Agreement to build classrooms

DIGICEL PNG Foundation and North Bougainville office finalised an agreement yesterday to build seven new classrooms and a market place under the foundation’s smart districts partnership programme.
North Bougainville MP William Nakin presented the foundation a cheque for K1.19 million as the first payment of the K1.7 million total that they had agreed to commit to the partnership.
“We want development to take place in North Bougainville, especially in education,” he said.
“What is transpiring today in this partnership with Digicel PNG Foundation, is a golden opportunity that we have taken.”
The project is valued at K2.2 million, with Digicel Foundation contributing K500,000 to construct two extra double classrooms.
Foundation board chairman Michael Henao said its smart districts programme fostered partnerships with Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to roll out education and health infrastructure across the country.
“Our experience in Bougainville has brought about the realisation of the great need to invest in education,” Henao said.
“Education unlocks the potential of people and is the foundation for nations to thrive.”
Henao thanked Nakin for his commitment to the programme and assured him of the timely completion of the projects.
In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville alone, the Digicel Foundation invested K5 million in 21 projects such as elementary and primary school double classroom projects and mobile health clinics.
Digicel Foundation chief executive officer Serena Sasingia said they were excited to partner with North Bougainville under the smart districts programme.
“This is one of our biggest partnerships for the year, and it’s definitely the largest amount we have received from any district development authority,” she said.
The partnership is in line with Digicel Foundation’s mission to deliver vital infrastructure and social programmes to connect PNG and their communities to opportunities for sustainable development.