Digicel PNG Foundation

During a presentation of 3000 library books recently to eight schools in the area, Digicel PNG Foundation Men of Honour Vincent Kumura told the students about the importance of reading and education.

Kumura highlighted the need for the youths, parents and the community to partner in fighting careless and violent behaviours such as vandalising school properties and disrespecting teachers.

“The goal is to promote a safer and violent free community where teachers would teach uninterrupted, students could learn well and be better citizens of tomorrow.

The Digicel PNG Foundation, NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko officially opened the project.

The plan, funded by the Foundation, consists of 4xclassrooms, 2x teachers’ office space, 160 students’ desk, teachers’ desk and chairs, electricity and 9000L water tanks.

Digicel PNG Foundation CEO Beatrice Mahuru says providing children with access to basic education is one of five focus areas of the Foundation. This is done primarily through the provision of the new infrastructure.

The aim of the workshop was for them to get to know each other and understand the work they do in their communities.

The Men of Honour Awards is a campaign against violence initiated by Digicel PNG Foundation.

Digicel Foundation community development manager Hane Toua said the workshop helps to achieve the outcome of the Men of Honour Award.

This is to form a brotherhood of men who can reach out to each other, helping each other through difficult times to help Digicel Foundation with its aim of overcoming violence in PNG.

Kurumul Primary School unveiled the double classroom project on Friday, May 13, with a special visit from Chapez Construction Building Contractor, Charlie Tumun.

Tumun, who helped oversee the construction of the classrooms, handed the key to the school head teacher, Leo Koimb Wii, in a special presentation on behalf of Digicel PNG Foundation.

You can see the reach of El Nino in the normally lush surrounds, but nothing was going to dry the enthusiasm of a community keen to launch their Digicel PNG Foundation funded double classroom project. 

This was made possible through a partnership between Digicel PNG Foundation and Member for Nawaeb, Gisuwat Siniwin who provided counterpart funding of K80, 000 for the classroom.

The classroom has 40 student desks, 3 teacher’s desks, chairs, solar lighting, a 5000 litre water tank and 2 ventilation improved piping pit toilets.

Wediru is a level 2 Lutheran church agency elementary school established in 1999. It enrols about 95 students and is a feeder school to the nearest primary school, Busong.

The event was held at the Digicel Learning Centre and was attended by members of the independent panel of judges and the 2014 Men of Honour winners including overall winner, Jimmy Drekore.

Digicel PNG Foundation chief executive officer Beatrice Mahuru welcomed all nominations for this year.

Nomination forms can be picked up from all Digicel retail outlets across the country and can also be downloaded from the Digicel Foundation website.