Mining firm donates books to schools

 SEVEN schools in Porgera, Enga have received books and general supplies courtesy of Barrick (Niugini) Limited and Australia’s Project 24. 

The 227 boxes of school supplies and the books were delivered to Porgera Lutheran School, Paiam Primary, Kairik Primary, Mungulep Primary, Porgera High, Kopen Secondary and Wabag Secondary. The distribution exercise started on June 4 and ended on August 18.

Barrick’s community planning and development officer Mary Wanis said students had been told to look after the books.

She said it was important for students to use the books to improve their English. 

“The main purpose for these books is to help you to read,” Wanis said. 

“Read a lot of books and take care of the books.”

Leo Lend, a teacher at Mungulep, thanked the Porgera gold mine team on behalf of the school for the books. 

Project 24 is a Australian organisation which uses the resourcefulness of women to support those experiencing difficulties.

Barrick (Niugini) Limited, on behalf of the Porgera joint venture, is the operator of the Porgera gold mine in Enga.

The Porgera mine employs more than 2500 locals, and contributes to about 11 per cent to PNG’s total annual exports.