Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Ok Tedi Development Foundation commits to educational enrichment in Western Province
L-R: Mr Angobe, Acting First Secretary FODE & Inclusive Education, Mr Wingi, Deputy Secretary NDoE & Chairman of Governing Council –FODE, Mr Mari OTDF EMPS, and Mr Anthony Rayappan, Principal FODE
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) signs a partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Department of Education to provide Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program for learners in Western Province.
Mr. Andrew Angobe, the acting First Assistant Secretary of FODE and Inclusive Education, highlighted the pivotal role OTDF has played as a Registered Study Center (RSC). The division of FODE & Inclusive Education values and recognizes the work OTDF has been doing in providing a pathway for the students who dropped out from the mainstream education system.
“We extend our appreciation to OTDF and commend everyone involved in the delivery of FODE in Western Province.”
The Deputy Secretary for National Department of Education (NDoE) and Governing Council Chairman-FODE, Mr Walipe Wingi, also expressed his gratitude to OTDF for its enduring commitment to deliver FODE service in the Fly River corridor despite the many challenges.
“It is not easy to deliver FODE to remote areas, and especially in Western Province, where you have geographical constraints and logistic challenges, you (OTDF) have done well and the department is pleased with the work the Foundation is doing, the department remains committed to support partners like OTDF to deliver FODE.
This commitment was formalized during a MOU signing ceremony on Friday, March 1, reaffirming OTDF’s enduring partnership with FODE & Inclusive Education. As part of this collaboration, NDoE FODE will ratify the admissions made by OTDF and provide all learning materials including print, electronic copies and audio – visual materials, and training and orientation of tutors and administrative support staff for effective delivery of FODE in Western Province.
National FODE supports OTDF
Mr Wingi, Deputy Secretary NDoE & Chairman of Governing Council –FODE (L) presents the certificate to Mr Mari OTDF EMPS
Mr Anthony Rayappan, the Principal of FODE, advised that OTDF is always up-to-date with all his payments for its students and commended OTDF for its support. This partnership is very important as it strengthens our commitment and working relationship to support the development of PNG in education.
Students from various locations including Tabubil, Ningrum, Aiambak, Bosset, Kaviananga, Kasa, Nakaku, Tapila, Kawiapo, and Daru are enrolling in full correspondence and upgrading programs, underscoring the widespread impact of this initiative.
Mr. Andrew Mari, the Executive Manager of Program Services at OTDF, shed light on the challenges faced by FODE, including the shortage of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding at the provincial and district levels. He reiterated the core objective of enhancing access to quality and affordable education, particularly for students who have discontinued conventional schooling. Mr. Mari acknowledged the support and recognition from NDoE and advised that OTDF highly values this partnership and look forward to fulfil its commitment under the MOU.
“Since 2019, FODE has supported approximately 4000 students who have either pursued tertiary education or secured gainful employment, thus significantly contributing to human resource development in the province.”
Mr. Anthony Rayappan, the Principal of FODE in Port Moresby, assured timely printing and distribution of educational materials, emphasizing the collective responsibility to enhance literacy rates and educational attainment.
The recently signed three-year agreement further strengthen the collaborative effort between OTDF and FODE in delivering educational programs in Western Province, marking a significant advance towards educational development and empowerment in the region.
Nupmo Holdings signs Lease Agreement with OTDF
Caption: L-R Mr. Mark Yauram presents the vehicle keys to Mr. Andrew Mari, OTDF EMPS
Nupmo Holdings Limited (NHL) is thrilled to announce a significant achievement with the successful signing of an agreement with a development partner to lease out its vehicle.
The lease agreement was formalized on the 6th of December at the OTDF conference room between Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and NHL, witnessed by Mr. Andrew Mari OTDF Executive Manager Program Service.
The Chairman of Nupmo Holdings Limited, Mr. Mark Yauram, expressed his satisfaction in sealing the lease agreement with OTDF, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the foundation in contributing to NHL’s growth and development. Mr. Yauram highlighted the valuable lessons learned through the collaborative journey with OTDF, attributing the remarkable impact on the company’s overall success.
Mr. Andrew Mari Executive Manager Program Services (EMPS) in his congratulatory remarks gave credit to former executive managers and directors involved in these ventures.
Acknowledging the foresight of Mr. Eric Kuman, former Executive Manager Program Services, Mr. Mari, praised Kuman’s vision for transforming communities through spin-off businesses. Mari expressed his gratitude at Nupmo Holdings’ confidence in OTDF and commitment to advocate for the foundation. He emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities, fostering innovation and sustainability in the programs delivered by OTDF.
Trust Administrator Mr. Johanis Saferius, , highlighted the significance of the occasion, describing it as a small yet meaningful event that paves the way for future generations within Nupmo Holdings and the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA). He said: “This is significant occasion because from the initial funds of K300,000.00 spent to purchase an excavator, the money raised from the use of the earth mover made possible the purchase of the Toyota Land Cruiser”.
Saferius expressed gratitude to those who laid the foundation for this milestone.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the lease agreement and the symbolic handover of the car key to the OTDF Team, IDD, and PSO, marking a momentous collaboration between Nupmo Holdings and Ok Tedi Development Foundation.
Empowering Youths: Middle Fly Women and Children Association support Local youths
Caption: Youths receive the rations from executives of the women’s association and development partners at Kiunga waterfront
In a heartwarming gesture aimed at fostering community development and engagement, the Middle Fly Women and Children Association (MFWCA) extended a helping hand to youths from three villages of upper middle fly.
The association presented bails of rice, assorted food items, and drums of fuel to support the initiation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) scheme during this festive season.
The MFWCA in recognizing the significance of youths as vital stakeholders in community development, donated items to empower the young members of Erecta, Karemgo, and Moian. The youths had established an SME to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Mr. Andrew Mari, OTDF Executive Manager Program Services, delivered an encouraging message to the youths during the presentation. He said: “You must remain consistent and persevere in your efforts to ensure the success and sustainability of your SMEs. He also stressed the importance recognizing the youths and engaging them in meaningful activities during the festive season and encouraged the youths to be good role models in shaping the future of the community.
“Youths are important stakeholders in the community and should be recognized and given prominence to make them become useful members in the community,” remarked Mr. Mari. He expressed gratitude towards the Village Planning Committees (VPCs), the women association and the OTDF Team for their unwavering support in supporting the youths.
The small yet significant presentation concluded with expressions of joy and gratitude from the youths and their leaders. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to expand their SMEs, fueled by the support and encouragement provided by the MFWCA. The act of generosity is a catalyst for positive change and progress within the community, empowering the youths to shape a brighter future for themselves and their villages.
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.
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
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.