Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Project delivery matters to be addressed
Project delivery in the new normal is a challenge, but not an obstacle
Over 60 local residents in Bongubun village along the Alice River in the Waitri Trust region in North Fly District have called for transparent project delivery in the villages and a review on livelihood development projects. Women’s Social Issue and Concern Group (WSICG) chairperson Mrs. Norin Oti said the community consultation patrol in Bongubun village on 13 August, was timely but expressed sadness at the progress in delivering projects, saying efforts of the villagers were wasted. Speaking on behalf of the village, she said development plans must be implemented properly to ensure planned activities are delivered on time. She said the 2018 inoculation of the eagle woods in Bongubun was not conducted as expected by the villagers. Manager for Program Services and Sustainable Development Mr. Andrew Mari assured the community members that OTDF will address the inoculation processes not only in Bongubun village but also in other villages this year. He also added, that OTDF greatly values the feedback of the people and will source alternative ways to deliver livelihood projects in a timely manner. A review of internal processes is planned for late September. This review will identify areas of improvement to better serve the communities.
Tabubil Secondary School commissions electronic library system
School Principal Mr. Laka, addressing the school and the invited guests during the launch of the e-library project
Tabubil Secondary School in the Star Mountains of Western Province is the proud recipient of a state-of-the-art e-Library system.
The School Principal Mr. Galama Laka, while thanking the partners for the e-library project said it is a historical moment, as this is the first time for such a system to be installed at the school, and was appreciative of this generous support.
Principal Laka said the project itself has brought the world to the students of Tabubil Secondary and the future students from the feeder schools in Tabubil. “You have brought knowledge, one of the most powerful things in life, right to our fingertips.”
Principal Laka challenged the school body saying this year’s results should reflect the use of the e-Library facility. The project is jointly funded by the Nupmo, and Ok Tedi Mine Village Women and Children’s associations at a cost of K100, 000 and will benefit over 600 students and 40 teachers.
Noni Dukumun, President for Nupmo Women and Children’s Association and Associate Director on the OTDF Board was determined to support the students in the CMCA region because of the burden she as a mother felt raising her own children. “We are mothers and we have felt the pain and struggle as parents. We as association leaders have realized that education is key to improving our lives, so we plan for development projects like this e-library and will make sure more community development projects are delivered,” she said.
OTDF Executive Manager Program Services, Mr. Eric Kuman, during the handover at Tabubil Secondary School on 29 July said, “This particular Digital Library was purchased from the United States.
The system has over 32 million documents spread over 300 categories, consisting of text documents, videos, sketches, images, and details of cross-references and other relevant articles. The overall aim of this e-library project is to create access to digitalized books or e-books and other digitalized documents which students would normally have access to in an everyday library building.
Mr. Kuman reported that Daru Secondary School, St Gabriel’s Technical Secondary School, Kiunga Secondary School, Ningerum High School, Aiambak High School, and Tabubil Secondary School have received this e-Library system, funded by the various Women and Children’s Associations under the CMCA arrangement.
“I am very happy to see the 8 woman associations representing the 158 villages in the CMCA and the 6 mine villages unite for the future of their children and the future of Western Province.” Mr. Kuman said. These mothers believe in education and have noted the challenges faced by schools and believe that establishing this e-Library will change the face of schools in the province. He added that teachers must also make use of these resources to prepare their lessons to teach the students effectively. Mr. Kuman challenged the students to use the opportunity and aim high so that more students from the province can enter tertiary institutions around the country.
This e-library project was installed and commissioned by the OTDF Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team covering 4 secondary and 2 high schools.
Adult Matriculation student’s complete semester one exams
OTDF Community Education Services (CES) Scholarships officer Shemila Kasi addressing Grade 10 students of Ningrum High School in a recent FODE & Adult Matriculation awareness program.
The OTDF Community Education Services program (OTDF CES) recorded 299 Adult Matriculation students sitting for their semester one exams.
Program Coordinator Kevin Tom says ten satellite study Centres recorded over 400 students registering in the Adult Matriculation program this year. “From this figure, 277 eligible students sat for their semester one exams throughout the satellite Centres, in the CMCA regions of Western province,” he said.
Mr. Tom stated that this figure is significantly giving credit to the establishment of the satellite study Centres. Providing more access to study materials and making examination attendance easier.
He added that the FODE and Adult Matriculation program calendar was significantly affected by COVID-19 last year. However, this turnaround was good for both the students and the continuation of the program in the CMCA.
The transfer of the CES function to OTDF from OTML has consolidated community development initiatives for all mine associated communities.
OTDF is improving the coordination of educational services with partners including the Provincial Education Department and others.
The objective is to provide access to quality education for the children of the mine-associated communities. That is through improved curriculum, teachers’ education, and training and management in line with national and Western Province education plans.
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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Board Members
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Our Partners
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.
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.