Thirteen Grade 8 students from Dome Primary School sat for their national examination from the 20th -24th of October on brand new desks, generously donated by Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association.
The desks were officially presented to the school board chairman, Wamsi Buru, last Friday before the commencement of the national examination.
Buru described the donation as a significant morale boost for the students.
“This is a moral booster for the students,” Buru said.
“We are really in dire need of more desks and this support from the women’s association comes at the right time.”
The Nima Ara Women and Children Association’s contribution aims to provide students with a comfortable and supportive learning environment during one of the most important stages of their education.
The initiative was also welcomed by the community members, all stating it demonstrates the strength of local partnerships in improving education standards in remote areas like Dome.
Association president Ruth Ukin said education remains one of their key priorities for 2025.
“We have several projects to deliver before year end and school support is a priority,” Ukin said.
“With the available funding, we are doing what we can to support education through small but meaningful contributions.”
According to Community Development Team Leader at the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), Polang Tommy, they have been providing advisory support to help women’s associations develop more sustainable community projects under the compensation benefits arrangements.
He encouraged the groups to move away from short-term donations and instead focus on long-term investments such as desks and tables for classrooms, library buildings and books, sports facilities and solar lighting.
