Kokoda Festival: KTF Celebrates 20 Years of Transformative Impact in Papua New Guinea

Yesterday, Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) hosted the Kokoda Festival, a day of celebrations to commemorate 20 years of KTF affecting change in the areas of education, health, equality and leadership in rural and remote Papua New Guinea. It was an opportunity for local community members, Government and non-government partners, and donors to attend the Kokoda FODE College and Kou Kou Community to learn about the diverse range of life-changing projects currently being implemented along and around the Kokoda Track and broader Oro Province.

KTF’s CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson, reflected on the turning of the sod that took place in 2012 with Kokoda veterans, Bede Tongs, George Palmer, Owen Baskett and Garnet Tobin. Eleven years later, KTF’s Kokoda College is a thriving hub for education, health and equality projects in the region. KTF’s FODE (flexible open distance education) College provides second-chance education pathways for students who never had the opportunity to complete their high schooling. It enables students who had to leave school early an opportunity to matriculate at a Grade 12 level or allows students to upgrade their high school marks and gain opportunities into further tertiary study.

Priority entry into Kokoda FODE College is given to students who are committed to studying as either teachers or health workers. In 2023, 217 students are currently enrolled at Kokoda FODE and over 807 students have been enrolled in this life-changing FODE college since 2019. Kokoda FODE College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) via the Kokoda Initiative.

James Orimba, a current student completing Grade 12 at Kokoda FODE, after witnessing a member of his family fall seriously ill and the severe need in his community for healthcare professionals was inspired to become a community health worker. However, after completing Grade 10 and not receiving an offer to upper secondary education, James was able to gain a second-chance at realising his dream by enrolling at Kokoda FODE. He expressed, "I chose Kokoda FODE because I want to be somebody and, most importantly, become a health worker”. Despite facing challenges like financial hardship, limited study resources at home, and lack of family support, James remains steadfast in his determination to receive an education and make a positive impact in his community.

The Kokoda Festival brought together local communities, students, partners and esteemed guests for a day of celebrations, activities and learning. Festivities kicked off with speeches from the Deputy Provincial Administrator, Joseph Mokada, the Provincial Education Advisor, Maino Vegoli, and Conwell Barai, representative of the leaders of Kou Kou Community. Attendees then had the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the Kokoda campus, gaining valuable insights into the importance of FODE within the community and obtaining vital information for prospective students interested in enrolling in 2024.

“We are so grateful to KTF and all their donors and partners for their generosity and long-term support of our Province and projects,” said Mr Mokada. “We especially thank the many donors in Australia who make the KTF work possible and lend a hand to us as their neighbour.”

For sports lovers, KTF’s Kokoda Festival in partnership with PNG Olympic Committee also hosted a Kicks 4 Kokoda soccer tournament. In this tournament, the Kou Kou K4K team split into four teams representing the Olympic values of Honesty, Excellence, Respect and Openness. Attendees and participants were treated to special appearances from nine Olympic and nationally ranked athletes, including Hussin Lowah; Mirriam Lola Ilumpui; Mirriam Stanley, Lera Kose; Winnie Mavara; Laizani Soma; Dornah Longbut; Rutha Omenefa and Basil Jofari, who represented a diverse range of sports including karate, hockey, netball, boxing and soccer. Kicks 4 Kokoda is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) via Team Up.

“The tournament is such an important and exciting event for the Kicks for Kokoda program and the broader community,” said Dr. Nelson. “Utilising sports and role models to support young people to adopt health-seeking behaviours and gain valuable education about sexual and reproductive health is critical to the program.”

Amid the excitement and vibrancy of the Kokoda Festival, festival-goers were encouraged to visit the information booths to gain invaluable insights into KTF’s early childhood education, solar, health and equality projects. Attendees had the chance to access vital services and participate in engaging activities. The KTF health booth was attended by qualified community health workers offering free health tests, condoms and health advice. Families enjoyed the Early Years Corner which featured a play-based learning classroom and exciting activities tailored for young children. Furthermore, KTF partnered with 4eyes to offer free eye testing and glasses to festival-goers. In collaboration with integral local partners, Femili PNG, Community Development and FSVU hosted booths providing vital information sessions and resources to the local community.

The Kokoda Festival highlighted the significant impact that KTF has achieved in rural and remote communities over the past 20 years, and showcased the life-changing projects that are currently empowering communities and changing futures. KTF remains committed to keeping the spirit of Kokoda alive and looks forward to continuing its impactful journey in shaping a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.

KTF acknowledges all the partners and donors who have supported its work over the past 20 years.