Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
Latest News
Development through sports
Participants put to practice warm up skills learnt
Women and Children Associations of the Mine impact communities in Western Province in partnership with PETA Sport Management Limited, use sports to promote discipline in schools and to transform youths in Western Province.
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) managed Community Sports Development Enhancement Program hosted a multi code sports coaching training program, at Kiunga Vocational Center in August.
The 14 participants mainly teachers from selected primary schools and aspiring coaches, were trained in basic coaching for teams ranging from young children to youth over 18 years old. The weeklong training instilled discipline and foundational skills in athletics, basketball, rugby, soccer and volleyball.
Mr. Mataio leading a session at KVC
Percy Mataio, Manager and Lead Trainer at PETA Limited, emphasised to the participants to focus on the program’s goal to empower youth and students with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to excel both in sports and in life. He encouraged them to take a holistic approach to nurture future community leaders. PETA’s involvement guarantees high-quality training and mentorship, with recognised certification from the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation.
OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable Moses Kalup said the significant aspect of the program is to focus on inclusivity and community engagement. By bringing together diverse groups from across Western Province, the initiative fosters unity and shared purpose which goes beyond athletic development, creating a supportive environment where young people can grow, learn, and contribute to their communities.
Ten families in Miamrai Village receive homes
OTDF CEO Havini Vira (R) hands over one of ten new homes
The CMCA Trusts continue to prioritise housing as a development intervention. Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) through the Trust Administration is working with communities in the mine impact areas to build homes for families.
Miamrai Village in the Wai Tri CMCA Trust region, of Western Province in collaboration with OTDF, proudly handed over newly constructed homes to 10 families on 8 August 2024. The project worth PGK 1.1 million was funded through the Miamrai Village Development Funds (VDF), was an initiative of the Village Planning Committee (VPC) led by Chairman, Tony Wainu. His leadership ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.
The construction was a community effort, with local youths contributing their skills under the supervision of Jimmy Aedwanai, a skilled carpenter from the village. The project has not only addressed housing but has also empowered the local youths by utilising and enhancing their skills.
“The completion of these homes is a vital improvement for our community,” said Wainu. “By effectively using our Village Development Funds, we’ve provided secure housing for our families and demonstrated the positive impact of local resources when managed well.”
OTDF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Havini Vira, expressed his appreciation for the community leaders as the key people in delivering the project. He emphasised the importance of taking ownership, stating all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring successful outcomes for all projects.
Most recognition by the speakers was directed at the local carpenter, Mr. Jimmy Aedwanai, and his ten-man team, who completed all ten buildings, meeting building standards guided by the OTDF Infrastructure Development team led by Mr Richard Jendeng and Mr Veao Nami, the North Fly Regional Coordinator.
Local carpenter, Mr. Jimmy Aedwanai (3rd from left) , and his team, locals from the village
OTDF remains committed to supporting similar projects that promote sustainable development and improve liveihoods in the region.
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.
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.
Newsletters
Each month, our OTDF media team creates a PDF newsletter that encapsulates the many activities and achievements by OTDF, partners and communities.
Contact Us
OTDF is committed to cooperation and integration of ideas from our community, therefore, we are always interested in what you have to say.
