Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

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OTDF and PNG University of Technology Renew DODL Partnership in Western Province

Education, Middle Fly, North Fly, South Fly

L-R: Paul Umbe – Team Leader OTDF Education Program Paul Umbe, PNG UoT Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Garry Sali, OTDF acting CEO Andrew Mari, Vice Chancellor PNG UoT Professor Ora Renagi, and PNG UniTech’s DODL Director/Head of Department & Online Education Associate Professor Fred Ssemugenyi

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has renewed its partnership agreement with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UniTech) in Lae, reaffirming OTDF’s role as an affiliated Distance and Open Learning (DODL) Education Service Provider for communities in mine impact communities and Western Province.

Speaking at the signing on Thursday 2 April at the Council PNGUoT Chamber, representatives from both institutions highlighted the importance of education as a catalyst for sustainable development. The renewed agreement aligns with OTDF’s broader mandate to invest in human capital development and empower local communities through education, skills development, and lifelong learning.

Professor Ora Renagi, Vice Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) Lae in his welcome remarks said the renewed agreement, signed with PNG UniTech’s DODL Department, strengthens a long-standing collaboration aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education for students who are unable to pursue on-campus studies. He said: “Through this partnership, learners in remote and rural areas of Western Province will continue to benefit from flexible, technology-supported learning opportunities delivered closer to home”. He added that after students upgrade their marks, the partnership should not be limited to distance education but give opportunity for students to also expand their options given more scholarship by partners and companies to sponsor students to reach their potential, and what more better place to development this but at the PNGUOT.

Associate Professor Garry Sali Deputy Vice Chancellor in support of Professor Renagi said, we have all felt the feeling of accomplishing a goal in life and here we sit. “Through this agreement renewal lets create opportunities for students to complete their studies, graduate and feel that they have fulfilled a lifelong goal in education.”

This continued collaboration is expected to strengthen educational pathways and create new opportunities for students across the province in the years ahead.

According to the Acting OTDF CEO Andrew Mari under the renewed arrangement, OTDF will support the coordination and delivery of UniTech’s accredited DODL programs, including academic administration, student support services, tutorial coordination, and learning facilities. The partnership also reinforces joint commitments to quality assurance, academic integrity, and continuous improvement in distance education delivery.

Mr. Mari said:” At OTDF we recognised that education remains one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development. Through our Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) commitments, we are focused on infrastructure, service delivery and investing in people by improving individuals through life skills. The DODL/Adult Matriculation Program is a critical component of this vision. As it provides flexible and inclusive learning opportunities, particularly for rural populations, women and out of school youths, this agreement gives OTDF credibility and strengthening the Organisation presence in Western Province education system.” He said and encourages students that there are opportunities after formal education is completed giving a second chance in education through the OTDF program.

PNG UniTech’s DODL Director/Head of Department & Online Education Associate Professor Fred Ssemugenyi emphasised that the partnership enables the University to reach learners beyond traditional campus boundaries, particularly in geographically challenging regions such as Western Province. “ By working with OTDF as an affiliated service provider, UniTech can ensure that its programs remain accessible, relevant, and responsive to local development needs”.

The renewal of the agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive education in Western Province. Both OTDF and PNG UniTech reaffirmed their shared vision to nurture a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that can contribute meaningfully to community development and Papua New Guinea’s broader national growth agenda.

Farming for Food Security and Income generation

Economic Development, North Fly, Training

Jimmy and his mum selling their garden produce at Kiunga Town market

Ending hunger and poverty begins at the community level, where families are empowered to grow their own food and earn a reliable income. This effort aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which emphasise increasing small-scale food production, improving nutrition, and building sustainable livelihoods. In rural Papua New Guinea, where access to cash income and diverse food crops remains a challenge, agriculture continues to play a critical role in achieving these goals.

One such example is Jimmy Mathew, a young farmer from Somoekwankia Village in the North Fly District, who is supporting his family through farming with assistance from the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Food Security Program. On 27 March, Jimmy and his mother brought 69 taro combs to sell at the Kiunga Town Market, following months of hard work in their family garden.

Jimmy said the support from OTDF has made a significant difference for his family. Starting with taro planting material provided through the program, they planted a total of 575 taro plants, with 69 reaching maturity and ready for harvest.

At the Kiunga market, the taro combs were sold at prices ranging between K2 and K4 each. However, Jimmy noted that market access remains a challenge, as transport costs from the village to Kiunga average K50 one way. “Our transport costs are high, so whether we come to town depends on how successful our sales will be,” Jimmy said.

Despite the challenges, Jimmy expressed pride and optimism. “I am very happy that my family now has another source of income,” he said.

He added that in the North Fly District, sago is traditionally the main staple food grown for consumption and surplus sale, limiting income diversification. Through the OTDF Food Security Program, farmers are now being encouraged and supported to plant a wider range of crops such as taro, banana, cassava, and vegetables. “Thanks to OTDF for providing planting materials and extension support, this harvest shows the results of hard work and strong partnerships,” Jimmy said.

OTDF Food Security Officer Mr Jethro Robert explained that the core objective of the Food Security Program (FSP) is to ensure farmers develop secure and sustainable livelihoods beyond the life of the mine, enabling families to consistently put food on the table and earn income through agriculture.

Mr Robert also highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and pest management, noting early signs of taro beetle (borer) infestation, which poses a serious biosecurity threat if left uncontrolled. “Our role is not only to help farmers grow their crops, but also to work with them to prevent the spread of pests like the taro borer beetle,” he said.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Mari, said initiatives such as the Food Security Program are critical to building resilient and self-reliant communities across the CMCA region.

“Agriculture remains one of the most practical and sustainable pathways for our communities to improve household food security while generating income. Through the OTDF Food Security Program, we are empowering families with the knowledge, planting materials, and support they need to move beyond subsistence and develop productive, income-generating farms,” Mr Mari said.

Mr Mari emphasised that strengthening local food production is a key component of OTDF’s long-term development strategy.

“Our vision is to see communities in Western Province become economically resilient and food secure well beyond the life of the mine. By supporting farmers like Jimmy and encouraging crop diversification, we are laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods that will continue to support families for generations,” he added.

Across the Western Province, particularly within the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region, OTDF continues to play a vital role in strengthening agriculture as a pathway to food security and income generation. Through the provision of planting materials, farmer training, extension services, and market linkage support, OTDF is helping communities build resilient livelihoods, reduce poverty, and contribute meaningfully to long-term development well beyond the mining era.

Five homes delivered to Demesuke village under Wai Tri Trust

Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, North Fly

Mrs Regina Manda (L) receives her family’s house key from OTDF acting CEO Andrew Mari (R) with stakeholders looking on.

Five new permanent houses have been completed and officially handed over to Demesuke Village under the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Wai Tri Trust, another major project delivery of sustainable housing for mine‑impacted communities in Western Province.

The handover ceremony was held on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, and was witnessed by beneficiary families, community members, and development partner Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) staff and executive management.

The project was funded through Demesuke Village Development Funds (VDF) under Wai Tri Development Trust. The total project worth at K770,000 , and approximately K154,000 invested in each home. The initiative aligns with CMCA compensation arrangements that prioritise long‑term, community‑owned infrastructure delivering lasting social and economic benefits.

Home owner Mrs Regina Manda Awongan expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the keys.

“I am receiving the house keys on behalf of my sick husband and our children,” Mrs Manda said. “I sincerely thank OTDF and our VPC Chairman for selecting my family to be one of the five families to receive a permanent home. I am lost for words.”

“We are truly grateful, and we will take good care of what has been given to us.”

Demesuke Village Planning Committee Chairman Mr Brene Pwene acknowledged the challenges of delivering development projects to remote communities and reflected on the progress achieved.

“As VPC Chairman, I have seen how challenging it is to bring projects into our community,” Mr Pwene said. “But we have come this far. When we wanted a road project, it was delivered. When we requested housing, today we see these five homes. We also have our food security program, with the Community Seed Bank Centre now built and ready for use at our doorstep.”

He credited the progress to unity, participation, and strong partnerships, urging beneficiaries to care for the new assets.

“Under my leadership, these developments have become a reality. I urge my people of Demesuke to take care of these projects so they can benefit future generations.”

He thanked OTDF for its continued support and called for future inclusion under the Mine Life Extension.

“As we move into the new agreement under the eight‑year Mine Life Extension period, I request that Demesuke Village be considered a model village for the Wai Tri CMCA Region.”

OTDF Manager – Trust Administrator Mr Johanis Saferius described the project as a foundation for long‑term community development.

“This housing project is an economic anchor for Demesuke Village,” Mr. Saferius said. “These homes are not just shelter — they are platforms for self‑reliance and future opportunity.”

OTDF Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Mari commended the Wai Tri Trust and the Demesuke community for their leadership and unity through the Village Planning Committee (VPC).

Mr. Mari emphasised that the effectiveness of leadership within any CMCA community is fundamentally strengthened by the level of support and engagement it receives from its people. He said that initiatives such as these exemplify the outcomes that can be achieved when community leaders and members align around a shared vision, a long-term development perspective, and a strong commitment to sustainability..

He further urged communities to embed sustainability when assessing the impact of current investments, challenging them to consider the legacy they intend to leave for future generations. He underscored that CMCA-funded housing and infrastructure should be safeguarded, properly maintained, and managed as sustainable, intergenerational assets that will continue to deliver social and economic value well beyond the life of the mine.

Mr. Mari also called on community leaders to develop and implement clear village development plans to guide the identification and prioritisation of projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits. He cautioned against the practice of nominating ad hoc initiatives, noting that such approaches often lack sustainability and fail to achieve long-term community impact. Designed in accordance with OTDF infrastructure principles, the homes support off‑grid living to suit the remoteness of Demesuke Village and similar CMCA communities. The houses provide safe, durable, and dignified accommodation, enabling families to live sustainably without reliance on external utility services. To date 19 houses have been built in North Fly.