NCD Governor, Powes Parkop when presenting the cheque said, “Socially marginalized communities here in NCD and indeed other districts have benefitted greatly from the work of Digicel PNG Foundation so as the Governor and custodians of National Capital District, we would like to express our gratitude to Digicel Foundation for the work they has done in PNG since their establishment in 2005. . Our investment of K100,000 is in support of the work that Digicel PNG Foundation does in the area of Early Childhood Development and Learning here in NCD as basic but essential operational support to these 13 informal CLC pre-schools. This funding means CLC teachers can receive a small allowance for their valuable services and their pre-schools can subsidised increasing the opportunity for marginalised children from the settlements to start learning at an early age” The Governor said this is a small but important step to greatly enhance the sustainability of the CLCs pre-school operations.

Digicel PNG Foundation CEO Beatrice Mahuru said, “Digicel Foundation recognizes the importance of working in partnership with Government to ensure the sustainability of community projects in PNG. In that vein, we are delighted that Governor Powes Parkop and NCDC have once again partnered with us to fund regular teacher allowances and annual school subsidies. Access to early education is vital for the development of the next generation and an area the Digicel Foundation recognizes and supports.” The Digicel Foundation currently evaluates all CLCs against a comprehensive model and will track the impact of this funding to show its effectiveness particularly in the areas of enrolment, teacher attendance and quality of learning. Digicel Foundation has also supported 5 CLCs in Eastern Highlands, 5 CLCs in the Western Highlands and 5 CLCs in the Morobe province. 85% of these CLCs across the Highlands and Momase have been assessed and recognised by the Education Department and are now registered as formal elementary schools.

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 200 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

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A total of 17 Digicel staff from the Port Moresby office joined hands with the Vipers Head Coach, Shane Morris; to visit the Digicel Foundation funded CLCs in 8 Mile: Enei Monou CLC and Power Station CLC.

The theme of the day was ‘Colour Your World’, and Digicel Foundation staff and Digicel Volunteers spent the day with 110 little children from Power Station CLC and 50 students from Enei Monou CLC; colouring pictures together, playing games and telling stories.

Digicel Foundation CEO, Beatrice Mahuru launched the program saying: “Volunteering is the selfless act of helping a person and his/her community. Our Digicel team undertakes this commitment with the clear understanding that they have an important role to play as mentors for children from these socially marginalized communities. It is an emotionally uplifting experience because it is the beginning of a paradigm shift for all involved. The day is spent learning together, playing sports and demonstrating the benefits of good healthy habits, – something as seemingly simple as – washing hands. All our staff volunteers came away from the EVD describing the experience as a positive one.”

The Digicel employee volunteer day program is one in which staff mentor children to appreciate the importance of education; it teaches goodwill; and in partnership with Shane Morris, it demonstrates the significance of washing hands as part of fostering healthy living habits. 

A new element we added to the program this year is values built on Christian principals. Ps. Arthur Tane and Ps Sere from the Living Light Foursquare Church joined the team at the second CLC, Enei Monou, to share on Christian values and principles. They also distributed gift packs from the Good Samaritans Purse to the children there. The first CLC yesterday, the Power Station CLC, and the remaining 17 CLCs dotted across Port Moresby’s settlements will be visited next week by Ps Arthur and Ps Sere giving gifts from the Good Samaritans Purse Program.

The first EVD program for the year ended with Digicel volunteers sharing apples and oranges; as well as water and juice with the children.

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 189 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people.

The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

Following the success of the 2012 Isi Learning Program and the outcome of top students’ performance results, the community based teacher training program is gaining momentum as the premier community based teacher training program in Port Moresby. Existing pre-school teachers from Port Moresby’s Community Learning Centres (CLCs) including interested community representatives with teaching background  and those who has passion for developing young children registered their interest with the Living Light Foursquare Church to begin the Isi teacher training program this year. Funded by Digicel PNG Foundation, the capacity building program facilitated by the Living Light Foursquare Church is free for all community based CLC teachers in Port Moresby’s urban settlements and the outer areas of the Central province. As more and more CLC’s begin to sprout in urban settlements the need for community based teacher training is more profound. The 40 week course includes a basic literacy, numeracy and comprehension program (reading, writing and numbers), social skills development and personal health & hygiene programs.

After the successful outcome of the Isi Learning teacher training program in 2012, Digicel PNG Foundation has invested a further K82, 000 to fund the program again in 2013.

At the launch, Digicel PNG Foundation CEO, Beatrice Mahuru acknowledged the conviction of all the potential teachers in the room, saying: “Thank you for your commitment, passion and enthusiasm which are key elements in this community undertaking. Good Governance and Community Ownership are qualities that will ensure that your CLC continues to develop sustainably and your students shine. Our Digicel PNG Foundation program team will work closely with you and in partnership with Living Light Foursquare church in preparing your CLC through the implementation of the CLC Sustainability model.” The Digicel Foundation designed CLC sustainability model mentors CLC teachers and Boards and measures them in six core areas: governance, finance, CLC income management, CLC administration, Board management and community ownership.

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 189 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

The graduates came from all walks of life – students on holiday, retired workers, house wives, fishermen, roadside proprietors – all sharing one dream, the chance to broaden their knowledge of life and sharpen their business skills. Their ages ranged from as young as 15 years to 60 years of age. Although 183 participants enrolled, 158 made it through the two weeks program undertaking workshops on Gender Based Violence, Sexual health, Personal Health and Hygiene, Modern Money in the first week and Basic Business Awareness, Family Finance and Budgeting, Identifying Income Generating Activities and Building Confidence training in the second week. 

After the successful outcome of the 2012, program, Digicel PNG Foundation has invested close to K85, 000 to fund the program again in 2013.

Digicel PNG Foundation, CEO Beatrice Mahuru congratulated all the participants who graduated with the Basic Business Skills Certificate. She said; “Digicel PNG Foundation is proud of the success of its community building initiatives, and our achievements are a credit to the partnerships we have. The Life and Business Skills program, in partnership with the Ginigoada Bisnis Development Foundation, is a holistic approach to gender based violence through extemporaneous street theatre. It breaks participant inhibition and encourages discussion. The certification at the end of the training gives participants validity of completion and achievement. Last year alone, over 2,200 participants graduated from the program and most have been further attached to skills-based training and or office experience work through our partnership with the Yumi Lukautim Mosbi desk with the Chamber of Commerce. Many have seen their small businesses grow in healthier communities.” Digicel PNG Foundation will continue to support this program with an expansion into Mt Hagen next month and Lae later in the year. The CEO encouraged the participants to seize the opportunity out there and not let the certificate gather dust.

15-year-old Uma Omar, a student at the Kaugere Primary, said: “When I learnt about the training program in Gabutu, I enrolled without hesitation. I will put to good use the many new things I have learnt. Thank you Digicel PNG Foundation for your continued funding support to Ginigoada.”

Mogola Wagi, a 60 year old man from the Hela Province who attended this training program commended it saying the training program provided promising opportunities for the unemployed men and women in Port Moresby.

Participants came from as far as Sogeri, 14 mile, Morata, Waigani, Gerehu, Sabama, Kaugere and Koki to attend the program at Gabutu.

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 189 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

As schools throughout PNG are preparing for the 2013 academic year, two Highland provinces proudly launched double classrooms thanks to the Digicel Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in education infrastructure to provide increased access to better education.

In Western Highlands Province, the Muka Peng Elementary School and the Pentena Elementary School were proud recipients of Digicel Foundation’s education infrastructure support. Muka Peng, which has an enrollment of 276 students, is the first elementary school in the Dei Council to receive Digicel PNG Foundation’s education support. Pentena and its 145 students also made history for itself as the first in the Mul-Baiyer district to receive a double classroom from the Digicel Foundation. Both schools are   located an hour’s drive from the main town of Hagen.

In the neighboring province of Simbu, the Dilawe elementary school with 110 students also received a double classroom. Dilawe, located in the remote Gumini District, about two hours’ drive from Kundiawa town, is the first elementary school in the Gumine district to be a recipient of Digicel Foundation’s education infrastructure investment. Due to the remoteness of this community, the community members worked so hard, invested time and pooled their own resources to maintain the school up to when Digicel PNG Foundation came to their assistance.

The three new elementary school classrooms in the highlands were funded at a total cost of K295, 000.  The investment includes office space in between, solar kit lighting, 4500L water tanks and two VIP kit toilets each.

At the launching of the classrooms, community leaders of the respective schools thanked Digicel Foundation for continuing its roll out of new classroom infrastructure to enable access to education for children in rural areas of PNG. “We are a fortunate recipient of Digicel Foundation’s continued investment in education infrastructure through many rural communities in PNG. We can comfortably increase our student enrolment in 2013 to ensure our children get educated to contribute to the future success of this country,” said Jeffery David, head teacher of Pentena elementary school in Western Highlands Province.

Beatrice Mahuru, CEO Digicel Foundation said: “For Papua New Guinea’s continued progress as a nation, and for the enrichment of our society in general, education is necessary and important. A country’s literate population is its asset and this is what drives us at Digicel PNG Foundation. We thank the communities with whom we have partnered and the parent and teachers who play a key role in shaping their children’s lives.”

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 189 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

Monday, 07^th January, 2013 – Port Moresby, PNG: Ten school communities in PNG are proud recipients of classroom infrastructure funded by Digicel PNG Foundation, an education infrastructure investment totaling K1.395 million.

In the weeks leading up to the New Year, six provinces proudly launched classroom infrastructure in preparation for the 2013 school year, testament of Digicel PNG Foundation’s commitment to investing in education infrastructure to provide increased access to better education.

In Sandaun province, the Amsuku and Ningian Primary Schools received double classrooms. Both schools are located in the Aitape-Lumi LLG of Sandaun province 7 kilometers apart and far from the main Aitape town. In the neighbouring province of East Sepik, the Turingi Primary school located in the central Sepik Plain and Yangouru Central Elementary school, located along the main Sepik highway, about three hours outside of Wewak Town; both received double classrooms; making access to education easier for students from that area. St Mary Karu Elementary and Silom Primary Schools in New Ireland province, were proud recipients of double classrooms. St Mary Karu is situated along Buluminski Highway, about four hours’ drive out of Kavieng town. Since its establishment in 2004, the community has maintained it as best they could until Digicel Foundation’s education infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, Silom Primary, which¸ is also on the main Buluminski Highway towards Namatanai, about three hours’ drive from Kavieng town were pleased to launch their new double classroom, in time for the 2013 academic year.. Previously, children from Silom had to walk for up to 6km on the busy Buluminski highway to attend the Loldoa Primary School. In West New Britain, students attending Mataliliu Elementary School in Bialla were delighted to receive their new double elementary classroom. The school is located 4km by road from Kimbe Town and the nearest elementary school, Eirman’s Memorial elementary school is located 4km away so parents were also very grateful for the new classrooms. In the Southern region, Paramana elementary school in the Central province, receive a double classroom and Wagawaga elementary school and Watunou primary school in Milne Bay province also received double classrooms.

The new primary classrooms were constructed at the total costs of K200,000 each.  The investments include a 9000 litres water tank, 40 double desks, two VIP kit toilets, kit showers and kit solar power solutions to aide teacher do their lesson plans and students with their homework at night.

The elementary classrooms were funded at the total cost of K95,000 each which include a 4500L  water tank,  and two VIP kit toilets..

At the launching of the classrooms, community leaders of the respective schools thanked Digicel Foundation for continuing its roll out of new classroom infrastructure to enable access to education for children in rural areas of PNG. “We are a fortunate recipient of Digicel Foundation’s continued investment in education infrastructure through many rural communities in PNG. We can comfortably increase our student enrolment in 2013 to ensure our children get educated to contribute to the future success of this country,” said William Harry Board chairman of Turigi Primary School in East Sepik Province.

Beatrice Mahuru, CEO Digicel Foundation said: “At Digicel PNG Foundation, we believe that education is the single biggest opportunity we can give a child. We are humbled by the community ownership that keeps these rural schools going and are encouraged by the marginalized children’s thirst for knowledge. We know how conducive good education facilities are to learning and we are proud to be able to make a positive impact on our rural communities’ quest for improved education infrastructure. These children are the future of our nation so if the Government can partner with us in joint action, we will be able to do a lot more to fulfill their hopes and dreams through education”.

 To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 181 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 100,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future. 

Saturday, 05^th January 2013 – Central Province, PNG: Viriolo Elementary School in Central Province launched its first permanent elementary classroom.

Over the weekend, Viriolo elementary school proudly launched their first permanent elementary classroom thanks to Digicel PNG Foundations continued investment in education infrastructure providing increased access to better education.

The Viriolo elementary school is nestled in the United Church grounds in Aroma LLG of Abau district in Central province. It is situated about four hours’ drive outside of Port Moresby along the Magi Highway to Kupiano station.  The nearest school, Kapari Elementary, is located two kilometers away and has been the only elementary school in the area. This is quite a long and treacherous distance to cover by foot for children aged anywhere from 7 years, along a busy highway. Since the initial support given by Digicel Foundation in 2010 through the donation of two small kit classrooms in recognition of the community’s initiative and commitment, student enrolment has increased significantly. Since their humble beginnings three years ago under the Digicel Foundation funded kit classrooms, Viriolo has grown from strength to strength, taking the initiative to build another double semi-permanent classroom to cater for increasing student numbers. The new double classroom building was constructed at a total cost of K95, 000. The investment includes a double classroom building, office space, a water tank and two ventilation improved pit (VIP) toilets. “We are a fortunate recipient of Digicel Foundation’s continued investment in education infrastructure through many rural communities in PNG. This investment is timely as we can comfortably increase our student enrolment in 2013 to ensure our children get educated to contribute to the future success of this country,” said Board chairman of the school, Opa Taureka.

At the launching of the classroom, Beatrice Mahuru, CEO Digicel Foundation said: “We are delighted to have touched the lives of the people of Viriolo in a positive way. Education is the single biggest opportunity we can invest in a child in their quest for a future filled with hopes and aspirations. We are encouraged by the community ownership demonstrated here and are confident that the Viriolo community will make the most of the investment made in this new classroom building”. The CEO took the opportunity to wish the young students all the very best for the 2013 academic year.

To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 186 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K18.75 million back into marginalized PNG communities which has directly impacted more than 100,000 people. The Digicel Foundation plans to continue the funding of community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.