Ever since a fire destroyed the classrooms of Duna Elementary School in June 2008, students have been taught in temporary accommodation. The CEO of The Digicel Foundation – Marina van der Vlies – will visit West Taraka this afternoon to meet with school management and staff to dicuss the need for a Mobile Learning Center (MLC). Many of us are hoping that the outcome of this meeting will be a decision by the Foundation to donate a Learning Center to Duna Elementary.
As I’m sure you can appreciate this is a major event for the community at West Taraka. Since the School burnt down last year and despite the fact that the School is mainly self sufficient, there has not been one cent forthcoming from the Morobe Education Department to assist in a rebuilding program. Duna Elementary Community School caters for grades one and two and has over 190 students currently enrolled and is a major contributor to the future and hope for the people of West Taraka.
We have our fingers crossed folks!
Here’s some more information on The Digicel PNG Foundation in case you wish to follow-up any opportunities for your own communities:
Our Mission
Digicel Foundation is a non-profit organization that distributes and utilizes funds on a charitable basis for the sole purpose of building communities and community spirit in PNG.
Our Vision
The Digicel Foundation strives to ensure that communities are healthy, primarily through the support of Community based and driven activities which should embrace social, cultural and particularly educational objectives.
* The Digicel Foundation was created to work with Government and Non – Governmental organizations which strive to support projects in PNG that cater to educational, social and cultural opportunities that will inspire and build positive energy in its citizens, which will in turn lead to stronger, self sufficient communities.
* Founded in 2008 with a generous donation of K1.3 million, the Digicel Foundation was created from the vision of our Patron, Denis O’ Brien, Chairman and Founder of Digicel.
* The unique character of the Digicel Foundation is that its Board is almost entirely comprised of Digicel Staff Members.
* Digicel employees along with the Foundation assist communities through their time, expertise and leadership
For photos of West Taraka and Duna Elementary School check out the following photo albums:
- General photos of West Taraka.
- Photos from my first visit in early 2006.
- Duna Elementary School Graduation in November 2006.
Eli travelled down to Lae with her Mum and Isaac yesterday and despite road blocks and raskol activity around the Barola and Kompiri sections of the Highway – they all made it into Scout Camp safely at around 9pm last night. Eli has gone down to Lae to support her Mum and Dad when Digicel visit the School later today.
tingting bilong yu…
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