Ward 10,  Waria LLG in Bulolo District, opening her bank account with Bulolo Bank South Pacific tellers Joseph Teiva and Javen Malcolm in Garaina yesterday (despite it being a public holiday).  This coincided with the Waria Valley Independence celebrations and Unity Cup Soccer Tournament sponsored by PNG Cocoa Board chairman Boto Gaupu.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

"We are also checking on the existing SME business accounts with the people.

"A few people with the existing bank accounts are eligible to obtain loans from the bank to strengthen their existing SME Business activities."

The bank is offering four bank accounts for children and adults.

 Many children accompanied by their parents opened up bank accounts.

Young people also took the opportunity to open their accounts as well.

BSP officer  Joseph Teiva said the bank fee for the children was K2.50, school children K5 and adults K10.

Health worker Henry Gabia turned to opened three bank accounts for his children.

Garaina health worker Henry Gabia assisting his five-year-old daughter Rael to open her BSP bank account with teller Javen Malcolm in Garaina stationyesterday (despite it being a public holiday). This coincided with the Waria Valley Independence Soccer Tournament.

"We thank BSP for bringing rural banking services right through to our doorsteps here in the rural areas," he said.

Historical buildings decay in Garaina

By SAMPSON BONAI in Garaina

The old Returned Services League (RSL) Club House in the heart of  Garaina Station has deteriorated over the years.

The old RSL Club House in its deteriorating state in Garaina Station today.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

No maintenance work has been carried out on it for many years.

The old fibro walls, roofing iron and interior of the historical building are slowly falling apart due to years of continuous neglect.

The nearby old Waria Council Chamber that was burnt down in July 2001 by arsonists still has its iron structure standing.

Material for the two historical buildings was carried through the bush track from Morobe coast by people of Garaina to the station in the 1950s.

Due to lack of funding support from the Government to carry out maintenance work on the buildings over the years, the old RSL building has deteriorated over the years.

A memorial plague for late retired Sergeant Major Seka Biritoh stands outside the old RSL building.

The memorial of Sergeant Major Seka Biritoh, a policeman whose efforts during Pacific WWII resulted in him being awarded the American Bronze Admiral Star for Gallantry while serving in the US Army in Bougainville.

Wau PMV operators chip in to help police

By SAMPSON BONAI in Wau

WAU-based PMV operators have made a commitment to contribute funds to police to purchase materials for construction of a reliable water supply to connect into the condemned police cells.

PMV trucks along Wau/Bulolo route at Makoni Market.~Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

The operators resolved at one of their meetings for all PMV owners to contribute K50 towards supporting Wau police to restore water supply back into the cells.

Wau/Bulolo Urban LLG manager Angkas Kopa said they had raised K500 so far and said they needed another K1000 more to reach K1500 to be handed to Wau police.

Three Wau-based PMV operators listening attentively during the meeting last week.

"The Wau and Bulolo police station cells have been condemned by National Court acting-judge John Numapo during one of his court circuits to Bulolo two months ago," Kopa said.

"The remandees are now being transported to Zenag police station cells to wait for their court apoearance.

"The court order is still in force to restore water back to the condemned police cells.

"We will contribute towards funding of materials for the construction and reconnecting of water back to the police cells."

PMV Owner Anna Yabi, who chaired the meeting,  urged all PMV owners to hand over their K50 to Kopa Trading at ADO Compound.

Wau-Bulolo Urban LLG manager Angkas Kopa and PMV operator Anna Gabi talking to PMV operators at their meeting in Wau last week.

A receipt will be given to them as proof of their payments.

"It's part of our community activities to support a worthy cause," she said.

"We want to enable police to perform their law enforcement more effectively to minimise law-and-order problems in our town."

All PMV operators who attended the meeting assured Yabi that they would contribute to the worthy cause of  supporting Wau police.

Wau students urged to read more books

By SAMPSON BONAI

Students in Wau have been urged to read more books and refrain from spending quality time on mobile phones.

They have been encouraged to read more books to improve their understanding of English rather then spending time on mobile phones.

Harmony Gold Exploration community affairs manager Anthony Naguwean had this message for students of Wau Primary School when delivering library books to the school during  Literacy Week.

 

Harmony Gold exploration manager Bernard Kavanamur (left) and community affairs manager Anthony Naguwean presenting library books to Wau Primary School head boy while students and teachers look on during Literacy Week.-Pictures by SAMPSON BONAI

"The more time you spend on browsing through mobile phones will destroy your learning and proper understanding of English," he said.

"I encourage all of you to read more books and newspapers to increase your knowledge on the important issues around the globe, and most importantly to improve your English vocabulary."

Haus  Pikinini children browsing through reading books presented to them by Harmony Gold exploration manager Bernard Kavanamur and community affairs manager Anthony Naguwean during Literacy week.

Exploration manager Bernard Kavanamur urged students to study hard and make use of the opportunity in school "to enable you to excel in your academic performance and to enter universities to accomplish your purpose in life".

"I have studied hard and excelled in my academic performance and entered university to become a geologist," he said.

"You can do the same if you take your studies seriously and refrain from indulging yourself in illicit activities such as marijuana and home brew."

Head teacher Mathew Humango thanked Harmony Gold for the donation of library books to the school.

Wau Elementary teacher-in-charge Jokie Kusunan and Haus Pikinini manager Donna Harvey Hall joined hands in thanking Harmony Gold Exploration for donating library books to their schools.

PM highlights importance of agriculture and tourism in Independence message

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has emphasised the importance of agriculture and tourism in his Independence Message.

He said this in his message themed 'Embracing the Future'.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill receiving a gift from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird in Wewak on Thursday. He is flanked by Maprik MP John Simon, Civil Aviation Minister Alfred Manase and Police Minister Jelta Wong.

"Our country has products that the world wants and needs to buy," O'Neill said.

"This is not just our oil and gas resources, but we have renewable resources that are in high demand.

"Our agriculture sector should be the food bowl of the region.

"We have vast expanses of land, with rich fertile soil that is purely organic.

"We have some of the most amazing tourism sites that people from around the world want to visit.

"But all of this potential is worth nothing if we do not believe in ourselves.

"We must continue to invest in our nation and in our communities.

"This means building the roads that we need to transport our goods to market, to build the airports for our people to travel and to construct the schools that will educate the next generation.

"The only people who can deliver a stronger Papua New Guinea – are Papua New Guineans ourselves.

"As a country we have many friends who are helping us to advance, and we value this support, but we must do things for ourselves and chart our own course.

"We have to have confidence in our potential, we have to make firm decisions on our future and we have to stand by those decisions all the way.

"I give you every commitment, on behalf of our Government, that we will not let your down.

"Each and every day, we will continue to do our best to advance the interests of Papua New Guinea, and continue to deliver real change for our nation."

O'Neill said PNg must prepare its communities to adapt to changes in the modern world.

"This includes dealing with natural disasters brought about by climate change so we can protect our people," he said.

"We must better adapt to the evolving global economy, so that we not only insulate ourselves from economic shocks – but we must take advantage of economic opportunity for our people."

A very special day for Lae

Lest We Forget:September 16 2018 is the 75th anniversary of the recapture of Lae by Australian troops in 1943 from the Japanese. 

This makes this year's Independence celebrations in Lae very special.

We hope Australia, Papua New Guinea, Lae and Morobe will make that day a memorable one. 

Our young people must know the rich and colourful  history of our hometown. 

A place with no past has no future.

Below is the article in The National Weekender of Sept 14  on the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Lae on Sept 16, and Salamaua on Sept 11 (please click to enlarge)

Standard Based Education reintroduced in Wau

By SAMPSON BONAI

THE reintroduction of Standard-Based Education (SBE)  will improve the education of the school children at a young age,says Bulolo school inspector Mufuanu Zurete.

He said this when launching the SBE curriculum syllabus at Wau Primary School on Tuesday Sept 11.

Bulolo school inspector Mufuanu Zurete (centre) cutting the ribbon to launch  the Standard Based Education curriculum syllabus at Wau Primary School on Tuesday.Looking on is head teacher Mathew Humango and school board chairman Maru Bati with Wau Lutheran Day Elementary teacher-In charge.~Picture by SAMPSON BONAI

"The standard of education has dropped in the past 15 years when SBE was phased out with the introduction of Outcome Based Education (OBE)," Zurete said.   

"The Government realised the mistake it had created due to the decline in the standard of education in PNG.

"It will reintroduce SBE in 2020 to improve the standard of education in this country.

"The standard-based education  system will be rolled out throughout the country in 2020."  

Zurete said many students who passed through the OBE could not write and speak  English and understand basic mathematics.

He said that was the reason why the Government had to remove OBE and reintroduce SBE back into education system in PNG.

Zurete said the Education Department would also implement the new structural change of 1-6-6 system in all the schools in 2020.

Wau Primary School head teacher Mathew Humango thanked Zurete for  launching the SBE curriculum syllabus.

He said an in-service training for all teachers would be conducted from Sept 24-28 to train teachers on the SBE system.

The launching was witnessed by all teachers and students during opening of the three-days sports carnival on Tuesday.