Hela witnesses over 3,000 Graduates and voluntary firearm surrender over Christmas
Tari, Hela Province, December 26, 2023 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today commended Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu for his exemplary leadership following the graduation of over 3,000 young people in second-chance education and the voluntary surrender of firearms.
The mass graduation, featuring Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and small business training, as well as high school completion through the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) programme, took place in Tari on Christmas Day. Today, the surrender of firearms occurred at Wabia Village, Komo-Hulia.
“I commend Governor Undialu for his strong leadership in Hela Province,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“On Christmas Day, we witnessed a graduation programme that brought back many people to school through TVET, small business training and FODE, providing second-chance opportunities for over 3,000 young individuals.”
After Prime Minister Marape and his delegation left, Governor Undialu oversaw the surrender of firearms at Wabia today, with the assistance of Komo-Hulia MP Hon. Daniel Tindipu and Hela entrepreneur Charlie Waro, who operates a very-successful trucking business in the USA.
Over 100 homemade guns, various factory-made guns, and bows and arrows were voluntarily surrendered during the event.
Prime Minister Marape expressed appreciation for the combined efforts of political, administrative, and public sector leadership in Hela, led by Governor Undialu, to restore peace and normalcy during the Christmas period.
“A big appreciation also to the people of Hulia Valley, who responded to my call on Christmas Day by voluntarily surrendering firearms,” added Prime Minister Marape.
Highlighting the significance of the surrender, Prime Minister Marape emphasised, “The onus is now on the people of Hela to take ownership of the future by having respect for each other. The surrender of firearms is a positive step, and it marks the right direction.”
Looking forward, Prime Minister Marape urged all provincial education advisors to extend FODE throughout their respective provinces, transforming existing schools into FODE centres for second-chance learning, TVET, and small business training.
“I want all provincial education advisors to ensure that, from 2024 onwards, FODE is extended throughout their respective provinces,” he said.
“Use existing schools to be FODE centres for second-chance learning, as well as for TVET and small business training. This will bring back our young people to school and give them a second chance in education and their lives.”
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