Skills

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked President Xi Jinping and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for a K50 million grant China will make available to Papua New Guinea soon. 

This grant is one of the results emanating from the Prime Minister’s trip to China to attend the Third Belt & Road forum in Beijing and his bilateral meetings on the sidelines with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang, as well as meetings with various other Chinese leaders.

The Eastern Highlander who holds an NRL Level Two Coaching certificate was one of the gentlemen of rugby league in his playing days. Nami  excelled in his rugby league career playing for his beloved Goroka Lahanis  in the Digicel Cup competition and  the PNG Kumuls, before he was appointed assistant coach for SP PNG Hunters in 2019.

While in Port Moresby over the festive period, Nami was invited by the Port Moresby Vipers Academy Team coach, Godfrey Luke to watch his young team play and highlight some of the areas that they needed improvement on with the finals looming.

But two innovative youth programs supported by Australia are helping at-risk and disadvantaged youth gain the valuable skills needed to find employment. 

Derek Julius Story

Twenty-five-year-old Derrick Julius is one of many young people who have benefited from the two youth programs supported by Australia; Ginigoada and City Mission.

Through Ginigoada, Derrick was able to complete his on-job training in electrical skills and is working towards achieving a level 1 certificate.

“Poverty and lack of quality education lead to sexual risk. Skills development, employment creation and good governance can help fight HIV/AIDS,” said Mr Polye when delivering a closing speech to mark the World AIDS Day at the Sir John Guise Indoor complex in the capital city.

He said as a leader of a remote district in the country, the World AIDS Day provided a forum to debate about the epidemic to extract better policies and laws to combat HIV/AIDs.

“We all have to be committed in addressing the issue and show love and care to those living with the virus.