Foundation invests K7m in projects

 THE Digicel PNG Foundation has invested more than K7 million in 93 community-based basic education and health projects in the financial year 2012-13. 

That was announced at the launch of the foundation’s annual report that outlined the roll-out of projects during the last financial year and plans for the next financial year.

The Digicel Foundation’s achievements in 2012-13 in the area of education included:

• Construction of 44 primary school classrooms in rural areas, providing 1,400 primary students with  clean water and sanitation facilities;
• Construction of 46 elementary classrooms in rural areas;
• Ongoing operation of 31 Community Learning Centres (CLC), that provide basic education to 1,500 children in marginalised communities;
• Continuation of the Isi Learning programme, a community-based teacher training programme in partnership with Unity Foursquare Church in Port Moresby.

In health and community development, the foundation has funded: 

• Another mobile health clinic, providing free health services to more than 15,000 people in rural areas;
• Two rural health aid posts for the first time in communities accessible only by foot, Kerau in Goilala and Paingopa in Kaintiba district, Gulf;
• The basic life and business skills programme in partnership with Ginigoada Business Development Foundation, providing life skills and job opportunities to more than 3,000 graduates;
• Providing financial and skill based support for WeCARe Foundation which aims to improve the living conditions of children and young women living in the settlements of Port Moresby. 

Reflecting on the past 12 months, foundation executive director Beatrice Mahuru said: “This year was our fourth full year in operation and we notched a few milestones. 

“We included solar solutions to all our infrastructure investments. We also built a special needs playground at Callan Services in Alotau.”