Extension & Renewal of Partnership with National Volunteer Service -

_{(L-R) TotalEnergies EP PNG (TEP PNG) Societal Manager David Doucet, National Volunteer Service Executive Director Molly Willie, NVS Chairman Bernard Maladina and TEP PNG Biodiversity, Societal and Environmental Director Marie-Alix Dognin}

May 1, 2023 – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Papua LNG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Volunteer Service (NVS) and Gulf Provincial Administration, for the education program within the Papua LNG project area.

This initiative under the MoU is an extension of the Adult Literacy Program and will see a Primary school volunteer teacher in Wabo and Evara Primary school.

The lack of teachers in rural remote schools has been a growing concern. The objectives of this initiative are first, to make education accessible and second to improve the quality by providing support to teachers in the form of wages, logistics and encouraging a change in perspective.

Biodiversity, Societal and Environment Director for TotalEnergies EP PNG, Marie-Alix Dognin revealed that what often hinders teachers from staying is either a lack of support from the local community, or a difficulty to travel home on a regular basis.

“Having a teacher is one thing but providing them with sufficient and acceptable working conditions is a must, otherwise it’s no wonder, they don’t stay,” she said.

“The message that we pass on to the local communities, is that it is important for them to play their part in welcoming the teachers as well and show that the communities want them.”

Societal Manager David Doucet described the MoU signing as a renewal of a long-term partnership between the Papua LNG project and NVS, adding that the Project will also be providing stationary, solar lamps and transport for the teachers.

NVS Board Chairman Bernard Maladina stated that he is a firm believer in investing in partnerships with a strong focus on strengthening the capacity of rural areas.

“We’re very proud to work with such a company [Papua LNG] and we will ensure that we sustain this programme by getting the right volunteers to match the community’s needs and try to support provinces as well so the volunteers can then be absorbed into the Provincial Government,” said Mr Maladina.

The NVS partnership is based on a long term relationship which will lead to new programmes.