THE National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has committed K150,000 to the PNG Tribal Foundation to support its programs in schools and communities across the country.
The funding will support Senisim Pasin, Senisim PNG and the 2027 Live2Lead Annual Leadership Conference in February.
NGCB Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon said through its Community Benefit Fund, the organisation was able to support communities and give back to the people through organisations such as the PNG Tribal Foundation, which plays an important role in reaching people in rural areas.
“We continue to see violence in different spaces across our country, and this reflects, to some extent, the mindset of our people, particularly men and leaders who are leading in different settings, whether within families, clans, tribes, communities or other institutions.
“Somewhere along the way, we have lost the plot in terms of the true Melanesian way of leadership. Traditionally, our ancestors came together, discussed problems and found solutions collectively,” Ms Agon said.
She said women were often the ones who paid the greatest price through domestic violence, abuse and other forms of violence.
NGCB Chairman Jack Lohia acknowledged the significant work being carried out by the PNG Tribal Foundation to save lives and support people in communities affected by violence.
“You are doing a lot of work for the good of people in communities affected by violence, especially women and children,” Mr Lohia said.
“We have the Give Back Program through the Community Benefit Fund, and we are happy to be in this partnership today, providing support and coming on board to be part of this important work.
“This is the first instalment of a total of K450,000 over three years, and we look forward to seeing you deliver this good work in the community,” Mr Lohia said.
PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin thanked the NGCB for supporting the organisation’s work, which will assist victims of SARV and GBV and support various programs in schools, including Transformation Table, Value of the Month and ILead, moving forward.
He also called on government leaders and Members of Parliament to step up and support efforts to address SARV in their respective districts and provinces where the PNG Tribal Foundation has been working over the years.
“Tribal Foundation has more than 600 victims across the country, and we are committed to ensuring their cases go through proper investigation and that prosecutions are pursued where appropriate,” he said.