Launching of the Keto-Tapasi Progress Association

Today we head to Kaubasis village and our “Hut” in preparation for a gathering on Thursday of the eight Keto and Tapasi Clans to celebrate and mark the launching of our newly registered association. This day has been close to 18 months in the making and can be considered a major milestone for the village folks.

In addition to being assigned the task of officially handing over the certificate of Registration to the newly elected Association Chairperson I will also have the honour of being dressed in traditional Simbu bilas. And not just any bilas mind you! I am being dressed by one of the local elders in the traditional head dress of a chief. Also, during my speech I will get to hold a spear reserved for elders that has not been held for two generations!!

The eight Keto-Tapasi Clans are as follows:

1) Bolku (Tapasi)

2) Maneku (Tapasi)

3) Wouma (Tapasi)

4) Kapma (Tapasi)

5) Keto Iraupa (Keto)

6) Wapu-ku (Keto)

7) Rondi-ku (Keto)

8) Nondo-ku (Keto)

And here’s the official program for the day….

Keto-Tapasi

Progress Association

Celebration of Certificate Programme

Event: Celebrate the registration of Association and receipt of Certificate from IPA.

Date: Thursday, 23rd of October, 2008

Time: 11:00am

Location: Keto-Tapasi Community School

MC: Foxie Poka

Camera: Robert Schilt

1. Guests welcomed by SingSing Group.

2. Traditional Welcome and Speech by Mathew Poka

3. Prayer by Mack Mire

4. Short Bible Reading by Russell Poka

5. Song by SDA Youth

6. Introduction & Greeting of Guests by Headmaster

7. Poem and Drama by Eli Duna

8. Association Purpose and History by Chairman

9. Speeches: (3 to 5 mins)

   1. Reps. : Youth, Womens, Keto and Tapasi. Councillor Kola Boss

   2. Government Reps.

   3. MP’s

   4. Business House(s)

   5. Guest(s) of honour: Monpi Coffee

10. Presentation of Certificate by Robert Schilt

11. Official Launch / Cutting of Ribbon ???

12. Association Response by Wase Nime

13. SingSing Celebration

***** Refereshments *****

***** End of Programme *****