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

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OTDF Reinforces Support to Education with K100,000.00 For Okma Junior High

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has further strengthened its commitment to education development in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) communities with a K100,000.00 financial contribution towards the building of the Okma Junior High School in the Nupmo Region in Western Province.

A dummy cheque was officially presented on the 31^stof December at the OTDF Conference Room by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of OTDF, Mr. Andrew Mari, to representatives of the Okma Junior High School Board. The funding is specifically allocated toward the building and refurbishment of school infrastructure, with the aim of improving learning conditions for students.

Okma Junior High School is in the Nupmo Region within the mine footprint areas of Western Province, an area where access to quality educational facilities remains a key development priority. The investment will support the construction and upgrading of classrooms and other essential facilities, ensuring a safer, more conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.

Mr. Mark Yauram, Okma Junior High School Vice Chairman, thank OTDF for its support towards this social obligation towards the betterment of Okma. During the presentation he said, “On behalf of the people of Okma, I would like to thank OTDF for supporting this social obligation. This investment, a first of its kind, that will work towards something greater for the generations to come.”

Mr. Veao Nami, Acting Program Services Manager, expressed his appreciation to the board for taking up the initiative to address a community need. “What you took up the initiative to do will open doors for the next generation and the next.”

The School Board Chairman during the presentation spoke that you will never go wrong when investing in education.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Nali emphasised that the support reflects OTDF’s long-term vision and strategic objectives.

“This support is important because it aligns directly with the goals of the organisation. Education is the pillar of our future, and by investing in school infrastructure, we are investing in the next generation of leaders from our CMCA communities,” Mr. Nali said.

Mr. Mari echoed these sentiments, highlighting that education remains a core pillar of OTDF’s development mandate. He noted that improved infrastructure not only enhances learning outcomes but also encourages school attendance and supports teachers in delivering quality education.

The Okma Junior High School Board welcomed the assistance and expressed sincere appreciation to OTDF for the timelydonation. Board members acknowledged that the funding would greatly assist the school in addressing long-standing infrastructure needs and improving overall education standards for students in the Nupmo Region.

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation continues to work closely with community stakeholders, school boards, and local leaders across Western Province to deliver meaningful and sustainable development outcomes. Through targeted investments in education, health, and community development, OTDF remains committed to empowering CMCA communities and supporting long-term social and economic progress.

CMCA Trust Delivers Dinghy and 40HP Outboard Motor to Wombon Village

North Fly

OTDF Operations Manager Philemon Nahuet (L) hands over the community project to Wombon VPC Chairman Domki Kaweak (R).

Wombon Village, under the CMCA Nupmo Trust region, received a new dinghy and a 40-horsepower outboard motor, officially delivered at the Ningrum waterfront on 28 January 2026. The delivery marks another significant milestone in community-driven development for the area.

The project delivery was witnessed by community leaders, clan representatives, villagers, and development partner Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), which initiated and supported the procurement, logistics, and transportation of the assets to the community.

The project was initiated and implemented through the Wombon Village Planning (VPC) in the Nupmo Trust region. Mr Domki Kaweak, VPC Chairman, formally received the dinghy and outboard motor from OTDF, expressing satisfaction that the project had been successfully completed under his leadership.

“This dinghy and motor will serve our people for both river transport and income-generating activities for the community of Wombon,” Chairman Kaweak said. “Reliable transport is essential to our daily lives, and this project will improve access to markets, services, and opportunities.”

In good faith, the dinghy and outboard motor were officially handed over to the community. Mr Francis Job, community leader and spokesperson for the Konmenen Clan, accepted the assets and assured, it is for the benefit of the community.

Mr Job praised the timely delivery of the project and highlighted the positive impact it will have on community mobility and living standards.

“We are thankful that this important asset has been delivered as planned. Community projects like this improve livelihoods and strengthen transport along our river system,” Mr Job said.
“On behalf of the Konmenen Clan, I thank OTDF for standing with our VPC Chairman Domki from day one until the successful delivery of this project. It has not been easy, but the community waited patiently, and today we are proud to receive it.”

OTDF Operations Manager Mr Philemon Nahuet formally handed over the assets and commended Chairman Domki and the Wombon community for their commitment throughout the planning and implementation process.

“These assets were purchased using Wombon development funds, and ownership rests with the community,” Mr Nahuet said.
“The care, management, and sustainability of this dinghy and motor are now your responsibility. When community assets are well managed, they continue to benefit future generations.”

Middle Fly DDA and OTDF Extend Partnership for Scholarships and Community Programs

Education, Middle Fly

(L-R) Ok Tedi Development Foundation Acting CEO and Hon. Maso Hewabi sign the MOU

(Backrow L-R) OTDF Acting Executive Manager Corporate Services Mr. Raphael Nali and MFDDA CEO Mr. Petrus Malongim stand to witness.

The Middle Fly District Development Authority (DDA) has signed another Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), extending their partnership from January to December this year to support scholarships and other development programs aligned with district priorities.

While a significant portion of the agreement continues to focus on education assistance and scholarships, the partnership will also support other programs implemented by OTDF that align with the Middle Fly DDA’s development plans. Through the education program alone, 208 students from the Middle Fly District have already been sponsored to pursue studies at various institutions.

The MOU signing was attended by Honourable Maso Hewabi, Member for Middle Fly District, and Mr. Petrus Malongim, Chief Executive Officer of the Middle Fly District Development Authority, who both emphasised the importance of education in the district’s development.

Hon. Maso Hewabi thanked OTDF for its role in delivering the scholarship program.

“I want to thank OTDF for the successful delivery of the scholarships program in the last two years. With your support and by working hand in hand, 208 students have been sponsored under the MFDDA,” he said.

Speaking during the signing, OTDF Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Andrew Mari thanked the Middle Fly DDA for recognising OTDF’s role and having confidence in the Foundation to deliver the education program.

“The funding that OTDF receives from the MFDDA is solely for scholarship expenses. The administrative costs are covered under OTDF. This partnership adds value to our relationship and enables us to make a positive and meaningful contribution to Western Province”, Mr. Mari said. “Let our communities judge us for our actions and not our words,” he added.

Under the MOU, OTDF will continue to manage and administer the scholarship program and other agreed programs in close coordination with the Middle Fly DDA, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with district priorities.

The renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in education and community development, aiming to create lasting benefits for the people of the Middle Fly District.