By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The people of Karamui in Simbu Province can now connect to the outside world through television.
This follows the launching of the EQUITV Program recently in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote areas.
Karamui District is one of the remotest areas in Papua New Guinea. The district is located within the Karamui Solt Nomane electorate, sharing borders with Simbu and Gulf Provinces.
It’s only accessible through air transport, and the closest port is 25 minutes on a small aircraft from Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport to Karamui Airstrip.
According to National Education Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for e-Learning Division, Hatsie Mirou, the EQUITV Program bridges education gaps using Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Through this program, students and teachers enhance their teaching and learning. Not only that, it also benefits communities through programs channeled through free to air television station EMTV.
Simbu was not part of the EQUITV Program, but the commitment in identifying their needs and struggles was considered.
Shigeru Sugiyama, said JICA was impressed with the roll out of the EQUITV Program, by the National Education Department.
Simbu Provincial Education Advisor, Walkaima Essy, told people to respect value and take ownership of assets that will sustain livelihood.
National Education Department’s Acting Secretary, Dr. Uke Kombra, said that the department will provide equal opportunities for children in Papua New Guinea and invest more in teaching and learning materials.
The EQUITV program since rolled out in 2000, has gained momentum over time.
National Education Minister, Nick Kuman, said that the EQUITV program is a worthy investment, one the department will foster with development partners JICA.
It was tears of joy, as the television was switched on for the first time, the people of Karamui District, Simbu Province, can now connect to the outside world.
The launching of the EQUITV Program will go down in Karamui’s history’s page, a milestone achievement that will never be forgotten by the people.
The people thanked the National Education Department, JICA and EMTV for bringing the service right into the rural community.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=if2p-Y3jdnE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
