Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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OTDF Launches Needs Assessment and Evaluation of Flexible Open & Distance Education Program
The Development partners at the OTDF conference room in Kiunga Western Province
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) is taking significant steps to enhance its Flexible Open & Distance Education (FODE) and Adult Matriculation program through a comprehensive needs assessment and evaluation. This initiative aims to improve the program’s effectiveness and accessibility for communities in Western Province.
The OTDF FODE program, operated in partnership with the National Department of Education (NDoE) and PNG UNITECH, has played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities. However, challenges in timely delivery and efficiency have prompted OTDF to reassess and refine its approach. The evaluation will explore ways to align OTDF’s FODE program with the successful model implemented by the PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) in partnership with the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF).
The assessment will focus on several key objectives. It will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the OTDF FODE program. It will also assess the effectiveness of curriculum design, delivery methods, and student support services. Additionally, the evaluation will compare OTDF’s program with the SDP-KTF model to determine areas for improvement. Based on these findings, recommendations will be developed to enhance the program and ensure it meets the needs of both the community and industry. The assessment will also explore potential collaboration between OTDF and SDP to create a more effective FODE model. Furthermore, it will assess the potential impact of a revitalised program on higher education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and employment opportunities in Western Province.
The evaluation will be conducted over a six-month period using a mixed-methods approach. This will include literature reviews, key stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, and program observations. The findings will inform strategic improvements in curriculum development, program delivery, student engagement, infrastructure, and governance.
OTDF expects several positive outcomes from this initiative. The quality and accessibility of education in Western Province will improve, leading to increased student enrolment and completion rates. Graduates of the program will have better employment opportunities. The initiative will also strengthen OTDF’s capacity to deliver effective education programs and contribute to the socio-economic development of local communities.
OTDF acting CEO Andrew Mari stated, “Education is a cornerstone of community development. This assessment will ensure our FODE program meets the highest standards, providing our students with the best possible opportunities for future success.”
He said the findings of this assessment will help shape a potential partnership between OTDF and SDP and KTF to implement a model that enhances education delivery and support services. Mr Mari also acknowledged the support of PNGSDPL in providing the resources to facilitate the review process and look forward for more collaboration.
Over 500 Tertiary Students Attend Orientation in Kiunga
L-R Ms Kasi presents a PAD student her Scholarship Offer Letter as part of the orientation session.
On January 27, 2025, the OK Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) welcomed more than 500 students to its annual scholarship orientation session at the Kiunga Vocational Technical Center in Kiunga, WP. This important event was aimed at guiding both new and returning students through the expectations, policies, and processes of the OTDF scholarship program, which supports educational opportunities for youth in the region.
Led by OTDF scholarship officer Miss Shemila Kasi and her dedicated team, the orientation provided clarity on scholarship requirements and offered practical advice to ensure students make the most of their academic opportunities. The session served as a foundation for the 241 new students joining the program this year. This group included 101 students from the Preferred Area Development (PAD) and 140 students from the eight Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust Regions.
New students received their scholarship offer letters during the event, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in their educational journeys. For the 308 continuing students, the session offered an opportunity to update their scholarship data sheets, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining good academic standing.
Miss Kasi highlighted the critical requirement of achieving a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher for scholarship eligibility. She also highlighted the vital role parents play in supporting their children’s academic success.
“Parents have a significant part to play,” Miss Kasi said. “They need to ensure their children are ready for study, as the sponsorship process can take time. Parental commitment is crucial in helping students secure a place at their institution before scholarship payments are made.”
The session also included a motivational address from Jim John, a former OTDF scholarship recipient who pursued studies in Journalism and Public Relations at the University of Papua New Guinea. John encouraged the students to stay focused on their goals, congratulated them on their achievements so far, and reminded them of the importance of maintaining a strong GPA.
“Your education is your responsibility. Make it count, and don’t let this opportunity go to waste,” John urged the students.
Logistical challenges were also addressed during the orientation. Due to a fuel shortage affecting Air Niugini flights in Kiunga and Tabubil, Miss Kasi is working to arrange alternative travel options. These include the use of OTML Charter flights (Pride of Tabubil) and PNG Air for students from the PAD and Nupmo Trust Region. Students from other Trust Regions were advised to coordinate their travel through the Community Relations office in Kiunga or Tabubil.
“While we are making every effort to assist, the availability of seats on OTML flights is limited, as employee travel is prioritized,” Miss Kasi explained.
The orientation concluded with a renewed sense of determination among the students, many of whom left feeling inspired and equipped to begin or continue their educational journeys. For the OTDF, this program is more than just a financial commitment—it is an investment in the future of Western Province and PAD areas, helping to nurture a new generation of leaders and professionals.
The success of the scholarship program is evident in the achievements of its graduates, who have gone on to contribute significantly in various sectors, thereby enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the Western Province. OTDF remains steadfast in its mission to support and expand educational opportunities, recognizing that education is a cornerstone for sustainable development and prosperity in the region
Ok Tedi Development Foundation welcomes the fifth batch of Maritime Cadets
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) continues to champion education and capacity building in the Western Province, as it proudly awards Scholarships to the fifth batch of Maritime Cadets under the auspices of the Maritime Scholarship Program.
On Friday, 10th January 2025, four students were awarded scholarships, marking the beginning of their training programs that will equip them with the knowledge and technical skills to thrive in the maritime industry.
The fifth batch of cadets, drawn from the (CMCA) communities are:
- Rebecca Akurem- Engineer
- Luksep Trah – Engineer
- Naru Kimi – Deck
- Lambert Domen – Deck
Andrew Mari (OTDF Acting CEO) presented the scholarships to the newly selected cadets at the OTDF office in Kiunga. Addressing the successful cadets and parents who were present during the presentation, Mari emphasised the foundation’s commitment to empowering young people through education and skills development.
“This program not only opens doors for our cadets to pursue careers in the maritime industry but also strengthens our partnership and the economic potential of our communities,” Mari stated. “We are proud to support these young men and women as they embark on this journey.”
The Maritime Cadetship Program, a flagship initiative under OTDF’s Community Education Services in partnership with P&O, is designed to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the maritime sector. It offers a combination of theoretical and practical training, providing cadets with hands-on experience and internationally recognised qualifications.
L-R: Leon Waniang (Team Leader CES), Moses Kalup(Manager PSSD), Andrew Mari (A/CEO) and Sharmilla Kasi( Scholarships Officer)
Front Row,L-R: Nuru. Kimi(Deck), Rebecca Akurem(Engineer),Luksep Trah (Engineer) and Lembert Domen(Deck)
Manager PSSD Moses Kalup highlighted the transformative impact of the program. “This is not just an opportunity for individual growth but also a step forward for our CMCA communities. These cadets will one day bring their expertise back to our province, contributing to sustainable development,” he said.
Since 2013, OTDF’s Maritime Cadetship Program has successfully supported 16 cadets, many of whom now hold prominent roles in the maritime sector. This initiative underscores OTDF’s dedication to creating opportunities for youth and building a brighter future for the mine impacted areas of Western Province.
The newly commissioned cadets are set to begin their training at the Maritime College in Madang, paving the way for a rewarding career at sea.
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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Executive Management
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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.
Our Communities
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.
Newsletters
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.