Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Infrastructure projects for Ambaga village
ECPNG Church Layman Ekeyak Kanin (L) receives the keys to the church building from OTDF CEO Havini Vira (R)
Three infrastructure projects were handed over to Ambaga villagers of the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) area in Western Province on Friday 19 April.
Mr. Kawuk Konmop former President of the Ningerum Local Level Government took lead in the project, to support Mr Caleb Konmop, Village Planning Committee Chairman.
Kawuk said partnership is needed to bring development into the most rural communities of Western Province. He said: “We need development partners who will work with us, especially OTDF whom I acknowledge the continuous support in bringing development to our community”.
“Such projects can only happen when there is access, upgrading of bush tracks to create access roads” Kawuk iterated.
Trust Administrator Johanis Saferius in the official presentation of the keys to the houses acknowledged the presence of the provincial government represented by Nominated Member for North Fly District Mr. Karu Philly.
Saferius said: “Your presence plays a vital role in the sustainability of such projects as key partners of the government of the day. He said we as developers will be gone one day but the government will remain.
He added: “The CMCA Trust Administration through OTDF is a delivery arm, in partnership with the Village Planning Committee Chairmen who provide funding from their village funding”.
OTDF CEO Havini Vira in his official address to the Ambaga community congratulated the community for delivering this project. “I give credit to your support towards your leaders and in taking ownership.
During the opening of the church building Mr Vira made special mention of his vision for the CMCA and how the churches play a significant role in the development in the province.
“I visited your village years ago and expressed that, churches anchor communities and create a foundation for progress and today, I am honoured to open the Ambaga ECPNG community church, built through your efforts.”
The church and two teachers houses constructed from the Village Development Funds (VDF) was received by the community members, built at a value of PGK208,000.00, built by youths who trained as carpenters at Kiunga Technical and Vocational Education Training Center (KTVETC). All infrastructure comes with 5,000 L water tanks installed.
The tank installed at the church provides fresh water to the village through a gravity fed pipe.
Ok Tedi Development Foundation commits to educational enrichment in Western Province
L-R: Mr Angobe, Acting First Secretary FODE & Inclusive Education, Mr Wingi, Deputy Secretary NDoE & Chairman of Governing Council –FODE, Mr Mari OTDF EMPS, and Mr Anthony Rayappan, Principal FODE
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) signs a partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Department of Education to provide Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program for learners in Western Province.
Mr. Andrew Angobe, the acting First Assistant Secretary of FODE and Inclusive Education, highlighted the pivotal role OTDF has played as a Registered Study Center (RSC). The division of FODE & Inclusive Education values and recognizes the work OTDF has been doing in providing a pathway for the students who dropped out from the mainstream education system.
“We extend our appreciation to OTDF and commend everyone involved in the delivery of FODE in Western Province.”
The Deputy Secretary for National Department of Education (NDoE) and Governing Council Chairman-FODE, Mr Walipe Wingi, also expressed his gratitude to OTDF for its enduring commitment to deliver FODE service in the Fly River corridor despite the many challenges.
“It is not easy to deliver FODE to remote areas, and especially in Western Province, where you have geographical constraints and logistic challenges, you (OTDF) have done well and the department is pleased with the work the Foundation is doing, the department remains committed to support partners like OTDF to deliver FODE.
This commitment was formalized during a MOU signing ceremony on Friday, March 1, reaffirming OTDF’s enduring partnership with FODE & Inclusive Education. As part of this collaboration, NDoE FODE will ratify the admissions made by OTDF and provide all learning materials including print, electronic copies and audio – visual materials, and training and orientation of tutors and administrative support staff for effective delivery of FODE in Western Province.
National FODE supports OTDF
Mr Wingi, Deputy Secretary NDoE & Chairman of Governing Council –FODE (L) presents the certificate to Mr Mari OTDF EMPS
Mr Anthony Rayappan, the Principal of FODE, advised that OTDF is always up-to-date with all his payments for its students and commended OTDF for its support. This partnership is very important as it strengthens our commitment and working relationship to support the development of PNG in education.
Students from various locations including Tabubil, Ningrum, Aiambak, Bosset, Kaviananga, Kasa, Nakaku, Tapila, Kawiapo, and Daru are enrolling in full correspondence and upgrading programs, underscoring the widespread impact of this initiative.
Mr. Andrew Mari, the Executive Manager of Program Services at OTDF, shed light on the challenges faced by FODE, including the shortage of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding at the provincial and district levels. He reiterated the core objective of enhancing access to quality and affordable education, particularly for students who have discontinued conventional schooling. Mr. Mari acknowledged the support and recognition from NDoE and advised that OTDF highly values this partnership and look forward to fulfil its commitment under the MOU.
“Since 2019, FODE has supported approximately 4000 students who have either pursued tertiary education or secured gainful employment, thus significantly contributing to human resource development in the province.”
Mr. Anthony Rayappan, the Principal of FODE in Port Moresby, assured timely printing and distribution of educational materials, emphasizing the collective responsibility to enhance literacy rates and educational attainment.
The recently signed three-year agreement further strengthen the collaborative effort between OTDF and FODE in delivering educational programs in Western Province, marking a significant advance towards educational development and empowerment in the region.
Nupmo Holdings signs Lease Agreement with OTDF
Caption: L-R Mr. Mark Yauram presents the vehicle keys to Mr. Andrew Mari, OTDF EMPS
Nupmo Holdings Limited (NHL) is thrilled to announce a significant achievement with the successful signing of an agreement with a development partner to lease out its vehicle.
The lease agreement was formalized on the 6th of December at the OTDF conference room between Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and NHL, witnessed by Mr. Andrew Mari OTDF Executive Manager Program Service.
The Chairman of Nupmo Holdings Limited, Mr. Mark Yauram, expressed his satisfaction in sealing the lease agreement with OTDF, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the foundation in contributing to NHL’s growth and development. Mr. Yauram highlighted the valuable lessons learned through the collaborative journey with OTDF, attributing the remarkable impact on the company’s overall success.
Mr. Andrew Mari Executive Manager Program Services (EMPS) in his congratulatory remarks gave credit to former executive managers and directors involved in these ventures.
Acknowledging the foresight of Mr. Eric Kuman, former Executive Manager Program Services, Mr. Mari, praised Kuman’s vision for transforming communities through spin-off businesses. Mari expressed his gratitude at Nupmo Holdings’ confidence in OTDF and commitment to advocate for the foundation. He emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities, fostering innovation and sustainability in the programs delivered by OTDF.
Trust Administrator Mr. Johanis Saferius, , highlighted the significance of the occasion, describing it as a small yet meaningful event that paves the way for future generations within Nupmo Holdings and the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA). He said: “This is significant occasion because from the initial funds of K300,000.00 spent to purchase an excavator, the money raised from the use of the earth mover made possible the purchase of the Toyota Land Cruiser”.
Saferius expressed gratitude to those who laid the foundation for this milestone.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the lease agreement and the symbolic handover of the car key to the OTDF Team, IDD, and PSO, marking a momentous collaboration between Nupmo Holdings and Ok Tedi Development Foundation.
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.
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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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Western Province
North Fly District
Middle Fly District
South Fly District
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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OTDF is committed to cooperation and integration of ideas from our community, therefore, we are always interested in what you have to say.