Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Financial independence for CMCA Women: A Step towards a brighter future
Moreen Ison (Binge Village) purchasing store goods from New Century City Limited for resale at her Trade Store accompanied by other recipients .
Twenty-five women from the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust region recently completed a week-long financial literacy training program at the Peter Torot Center in Kiunga. This initiative, organised by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), is aimed to equip these women with crucial financial management skills.
Throughout the training, participants gained insights into the significance of saving, budgeting, and maintaining financial discipline. This knowledge is critical for managing their finances effectively, supporting their families, and enhancing their living standards. At the end of the training, these twenty-five women were awarded certificates of participation, marking their achievement.
One notable outcome of the training was Barbra Uako from Mipan Village in the Middle Fly CMCA Trust Region, who became the first participant to secure a loan from MiBank. She used the funds to purchase stationery for resale, marking a significant milestone in her journey towards financial independence.
Following this success, eight additional women from the training group obtained loans to invest in their local businesses. Among them is Denise Koma Albert from Timindemesuk, who invested in fuel for her outlet and stock feed for her poultry business. Her entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates the positive impact of the financial literacy training.
According to the OTDF Business Development team, this training initiative is crucial for raising sustainable businesses and promoting financial independence among these women. It also raises a culture of savings and entrepreneurship within their communities. With ongoing support and education, these women are self-assured to become role models, inspiring others to take control of their financial futures.
The success of this program highlights the vital role of financial literacy in empowering individuals and driving economic growth in the CMCA communities. As these women build their financial wisdom, they are contributing to a more prosperous and self-reliant future for Western Province.
Development through sports
Participants put to practice warm up skills learnt
Women and Children Associations of the Mine impact communities in Western Province in partnership with PETA Sport Management Limited, use sports to promote discipline in schools and to transform youths in Western Province.
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) managed Community Sports Development Enhancement Program hosted a multi code sports coaching training program, at Kiunga Vocational Center in August.
The 14 participants mainly teachers from selected primary schools and aspiring coaches, were trained in basic coaching for teams ranging from young children to youth over 18 years old. The weeklong training instilled discipline and foundational skills in athletics, basketball, rugby, soccer and volleyball.
Mr. Mataio leading a session at KVC
Percy Mataio, Manager and Lead Trainer at PETA Limited, emphasised to the participants to focus on the program’s goal to empower youth and students with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to excel both in sports and in life. He encouraged them to take a holistic approach to nurture future community leaders. PETA’s involvement guarantees high-quality training and mentorship, with recognised certification from the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation.
OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable Moses Kalup said the significant aspect of the program is to focus on inclusivity and community engagement. By bringing together diverse groups from across Western Province, the initiative fosters unity and shared purpose which goes beyond athletic development, creating a supportive environment where young people can grow, learn, and contribute to their communities.
Ten families in Miamrai Village receive homes
OTDF CEO Havini Vira (R) hands over one of ten new homes
The CMCA Trusts continue to prioritise housing as a development intervention. Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) through the Trust Administration is working with communities in the mine impact areas to build homes for families.
Miamrai Village in the Wai Tri CMCA Trust region, of Western Province in collaboration with OTDF, proudly handed over newly constructed homes to 10 families on 8 August 2024. The project worth PGK 1.1 million was funded through the Miamrai Village Development Funds (VDF), was an initiative of the Village Planning Committee (VPC) led by Chairman, Tony Wainu. His leadership ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.
The construction was a community effort, with local youths contributing their skills under the supervision of Jimmy Aedwanai, a skilled carpenter from the village. The project has not only addressed housing but has also empowered the local youths by utilising and enhancing their skills.
“The completion of these homes is a vital improvement for our community,” said Wainu. “By effectively using our Village Development Funds, we’ve provided secure housing for our families and demonstrated the positive impact of local resources when managed well.”
OTDF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Havini Vira, expressed his appreciation for the community leaders as the key people in delivering the project. He emphasised the importance of taking ownership, stating all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring successful outcomes for all projects.
Most recognition by the speakers was directed at the local carpenter, Mr. Jimmy Aedwanai, and his ten-man team, who completed all ten buildings, meeting building standards guided by the OTDF Infrastructure Development team led by Mr Richard Jendeng and Mr Veao Nami, the North Fly Regional Coordinator.
Local carpenter, Mr. Jimmy Aedwanai (3rd from left) , and his team, locals from the village
OTDF remains committed to supporting similar projects that promote sustainable development and improve liveihoods in the region.
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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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.