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

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Over 30 Mepu Residents Receive African Yam Minisett and NARI Taro Suckers to Boost Food Security

More than 30 residents from Mepu Community in Kiunga, Western Province, have received over 100 pieces of African yam minisetts and NARI taro suckers (4 varieties; NT1, NT2, NT5, NT6) for planting as part of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation’s (OTDF) ongoing Food Security Program.

The distribution and one-day agricultural extension field demonstration were held on November 10 and hosted by the Mepu SDA Church. A total of 37 participants attended from Mepu and nearby areas including Seven Kona, Mission Kona, and Rubber Kona.

According to OTDF’s Food Security Program, Agriculture Extension Officer, Jethro Robert, the initiative aims to ensure that local communities have a consistent and sustainable supply of starchy food throughout the year. “Our focus is on encouraging households to grow drought-resistant and high-yield crops that can withstand harsh weather conditions,” Robert said. “African yams, in particular, have proven to be resilient and suitable for Western Province’s varying wet and dry seasons.”

Robert added that after three years of field trails in Middle Fly & South Fly, the African yam has shown strong adaptability to local soil and climate conditions, producing reliable yields even in challenging environments. “The crop’s resilience makes it an ideal source of food security for our rural communities,” he explained.

During the field demonstration, participants learned the practical planting and soil preparation techniques to improve productivity. Many mothers who received the yam seeds and taro suckers were overjoyed and eager to learn the basics of cultivating these crops. Their excitement reflected a growing commitment among families to strengthen household food production and reduce dependence on store goods.

L-R OTDF Food Security Officer Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson

Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson, were also excited to be part of the program. Minister Totona expressed deep appreciation to OTDF and its partner, the North Fly District Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), for their collaboration in supporting rural farmers. “This partnership is helping our people grow their own food and become self-reliant,” he said.

As part of OTDF’s follow-up plan, the team will return after one year to demonstrate seed multiplication techniques for African yam and NARI taro.

Through initiatives like this, OTDF continues to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security across Western Province.

OTDF urges Development Partners to put people first in service delivery

Education

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has called on development partners to place people at the heart of all development initiatives in Western Province.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Andrew Mari made the call during the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) aimed at improving the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) Program currently managed by OTDF in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (MCA) region . The program operates across eleven satellite study centres in the province’s four districts with the registered facility based in OTDF FODE Centre at Samagos, Kiunga, Western Province.

“It’s not about the service providers—it’s about the people whose lives are impacted,” Mr. Mari said, emphasising the need for people-centered development. The MoA brings together OTDF, the Sustainable Development Program Limited (SDPL), and the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) to strengthen education delivery and expand access to second-chance learning opportunities for students in remote communities.

While addressing the executives from PNGSDP, KTF and the staff and media present, Mr. Mari described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in the shared effort to reinforce education outcomes in Western Province.Mr. Andrew Mari addressing the audience during the program

“The integration of the FODE program into the SDPL and KTF model represents a strategic step forward — one that enhances coordination, avoids duplication, and most importantly, improves the quality and delivery of second-chance education for our young people,” he said.

He reaffirmed OTDF’s commitment to working closely with SDPL and KTF to ensure the program’s successful implementation. Mr. Mari also emphasised that the partnership goes beyond education, paving the way for stronger collaboration in other key development sectors.

While acknowledging the challenges of working in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote and logistically difficult regions, Mr. Mari expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to bring lasting change.

“Development in Western Province is never easy — our geography, isolation, and high logistics costs make it one of the most challenging regions in Papua New Guinea. Yet it is not impossible. With partners like SDPL, KTF, and others who share the same vision and passion for our people, we can overcome these challenges and bring about lasting, positive change,”
he said.

He concluded by stressing that education is the foundation of empowerment and progress, and that this collaboration will give young people the opportunity to learn, dream, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Ok Tedi Development Foundation Donates Vehicle to Kiunga Vocational Centre

Education, North Fly

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) endorsed its commitment to supporting education in Western Province through the donation of a vehicle to the Kiunga Vocational Centre (KVC).

The handover took place at the Brown House 2 car park in Kiunga witnessed by the OTDF Board of Directors including the Chairman of the board, Mr. Jesse Pile. The Board of Directors handed over the car keys to Kiunga Vocational Centre Principal Mr. Andrew Yima and two Heads of Department.

Principal Mr. Andrew Yima, on behalf of KVC’s staff and students, expressed appreciation for OTDF’s contribution, noting the vehicle will improve mobility and operational efficiency for the centre. He added this support will further enable KVC to deliver high-quality vocational training that meets industry needs and prepares students for employment or entrepreneurship. “Thank you OTDF, we are grateful to receive this asset from you. You have contributed greatly to our school with this asset.” Said Mr. Yima during the handover.

The OTDF Board Chairman Mr. Pile in his remarks emphasised the significance of this support, stating: “It is with so much joy I present this vehicle to you today. Institutions like Kiunga Vocational Centre are important to us because you educate and prepare our children for future opportunities. As a foundation, we see it as our responsibility to partner with such institutions to ensure our children receive the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to the development of Western Province.”

This support aligns with OTDF’s broader development agenda, which prioritises capacity-building, education, and the empowerment of young people across the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) regions and Western Province.

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the vehicle keys by Mr. Pile to Mr. Yima, witnessed by the OTDF Board of Directors and KVC’s staff, marking another milestone in OTDF’s long-standing partnership with educational institutions in the province.