Moian Village in the Upper Middle Fly has marked an important milestone with the opening of a new double classroom at St Rita Moian Primary School, officially handed over on 11 December 2025.
The classroom, fully furnished with 20 student desks, was completed at a cost of over PGK120,000 through combined support from the Middle Fly CMCA Regional Development Trust Fund, managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Trust Administration, with additional contributions from the OTDF CEO’s Office and the Middle Fly Women and Children Association.
The Board of Management of St Rita Moian Primary School expressed its appreciation to all partners involved, noting that the new infrastructure will greatly improve the learning environment and help address long-standing classroom shortages.
Community leaders praised the strong partnership between the community and key stakeholders, highlighting the project as an excellent example of what can be accomplished through collaboration. During the handover ceremony, Mr. Xaviour Wembut, the Board Chairman and Youth President, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders and urged the community to take full ownership of the new facilities. He emphasised the importance of caring for and protecting these facilities to benefit future generations. Moian Village Planning Committee Chairman, Francis Kumin, thanked the CMCA Trust, OTDF, local contractors, and community members for their collective effort.
“This classroom shows what we can achieve when leadership, trust approval, and community support come together,” Mr Kumin said.
OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable Development, Moses Kalup, said the project reflected a community-driven approach under CMCA trust processes.
“This classroom was initiated by the community and approved through the trust to ensure it is sustainable and delivers long-term benefits,” Mr Kalup said.
OTDF Acting Executive Manager Program Services, Mr. Philemon Nahuet, reaffirmed OTDF’s commitment to education beyond infrastructure, including adult matriculation and second-chance education.
Students and community members celebrate the opening of the fully kitted double classroom
“Our support for education goes beyond buildings. We are creating pathways for children, especially girls and vulnerable students, to reach their full potential,” Mr Nahuet said.
The new classroom is expected to reduce overcrowding and improve learning conditions for students both in Moian and the nearby villages of Kawok and Erecta.
