Mr Kuman OTDF EMPS (L) and Mrs. Pahe David (R) Kiwaba Women & Children’s Association President open the Samari CLC
Locals in Samari and Buria Island villages in the Kiwai rural local level government opened their new community learning centres (CLC) on May 15th and 16th respectively.
This achievement is part of the five-year development plan of Kiwaba Women and Children’s Association under the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region in Western Province.
The funding for the CLC buildings were sourced from the ten percent (10%) of compensation allocated to women and children in Kiwaba region.
President of the association Pahe David said the learning centres will help youths, women and children to undergo different life skills training such as baking, sewing, leaders meeting among others.
The president encouraged her people to take care of the building to train all people for self-reliance post mine life.
Samari Community Learning Center
Deputy president of Fly Kiwai rural local level government Michael Enau acknowledged the development partners within Western Province for their continued support in serving the people in rural island villages.
He said women and children are important stakeholders in the community hence having such asset right in the village is important for development activities.
Mr. Enau stressed the Fly River Provincial Government must continue to work in partnership with OTDF to serve the people in Western Province.
OTDF Executive Manager Program Services Eric Kuman said these CLC’s would give opportunities for all people to participate in different life skills training to educate all for self-sustainability in the coming years.
The communities in Buria village, Samari village, Severemabu village, Pagona 2 village, Tapila Station, and Sialowa village witnessed the commissioning of their learning centers also. A total of 6 buildings, containing two bed rooms, office space, off-grid solar panels and lighting, conference room and on-site ablution block including huge tank to fetch water for cooking, drinking and washing.
The Sialowa Community Learning Center located on a hill top with a view
Each learning centres cost K250,000.00 considering the logistics for shipment from Kiunga to South Fly, materials, labor and geographical challenges.
OTDF in partnership with the eight CMCA Women & Children’s Associations has built 19 Community Learning Centers across the Western Province.