Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Empowerment Through Personal Viability Training
The Wai Tri Women and Children Association funded a two-week Personal Viability (PV) Training ending with the graduation of 26 local participants on June 13, at the Kiunga Vocational Training Centre.
The participants originate from Middle Fly, Tutuwe, and Wai Tri regions enrolled in the training, with 26 proudly receiving Level 1 Certificates in Personal Viability from The Human Development Institute (HDI), marking a transformative journey in personal and community development. This training was facilitated by the Community Development Team of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) in partnership with HDI.
The Personal Viability program is widely recognised in Papua New Guinea as a life-skills and mindset transformation tool, equipping participants with practical competencies in personal discipline, self-reliance, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and goal setting. Participants spent two weeks immersed in 17 interactive group topics designed to challenge their thinking and help them build the foundation for long-term personal and economic growth.
The General Manager and lead Trainer Mr. Grand Wavine, shared a powerful message with the graduating class:
“This training has been about learning to think for yourself as an individual, to better improve yourself. With the 17 group topics, I continuously told you all to challenge yourselves to be a better version of yourselves.”
His words captured the essence of the training and empowerment from within, through reflection, courage, and discipline.
A Male participant from Ambaga village, Mr. Alexius Misimbi, in an interview shared his thoughts about this training, he said, “This training has opened my mind to do more with the little I have, to start small and have a goal and vision to work towards achieving big with my poultry project and small vanilla farm. With the small profit I earn from this, I will look at it positively and give enough room to grow financially. After this training, I am confident that I will have a renewed mindset and think differently, change my mindset and attitude personally to become a better version of myself”
Pictured is Miss Rhonda Karung sharing her story during an interview
Female participant, Miss Rhoda Karung from Ieran Village in an interview shared her story of the impact of this training, “I have co-managed my father’s trade store and through this training, I have learned the importance of customer service. It is my attitude toward the customers that matters, I must treat each customer as a priority and with respect. Also, to always challenge myself to become a better version of myself, to be self-reliant and less dependable on others for what I want and need.”
The participants, some of whom had never had access to formal education or training before, expressed newfound hope and confidence. The opportunity not only provided essential life skills but also fostered a sense of self-worth and direction among participants.
The Chairlady of the Wai Tri Women and Children Association, Mrs. Ruth Ukins applauded the efforts of both the participants and OTDF for the successful delivery of the training. She highlighted that this initiative is in line with the association’s vision to invest in people, particularly at the grassroots level, and to promote inclusive development:
“We believe empowering individuals with the right mindset and skills is key to unlocking sustainable development in our communities. This training is a beginning, we are confident these participants will go on to lead and inspire others in their villages.”
She also emphasised that this initiative is not a one-off, but part of a long term plan by the Association to promote human resource development within the Mine impacted areas.
The partnership between the Association and OTDF once again demonstrates the impact of working together for a shared vision, “improving the lives of the people in the CMCA region.” OTDF’s involvement through its Community Development team ensured the training was well-structured, culturally appropriate, and inclusive.
Mr. Moses Kalup – Manager Program Services Sustainable Development, during the graduation encouraged the graduates to receive their level 1 certificate with a vision for a sustainable future after mine closure. He said, “This training is to teach you sustainability in preparation for life after mine closure. To shift from a dependable state of mind to a self-reliance, it takes consistency and discipline to see change.”
“We are proud to support such initiatives, and even more proud of the participant who showed commitment and embraced the learning process. It is through partnerships like this that true change happens at the community level,” he added.
Following the success of this training, the Wai Tri Women and Children Association has indicated plans to sponsor additional training programs in the future, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, and small-scale income generation initiatives. The hope is that graduates will form community groups, start small businesses, and pass on the knowledge and values learned to others.
For now, the newly certified graduates return to their homes with heads held high and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to become agents of change in their families and communities.
OTDF Delivers 15 Infrastructure Projects to Mine Villages
The total number of completed infrastructure projects across the mine- villages has reached 15, following the official handover of two new houses in Wangbin village on Friday, 13 June.
These projects were funded using their Village Development Funds (VDFs) administered under a special mine agreement by the Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
The event in Wangbin marked a continuing milestone in OTDF’s commitment to improving living standards in the mine-impacted communities.
Wangbin Councillor Mr. Samuel Mereng, speaking on behalf of the community and new homeowners, thanked OTDF for its consistent support.
“The standard upheld by OTDF in delivering projects, especially in financial management, sets a benchmark for transparency,” he said. “Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, OTDF has delivered. We ask for continued partnership and cooperation from all stakeholders.”
Mr. Mereng also encouraged the Wangbin community to support OTDF by engaging constructively in development processes.
“Let’s stop relying on handouts and start taking ownership of our future. The VDFs are here to help us, and OTDF is the vehicle to deliver. Let’s use it wisely.”
OTDF Acting CEO, Mr. Andrew Mari, acknowledged community concerns and reaffirmed OTDF’s commitment to working closely with local leaders.
“While we cannot meet every expectation at once, we can address key priorities through proper planning,” Mr. Mari said. “I urge Wangbin leaders to develop a five-year community development plan. This plan will be a roadmap to guide the implementation of projects in Wangbin village. Having a shared vision and well-coordinated approach is essential for meaningful progress.”
He praised the leadership within Wangbin, saying their unity and cooperation are helping drive visible improvements. Mr. Mari also encouraged homeowners to take responsibility for maintaining their new houses and highlighted the need for stronger investment in education.
“Education is the key to long-term development,” he said. “We urge communities to consider using VDFs to support students pursuing higher and technical education.”
According to OTDF infrastructure records, 15 projects have now been delivered across the mine villages: Finalbin (5 houses), Atemkit (2 houses), Kavorabip (5 houses), Wangbin (2 houses), and Migalsim (a 3-in-1 classroom).
Three additional houses have already been approved for Wangbin, along with the construction of a perimeter fence for Wangbin Primary School, which is set to begin in the coming months.
CMCA Trusts Secure Professional Fund Management with Signing of Investment Management Agreement
Signing Ceremony of the IMA document – Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) as Statutory Manager of the future generation funds for the eight Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust regions facilitated the signing of the Investment Management Agreement (IMA) between the leaders representing the 8 CMCA Trust and Kina Wealth Management Limited (KWML).
The Agreement, signed in Port Moresby, formalizes the appointment of Kina Wealth Management Limited as the exclusive Investment Manager of the CMCA Trust Investment Portfolios. Kina Nominees Limited will act as Custodian, safeguarding assets in accordance with the Trusts’ investment objectives.
The IMA outlines a conservative, transparent, and compliance-focused investment strategy aimed at delivering sustainable returns to the beneficiary communities of the CMCA regions of Western Province. The portfolios will be directed toward investment into secured assets such as Government Bonds and Bills, and high-performing blue-chip equities on the PNG and Australian stock exchange, with strong governance and reporting mechanism through quarterly and annual reporting.
Mr. Ivan Vidovich, Group CEO & Managing Director of Kina Securities Limited, remarked: “We are honoured to be entrusted with managing the CMCA Trusts investment portfolios. At Kina, we are committed to delivering professional fund management that aligns with the Trusts’ values and objectives. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to building lasting economic value for the CMCA communities through disciplined and transparent investment practices.”
Mr. Jesse Pile, Chairman of the OTDF Board, said: “Today’s signing is a pivotal milestone for the CMCA Trusts. This agreement strengthens the governance and integrity of how these community assets are managed. It is a demonstration of OTDF’s commitment to ensuring that every kina is accounted and better managed for the future of the mine associated communities of Western Province.”
Mr. Andrew Mari, Acting CEO of OTDF, added: “This partnership ensures a professionally managed, well-diversified investment approach that aligns with the aspirations of our CMCA beneficiaries. It is a critical step towards achieving long-term sustainability and growth of the trust funds under OTDF’s management.”
The IMA is effective from 30 April 2025 and remains in place unless terminated by mutual agreement or under specific provisions outlined in the Agreement.
This strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the management of the CMCA Trust portfolios and ensures that the communities of Western Province continue to benefit from prudent, secure, and future-focused investment of their trust funds.
Who We Are
Each executive and board member, team and individual involved with OTDF is an essential part of achieving the goal of allowing the residents of Western Province to have greater choices in mapping out their own direction to live better lives.
What We Do
Operating independently of OTML since 2009, we are proud to have 50 full-time staff, 60 part-time staff, and committed volunteers throughout Western Province dedicated to ensuring our objectives and goals are aligned with those of the communities for which we serve.
To date, we have achieved significant outcomes across our investment portfolio and all five pillars of CMCA community development.
Economic Development
From inception as an independent organisation in 2010, OTDF has worked tirelessly with the CMCA communities to establish family and village-based economic and food production options.
Women's & Youth Development
Developing women and youth aspirations following the intensive consultative community engagement in the communities and mine villages.
Infrastructure Development
OTDF continues to focus on infrastructure delivery for communities to gain easier access to regional centres and government services, and to get produce to markets.
Community Health
The OTDF Strategic 5-year plan goal for the Health Sector is the CMCA primary health care service delivery strengthened and in line with the Western Province & National Health Plans.
Community Education
The OTDF Education Sector goals are to improve to quality education services, improve teacher education and training.
Our Communities
Annual Reports
Our latest Annual Report is a comprehensive report of what OTDF has achieved and defines/outlines our ongoing priorities and goals going forward.
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Each month, our OTDF media team creates a PDF newsletter that encapsulates the many activities and achievements by OTDF, partners and communities.
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