Travelling to Simbu Province

 I was born in Eastern Highlands and had my early childhood in Goroka, particularly in West Goroka. I grew up in a time when Goroka town was really the pearl of the Pacific - it was a quaint little town tucked away in the cool mountain air. I really have fond memories of growing up there. But that is another story of another time. You see, I had never been past Kefamo and Asaro. I had stayed in Goroka and knew that it was part of the greater Highlands region. I had longed to go past Eastern Highlands to Simbu and maybe Western Highlands one day. I was obviously over the moon when the opportunity arose for me to travel up to Simbu Province. The Rural Health Department of DWU had invited me to travel with them.

The Rural Health Department at Divine Word University runs the Health Extension Officer (HEO) training program. In the third year of studies, the students are sent out to rural health facilities in Madang, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Simbu Proinces respectively. The students had been placed in rural health facilities in these provinces for a 10 week period. They were about to complete the rural placement program and the staff of the rural health department would be travelling to these places to pick up the students. They asked me to travel with them and eventually do a video of their rural placements program. I wanted to do this as this would enable me to have media content for my YouTube Channel and at the same time let me travel to Simbu - a place I have heard so much about but never had the opportunity to travel there. 

We left Madang town around 9am. Mr. Frank Yagahe had me as his passenger in the University Landcruiser vehicle. There were three vehicles in a convoy on this journey. The other two vehicles would be the university bus to pick up the students while the other car, a Toyota Hilux double cab would help with the transfer of cargoes including the Landcruiser. We travelled separately out of Madang town but when we reached the checkpoint at Mano, just outside town, we travelled together in a convoy. 

Boom Gate at Mano

The vehicles are inspected

The check

The bus got stuck as there were no passengers so less weight

The landcruiser was able to pull the bus up

One stop at Kawawar market for some peanuts and bananas

We did a usual stop a smaller markets alongside the highway to get fruits, mostly peanuts and bananas. Along the Usino highway section, we came across the scene where we heard that there was a hold up a few minutes before our arrival. We passed them and travelled onwards. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been hearing of arm holdups along this highway and this was alarming to see the bus had overturned in the middle of the road (I dont know how it happened). 

The overturned bus ahead

It had been a while since I had travelled the Highway between Madang and Ramu. The road was a bit rough along from the Usino Junction all the way to Ramu township. The oil palm along the highway has really brought about a change in scenary or might I say added a bit of view for people travelling the highway. There are multiple bridges along the way and smaller markets selling small stuff like mangos, pineapples and greens. We made a stop at Kesowai where there is a trade store there, toilets and good food. I decided not to eat anything because I felt that there was still a long way to go before we would reach Simbu. 

Signboard along the highway

One stop at Kesowai

I like this pattern - so simple yet so creative!

All highway buses do a stop at Kesowai

The road is smooth!

We arrived at Ramu and entered the Health Centre there. We entered the health facility and since it was Sunday, there weren't too many people around. Mr. Yagahe went see his students but they had gone out with the Health Centre staff to do some clinical rounds in the community. Mr. Yagahe met the only one remaining and told him to get his staff ready so that when we came back tomorrow, we would pick him up. We then left the health facility and travelled onwards.

Gusap Outpatient area

Mr. Yagahe checking one of the students

Mr. Yagahe letting him know that we will pick him up tomorrow when we come back this way

Gusap Outpatient area

Its Sunday so there are not too many patients here

The health centre wing looking towards the Ramu Highway

After we left Gusap township, we travelled on the road until we came along to the famous junction 'Watarais'. Some of the staff bought some coconuts and betelnuts to take to their relatives up in the Highlands. The junction is where the road intersects between Madang, Morobe and Eastern Highlands province.  

One stop at Watarais

The road towards Lae, Morobe Province

Starting out climb up to the Kassam Pass

It was a smooth climb up Kassam Pass. The National Government has upgraded this part of the highway. The China Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) worked on the Watarais to Henganofi section of the road. Its interesting to note that the 430 kilometers from Nadzab airport in Morobe to Kagamuga airport in Western Highlands has cost around K1billion? We quickly made our way to Yonki Dam. I could see that the water level had fallen dramatically. Some years ago when i came past this way, the water was full and overflowing the dam. 

One stop at Yonki Dam

The water is receding

There is no water run off

One stop at fish market 

Just delicious fish!

Look at those yummy fish!

Stop before we continue onwards

We arrived in Goroka town at around 5pm and refilled the vehicles at West Goroka. West Goroka is the first place i lived. I was born in Goroka and my parents lived at West Goroka during the 80s. I have so many fond memories of this beautiful part of PNG. Anyway, Mr. Yagahe filled the three vehicles and we set off past Goroka town and made a brief stop at Kefamo Conference Centre. We went into the premises and waited for the 25 seater bus as it dropped off some items in town. When it arrived, we set off at around 6pm. 

Fuel refill at West Goroka

Standing at the fuel station and looking onto the Goroka Airport.

Kefamo Conference Centre

A pleasant afternoon in Kefamo

We made a stop at a roadside market and had some kai before taking off again. We drove up the famous Dualo Pass. The road was still in constrction but we travelled on the tar road quickly. As we drove, there were so many people walking up the decsent of the Daulo Pass. I was curious about this but Fank said that since it was Sunday, the locals must have gone to watch or participate in the local rugby league during the day and now were walking back to the village. The road was really good and we flew by easily. We arrived at Kundiawa town and it was empty at night. We drove past it and made our way to the Migende Rural Hospital. It was around 9 or 10pm when we arrived. The place was really cold. We managed to park the three vehicles in the hospital premises and made our way our accomodation. The house was located inside the hospital premises for guests who visited the hospital. A person who managed the house had prepared dinner for us. It was a welcome sight, warm and delicious. 

We settle down to eat

Sharing some plans for tomorrow

After the many hours on the road, we had some delicious kai

My plate! Marinated Chicken, vegetables and rice! I loved it.

Honestly the place was so cold. It was my first time in Simbu province. It was really something special for me. I have always longed to travel past Eastern Highlands to the other highlands province. I had taken the first step and achieved a personal milestone. When Mr. Yagahe mentioned some weeks ago that he would be travelling up here, I never hesitated. I told him 'Yes' in that instant and now I made it. 

I will tell you what we did the next day in my next post. For the time being, let me hit the comfy bed. 

Adios!

Lessons on video shooting

So a couple of days ago, I attended the Divine Word University Missioning Ceremony. It was great to see these young people get commissioned by the university and transition out in to the PNG workforce. This year I had taught 3 groups of Year Four students. They were in the Communication Arts Department, Health Management Department and Social and Religious Department respectively. That would be around 40 to 50 students across two semesters this year. Since the Missioning Ceremony was coming up, I thought is would be best to capture some their memories through a video. Of course, they were all in their best attire as this was such a momentous occasion for them. It has been four year journey and now they have reached the end. This ceremony marked their transition from being students to fully fledged professionals in the PNG workforce. 

I decided that it would be a good opportunity to use my cannon camera that had been sitting idle around the house. So I shot the video and uploaded it onto my YouTube Channel:

 

After shooting the video, I began to realise some of my shooting mistakes during the video editing phase. Since I used the AV mode and automatic focus on the canon camera during the different stages of the ceremony, I needed to click on the camera screen to create the autofocus. At times, while looking at the camera screen, I could not make out if the camera was on focus. It only became apparent when I downloaded the video clips to edit on my computer. Therefore, some of the clips were a bit out of focus. Its a lesson I have learnt here.

I think another huge lesson I have learnt too is that I need to get a good directional mic. There's a part in the video where I am recording a speech and there are background noises of these flying foxes up in the trees near to the building. So a good directional mic such as this one from Theodist is a good one. I have to save up though. Look at the price!

Well I still put the video together. You can see my mistakes in some parts of the video but wanted to showcase the event for the students. Let me know what you think of the video and comment below. 

Community based rehabilitation for PWDs is a need

 As the PNG economy faces a downtown, many people in our country are going through tough times. Yes the price of goods and services is rising rapidly and many services like health and education are becoming unattainable for many people in our country. But spare a thought for People with Disabilities (PWDs) who continue to suffer most. If able bodied people are having a hard time and consider themselves 'suffering' then what more can we can for people living with disabilities! They are even facing a situation far more worse. 

I met two staff of the Madang Creative Self Help Centre who visited PWDs along the rural north coast road villages in Madang as part of their community based rehabilitation program. I tagged along with them as they travelled to the north coast of Madang to conduct their community based rehabilitation program for people living with a disability. We visited villages along the north coast road such as Megiar, Dylup and Tokain. 

I believe one of the saddest part of our trip was hearing that two of the PWDs had passed away recently. One was a PWD that has mobility issues - the PWD did not have a wheelchair so that person crawled using their hands.  Usually the PWDs with mobility issues would have wheelchairs but I think you also have to note that many rural areas in PNG are not suitable for wheelchairs as the ground surface is uneven and jagged in many places. There needs to be more innovation in developing mobility equipment for PWDs that fit the PNG landscape. 

The Madang Creative Self Help Centre can do so much as it is also limited in its capacity. The Centre runs two programs a) A community rehabilitation program b) Inclusive Education Program. The inclusive education program is one where children within the Madang town vicinity who have a disability can get an early childhood education. The program is supported by the PNG Government through the National Department of Education. The Community Based Rehabilitation program, on the other hand, is run by the centre and is entirely voluntary. Its focus is on supporting the inclusion and participation of PWDs in Madang's development and livlihood.  

An Amazing Manusian

 Yesterday afternoon, as I sat with my two boys in the Lutheran Memorial Church, it finally dawned on me that our country had truly lost one of its nation builders. I was among a large group of people who had gathered at this Lutheran Chapel in Madang town to witness the funeral mass for the late Major (Retired) Francis Malikes Molean. He was born on 8th September 1947 and had died in 19th August 2024. He had resided in Madang for 33 years but he was M'Buke island in Manus. He really did live a full life with challenges, triumph, sacrifices and great victories. 

He was around 17 or 18 years of age doing his studies at the Kerevat National High when the Australian Navy came for recruitment. He jumped at the opportunity and never looked back. Over the years I have been told of his exploits and quite amazed that he sought little recognition for his achievements. I mean how many Papua New Guineans can say that they have sailed the famous Sydney to Hobart Race or took part in the Vietnam War when he was with the Australian Navy? He was also a President of the then Sopmu Malai Bay in the Manus Provincial Government system, a lecturer at the PNG Maritime College, captained the Madang Resort's star vessels such as the Melanesian Discoverer. 

If ever any young Manusian wanted to look for inspiration to succeed, they neednt look far. Francis Molean was such a strong character and overcomer. His impeccable record in the PNG and Australian Navy still stand strong and his role in community development, academia and government are greatly respected and admired among many Manusians and Papua New Guineans. 

Making decisions about life

One of the things I often see among young people is the so many times, in their life while at University, they are faced with multiple decisions. The decision making process can be done quickly while at other times, it can take a few days to contemplate. This is especially decisions on academic progress. Students may make decisions on less complicated matters such as attending classes, participate in assignments or work in groups. There are more serious decisions that affect their academic programs like quitting school, falling pregnant, being involved in toxic gender relationships, etc. Therefore, having someone else, who has gone through these life matters, talk to you.

Part of the DWU campus in Madang town

The Communication Arts students were fortunate to have someone in that caliber speak to them to provide a heads up and motivate them in their academic progress in the afternoon.  A Communication Arts Alumni Mr. Jeremy Mark travelled all the way from Lae to come speak to the students in Madang. He met with 30 students or so, especially third and fourth year students about the changing media landscape in the country and how students should prepare themselves for the realities of life before graduating. It was a great learning experience when a graduate spoke to them - those who are just starting their journey - so it makes the lessons in class seem more relevant and purposeful. Jeremy last completed his Bachelor in Communication Arts in 2004. I did write his story on my other blog a few years ago here 

Jeremy Mark to the Communication Arts students 

Some students pose it Jeremy Mark

Jeremy now works in Lae, Morobe Province and travelled with his wife and three kids up to Madang.

Jeremy and his wife Grandlyn Mark also took time out to talk to the student body in the evening. The DWU Student Services Department together with the Chaplain run a psychoeducational program which focuses on students' life, learning, communication and social relations. 

Yesterday night, the topic was on 'healthy relationships' and the students got to hear from the two graduates - Jeremy and Grandlyn Mark. I loved how they gave their own versions of their story and the advice to students on managing life, love, relationships and knowing their first obligations to parents who put them there in the first place. The evening session was insightful, funny at times and outlined some key strategies to deal with relationships, especially for young people. 

Grandlyn Mark tells her story about life and social relations

Jeremy Mark talks to the student body

It is always important for DWU Alumni to come back the University to provide and give back by running sessions like what Mr and Mrs Mark have done. It helps students develops and reinforces beliefs around hard work, being resourceful and being grateful for the opportunity to get an education at a place like Divine Word University. 

Here is a short video documenting their talk to DWU students:

UNRE to gain K6million from Balsa sales

 When I saw this newspaper article about the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE), I was pleasantly surprised!

I mean our country is going though a very difficult time economically. Prices of goods and services are growing higher making the actual running of organizations, financially difficult. But here was an organisation in PNG that was making some really good money despite the economic downturn. It truly showed great leadership and management in making this a reality.

 

Post Courier 31st July, 2024

What I admired about this university was its ability to generate its own income despite the neglect tertiary institutions face where the Government has failed release grants to them for student scholarships - HELP and TESAS.

In this difficult times, more and more educational institutions are begining to take this path of raising their own revenue to fulfill govenment delayed funding. Good on them!

Harnessing people partnerships

 In teaching students, I have tried to include people outside of my circle to speak from their space to my students. This allows the students to listen to perspectives they would otherwise not have known. It encourages them to see how theoretical lessons in class can translate into meaningful projects and processes in the workplace. While I have not recorded all these sessions, the ones I have listed on my blog include Roslyn Albaniel and Ruth Waram some years ago. However, this semester, I decided that it would be good to go down this path again as the unit I was taking was new and needed fresh ideas from other people than me.

The first person to accept my invitation was Bronwyn Kili. As a youth activist, she talked about here experiences of using social media/digital media to run numerous social and community campaigns she was part of. 

She emphasized the role of planning particularly in developing communication plans and strategies. In that two hour period, she talked and explained concepts and ideas around social media use in Papua New Guinea and gave tips on interactive use of social media apps. 

The next person that accepted my invitation was Helen Tuka. She has worked in various organisations over the years and completed a Master of Communication from RMIT in Melbourne Australia. She now works as the Marketing Director for DWU. 

She talked about marketing strategies that the University uses particularly those on social media. She also focused on how 'branding' is important in maintaining corporate identity and recognition of products/services. She also focused on the challenges faced by organisations as they improve their corporate branding and create a communication strategy. 

The last person to come speak to my students was Picky Airi. Mr. Airi is the Director for the Center for Learning and Teaching at DWU. He did a session on using software applications in developing animations. He pointed out the various applications such as Doodly, Toonly and Videoscribe. During the session, the students installed the software called Videoscribe on their laptop and then proceeded to develop a short story animation.

He showed them the use of workflow and demonstrated that is an iterative process and students could utilize a variety of propriety software, open source software and also AI. 

In conclusion, I must say this: Getting communication specialists to show how theoretical knowledge is practiced in the workplace enables students to understand the value of what they are learning in class. The three speakers demonstrated application of key social media and digital communication skills during their sessions and thus promoted the sharing of knowledge to the young people of the next generation. 

My sincere gratitude and many thanks to Bronwyn, Picky and Helen for their time and effort in these sessions.