A 'Bikpela Yia' for the Foundation

POSTED ON 22 December 2009

Bikpela Yia: 2009 was a big year with many challenges and achievements.

Tenkyu: Your support in 2009 has made our work possible. Thank You! 

KTF 2009 Achievements

2009 has been a big year for the Kokoda Track Foundation and the communities we work with in PNG. We have started working across a number of new areas and have expanded most of our programs to have a greater impact on even more people in PNG.

Working across more areas

In 2009 the Kokoda Track Foundation expanded the number of communities, schools, and health centres that it works in. We now work in communities throughout the catchment area from as far north as Buna to as far south as Port Moresby. Read more...

Education is the key

We believe that education is the key to PNG's future. That is why in 2009 we have expanded our Fuzzy Angel Scholarship program and our School Resource Program to benefit more children, schools, and families across the Kokoda Track catchment area. This year we supported 124 students to go to school and provided 23 elementary, primary, and secondary schools with vital resources needed to run their school. Read more...

Seed Nurseries a remarkable success

In 2007, Cyclone Guba devastated Papua New Guinea's Northern Province. The Foundation responded by building three Seed Multiplication Nurseries in the Province and importing urgently needed strains of agriculture to distribute to flood stricken communities. In 2009, our teams in PNG distributed over 40,000 suckers and tubers and have developed 29 satellite nurseries throughout the Province. Read more...

Microbusiness back on the Track

The Foundation began working in microbusiness in 2009, helping local Kokoda Track communities to earn an income from the trekking industry. In May, the KTF undertook a feasibility study on microbusiness opportunities for the Track communities and in July, a group of KTF volunteers ran cooking classes and small business workshops in villages along the Track. Read more...

A difficult year for PNG

2009 has also seen many tragedies for the Kokoda Track and other communities throughout the country.

Trekker deaths on the Track

This year we witnessed the deaths of four Australian trekkers who were attempting the gruelling Kokoda Track. On behalf of the board of the Foundation, and particularly as we draw near to Christmas, I offer our deepest sympathies and condolences for the families and loved ones of those who passed away on Kokoda this year.

Plane crash near Kokoda

This year also saw the fatal crash of the Airlines PNG twin otter that was carrying 13 people to the village of Kokoda. Among those on board were 9 Australians and 3 Papua New Guineans. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Our thoughts and hearts are with you this Christmas. The Foundation has developed two scholarships in memory of two of the victims of the plane crash - the Matthew Leonard Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship and the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship. Read more...

Flooding in Oro

This month we also witnessed destructive flooding in the Oro Province, affecting many communities that were still trying to recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Guba two years earlier. The Foundation responded immediately with food (tinned fish and rice) and clean water which is currently being distributed to those communities most affected. Please keep them in your thoughts this Christmas as they struggle to rebuild their food gardens. Read more...

 

Our Plans for 2010

Due to the enormous support given to the Foundation in 2009 by our members and donors, the Foundation will increase its programs in 2010 and assist additional communities.

Programs in 2010

Our programs in 2010 will be varied and widespread. As a result of ongoing consultations with the communities that we work in, the Foundation will offer programs in the fields of Education, Health, Community Development, and Microbusiness in 2010. Please consider how you can support us next year. Read more...

Ralph Honner Oration Dinner 2010

Save the date! The Kokoda Track Foundation's Ralph Honner Oration Dinner will be held at the Kirribilli Club on Friday the 29th of October 2010. That's plenty of time for you to save the date in your diary and to organise a table of friends and supporters of the Foundation. Come help support the work of the Foundation - in the presence of the Kokoda diggers - and help to keep the Kokoda Spirit alive.

Thank you!

A huge THANK YOU to all of those who have supported the Foundation in 2009. We receive no funding from the Government (Australia or PNG) and therefore rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters. Thank you for supporting our programs through our events, fundraising initiatives, membership, and Adopt an Angel program. We could not have done the work we did this year without your support. TENKYU!

In particular, a huge thanks to Bill James, who has kept us alive in 2009. Your dedication to the people of Papua New Guinea and in particular the Kokoda Track is inspirational and we are indebted to your generosity. Thank you for keeping the Kokoda Spirit alive this year.

A quote from PNG

On behalf of the students, teachers, parents and citizens of PNG, I wish to express and extend to you our warm, deep and sincere appreciation to you all, for taking the initiative in awarding scholarships to students and helping our school. We cannot express how wonderful you are to us! You are the caring angels for the Fuzzy Wuzzy students of our land. With a great admiration and a grateful heart, thanking you all, for your great generosity to us." Mr Roy, Headmaster, Buna Primary School.

 

 

All donations to the Kokoda Track Foundation Ltd over $2 are tax deductible. Please consider how you can support our work in 2010.

Click here to make a donation to the Kokoda Track Foundation

 

 

Gutpela Hamamas Krismas!