Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Migalsim Elementary School receive classrooms
The elementary students present to receive their classrooms
The Migalsim community witnessed the official opening of three new classrooms on Friday 26 July at Migalsim Elementary School grounds. The project, valued at K700, 000.00, offers greater learning opportunities for the children of Migalsim and surrounding areas.
A Community Achievement
Elementary School TIC Nickson Jack
“The completion of these classrooms is a dream come true,” said the school’s Teacher in Charge, Mr. Nickson Jack. He had set up the elementary school 20 years ago, with the vision for Migalsim children to see the world through education. He said the pioneer students of the school, are those who built the classroom and teachers who now teach here, were a handful of those who received education under the shade of the old elementary building. “I stand proud to bear witness to their contributions back to their community.” Mr. Nickson thanked the Migalsim Village Planning Committee (VPC) Chairman Mr. Simion Kwalim for seeing this community project reach its completion. He said the allocation of funding came solely from the Migalsim Village Development Funds (VDF), provided by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and managed by Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
VPC Chairman, Mr. Kwalim, thanked OTML and OTDF for the ongoing support in delivering this project. He also acknowledged his VPC board members, the local councilor and the contractor for completing the project. He said: “Education is a priority so approving funding for the classroom was paramount. For a community to be noticed, it must have a church, a health facility and a school, so these classrooms add to our Migalsim community values.”
Enhancing Educational Opportunities
OTDF EMPS Mr. Andrew Mari
OTDF Executive Manager Program Services Mr. Andrew Mari said this facility was a privilege for the school and community, and encouraged them to take care of the classrooms. He challenged the community to take ownership of learning at home. Saying: “Take ownership of learning at home, as what is practiced at home will show in a child’s learning at school. Pay attention to your children’s learning both at home and in school.” Mr. Mari thanked the OTDF Operations team by bringing the materials from Lae, Morobe Province to the construction site, led by Philemon Nahuet and logistics team lead Elvin Max.
Mr. Mari said the project was monitored by OTDF Infrastructure Development Department (IDD), led by Mr. Richard Jendeng, who ensured the project met all quality standards and was completed on time.
The construction of the classrooms was successfully completed by a local contractor, demonstrating the community’s capability to handle large-scale projects.
Looking Ahead
OTDF CEO Mr. Havini Vira
OTDF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Havini Vira encouraged those present to witness the event to value two simple facts to achieving goals and having success in every aspect of living. He said: “–The two values of leadership and taking ownership are critical in any community. These two values start at home and individually. These values will help the family unit progress, and in return, add to development in the community.”
He said the successful completion of this project is a demonstration of the good leadership and Migalsim community taking ownership. He encouraged them to continue this practice for sustainability.
OTML General Manager Social Performance & Sustainability and OTDF Board Chairman Mr. Jessie Pile in his keynote speech concluded with these remarks: “This project is successful because of transparency and accountability. OTDF in partnership with the VPC Chairman have proven that using funds allocated for community projects wisely has brought this project to Migalsim village.” Mr. Pile committed OTML to build the school perimeter fence and ablution facility for the elementary school.
OTML General Manager Social Performance & Sustainability and OTDF Board Chairman Mr. Jesse Pile
The classrooms can accommodate up to 42 students and comes complete with desks, blackboards and noticeboards.
Trust team continue to deliver village projects
OTDF Trust officer Ms Roman presents the engine kill switch key to Mr Robert, Dome VPC Chairman.
Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Trust Administration Team delivered its first procurement project for June 2024 funded through village development funds.
Trust Administration Project Officer Michelle Roman, representing OTDF, handed over a brand new dinghy equipped with a 60-horsepower outboard motor to Mr. Malcolm Robert, Chairman of the Dome Village Planning Committee (VPC), at the Kiunga waterfront. “We are handing over this village asset with confidence that it will be well-maintained and serve the community effectively,” Roman stated during the presentation.
VPC Chairman Malcolm Robert expressed his gratitude towards OTDF for their untiring support and dedication to improving local transport. “All I can say is thank you. I will ensure the community dinghy is well taken care of and used to benefit everyone,” Robert said.
The delivery of these assets is particularly significant given concerns raised by recipient communities that timing of project delivery was delayed due to logistics and changing weather patterns.
Despite these challenges, the OTDF Trust Administration remains steadfast in its mission to deliver all nominated projects funded through village development funds for 2024.
This recent delivery to Dome Village demonstrates OTDF’s dedication to overcoming logistical hurdles and ensuring that nominated projects are delivered to support improved quality of life for the river communities.
Local Investment Company leases dinghy to OTDF for projects delivery
L-R Mr Saferius receives the key to the dinghy from ULOTI Ltd Company Chairman, Mr Yarokam, witnessed by company director Francis Dickson
Logistics in Western Province continues to be a challenge for development in villages along the Fly River corridor.
The vast wetlands, lack of road access to remote communities, and seasonal fluctuations in weather patterns make delivering essential services like project materials, and other essential community and social support a formidable task.
On 31 May, the Chairman for the Upper Lower Ok Tedi Investment (ULOTI) Limited Mr. Paul Yarokam handed over the 23-footer dinghy and 85 horse-powered outboard motor to Ok Tedi Development Foundation staff and Management at the Kiunga waterfront.
He said: “Most of the dinghies purchased by Wait Tri Trust provide service along the Alice River only, so ULOTI want to change this and serve communities along the Fly River with this new dinghy and motor. I wish for the other CMCA investments companies to come together and do the same to share resources for development.”
OTDF Trust Administration Manager, Mr Johanis Saferius received the assets on behalf of OTDF, expressing appreciation for the local company to be collaborating with OTDF.
The investment company purchased the assets with the intent to lease to OTDF so the asset can be maintained while generating funds for ULOTI Ltd.
Mr. Johanis Saferius congratulated the company directors for their stewardship in leading development efforts within their Wai Tri communities through their local investment company. He remarked, “Upper Lower is a Subsidiary of Wai Tri Trust representing the upper six villages. This is an investment added to their current portfolio complementing real estate. The dinghy will be leased to OTDF Trust Administration when required, but also open to other OTDF programs, on a fixed rate. It is a privilege to be receiving these assets from the chairman and we will take care of it while giving back to the company through lease payments.”
The event marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment efforts for six villages of Birimkamba, Komokpin, Ambaga, Kungim, Kungembit and Putmambin.
The handover ceremony held at the Kiunga waterfront, had ULOTI Ltd directors, community members, OTDF staff and management in attendance.
OTDF is committed to overcoming logistic barriers to ensure that even the most isolated communities receive the support they need.
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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.
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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.
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