Everyday people PNG

In her seven years of employment with OTML, contributed much with her vast knowledge and experience in safety and occupational health as Superintendent in Safety Systems, Compliance and Statutory Training.

Her plan is to continue implementing and improving the Company’s safety performance and is up to par. This is evident in the screening process taken to ensure that applicants are appropriately qualified and experienced to be successful in their role.

I grew up in Port Moresby but spent some time also growing up in Bougainville and for my formative years in school, I spent in the city.

After secondary school I got selected to study PNG Studies in International Relations at the Divine Word University graduating with a degree in International Relations.

It was difficult securing employment with government outfits like the Foreign Affairs after university, this led me to venture into the media industry, and this was the beginning of my media career.

My story entails the village court life. I have been in this employment for the past 24 years starting out as just a clerk. I am now the Deputy Chairperson of the village court, as I found that being the Chairlady was too much to take on.

School for me began in the village, with me doing my grades one to six at the Boregaina Community School and we were most probably the last batch of kids that sat for the year six exams.

I then did my grades seven to ten at Kwikila High school and I happy to say that we were the first ones then who took up what is now called Basic Technology.

My love for music created the well-known Azzimbah Band back in the 80s and after some time I decided to go solo.

I formed the Froggies Band a while after performing at bars and hotels building a repertoire of local favorites that are still a hit whenever played on either the airwaves or stages.

As an artist, music has helped me a lot in ways to putting food on the table, paying bills and getting my kids through school and of course being recognized as an artist on local and international platforms.

I raise my boys to be vibrant and to express themselves freely but also to be great citizens of this country.

Growing up, my parents were strict with me so quite contrary to what my friends may think, I was an extreme introvert. It is safe to say, I am the opposite today.

When I was younger, my ultimate goal was to be an architect, but once I reached University, my dad introduced me to Leo Wafiwa, during registration at the UPNG and four years later, I graduated with a Degree in Journalism and Public Relations. The best decision ever.

In 2005, Judith started her teaching career with a passion to bring about change in Panguna, Central Bougainville.

She and her husband are now working at Metonai Elementary School in Panguna District. Judith teaches a composite prep and grade one class, and her husband is a teaching assistant.

“Many students I’ve taught have already graduated from university,” Judith said, beaming with pride.

“Two have become high school teachers and a few are now primary school teachers,” she said.

Who is Amanda Kundil?

“I am the Communications Officer for the PNG NRI Autonomy and Decentralization Research Project. I am 22 years old and I come from a mixed parentage of Western Highlands and Eastern Highlands. I graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea, majoring in English Communication.

“I have been in this position since July this year, and it is way different from my former workplace. I am kept on my toes and am learning on the job as well!

On the far right against the backdrop of the Recruit Company Lines, recruits ran out in numbers to form up outside. 

"Stand at ease. Attention! “It was the duty Non Commissioned Officer, Lance Corporal Langan Pakau barking the words of command at the recruits.

Lance Corporal Pakau is an instructor at the home of PNGDF recruitment training at Goldie River Training Depot in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea. He is among the many soldiers and officers currently posted to the Training Cell or on detachment at Goldie for the recruit training.

Karokapi said an important lesson that she will always remember from her family is to ‘Always be there for people.’ A key reminder as she works in an organization that is people-centered.

The young woman said she loves her job as it allows her to “Get to meet a lot of people from different fields” and travel around as well.

She has worked for the Sago Network for a year now. When asked if she sees herself in the organization in the near future, she replied: “I do see myself growing in the organization that I am in.”