Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Communities in Western Province are investing in vanilla
With the recent launch of West Agro Fly Vanilla Project and Agro Industrial Center in Kiunga, Western Province, there is an opportunity for the local communities and farmers to invest for their future.
Eleven villages in the Middle Fly region received their share certificates from West Agro Holdings Limited in mid-February of this year, at the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga. The share certificates were received by the village planning committee (VPC) chairmen during their annual meeting.
The share certificates were presented to the 11 VPC’s by Mr. Philemon Nahuet, Program Services Operation Manager. By becoming shareholders of West Agro Holdings, these villages are now actively participating in the agribusiness sector, paving the way for sustainable economic development and community prosperity. The 11 villages are Owa, Levame, Kassa, Yulawas, Aiambak, Erecta, Komovai, Bosset, Manda, Wangawanga & Obo.
Mr. Philemon Nahuet (Manager PSO) presents share certificate to VPC as Chairman Jack Bola looks on
Speaking during the VPC meeting, Mr. Nahuet highlighted the significance of their contributions in the agribusiness sector and explained that their investment will support the operations of Fly Vanilla and yield dividends in the future. He also provided an update on the progress of the vanilla project.
This achievement is an outcome of the WestAgro agribusiness, a strategic initiative that aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and community-driven economic growth.
Chairman Jack Bola remarked, “This is a proud moment for our communities. By owning shares in WestAgro Holdings, we are not just passive beneficiaries but active participants in driving economic growth and development in our region. This marks the beginning of a new journey towards financial independence and a better future for our people.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering agricultural practices for sustainability and growth for a better life after mine closures for the Middle Fly region.
Flood Relief distribution continues in South Fly
With full funding from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, OTDF is leading the coordination and distribution of disaster relief supplies to approximately 618 households across the 10 affected villages in South Fly and Fly Delta districts. The relief effort focuses on rebuilding households with essential household goods being provided to help families restore their homes and daily lives.
The distribution began on 2nd March at Lewada Village and Tapila Health Center where the team distributed household items to the communities and medical supplies to Tapila Health Center.
Household & sanitary supplies received by Lewada community
The distribution is expected to take a week with nine more villages and one Health Center to cover. However, the remote location of the furthest village poses a logistical challenge for the team. Despite this, OTDF remains committed to ensuring that all affected communities receive the necessary support.
Additionally, through the guided assistance of health professionals from the OTML Clinic in Kiunga, the relief effort will also provide medical supplies to health facilities within the affected region. This aspect of the distribution aims to strengthen healthcare support for communities recovering from the disaster.
Leading the flood relief distribution is Penias Brown, the Grants, Monitoring & Evaluation Team Leader at OTDF. Speaking on the initiative, Brown stated, “The partnership with the LDS Church allows us to bring much needed relief to the impacted communities. We are committed to ensuring that these supplies reach the most affected households promptly and effectively.”
This collaborative effort underlines the importance of community spirit to stand together and strategic partnerships with development partners in times of crisis. OTDF remains dedicated to supporting the people of the South Fly and the affected communities as they recover and rebuild from the devastating effects of the 2024 flooding.
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.
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.