The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) continues to reach out to communities with life-changing donations through its Give-Back Program.
Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon said NGCB had embarked on several projects under the Give-Back Program, including the provision of fishing nets to all marine provinces, donating desks, dictionaries and reading books by PNG authors to schools and providing umbrellas to mothers sell their food and other items in NCD, Gulf and Central provinces.
Ms. Agon said upskilling young people by providing educational resources, especially in the rural areas where there is limited access to electricity, internet connectivity and infrastructure, enhanced literacy skills, encouraged self-learning, promoted equal opportunities and fostered a love for reading.
“The NGCB recognises the challenge faced by many students, particularly in English, and donated dictionaries and reading books that can significantly improve students’ proficiency, confidence and encourage more self-learning,” Ms Agon said.
“This generous landmark donation aims at supporting and providing much-needed resources to the remote schools to add value and further broaden teaching and learning capacities
“Reading books can also help students develop empathy and a broader understanding, inspire young people to pursue their dreams, contribute positively to their communities, and give students the exposure to diverse ideas, cultures, and perspectives, fostering a life-long interest in reading and learning,”
“The NGCB is pleased to help bridge this gap in essential services between urban and rural areas as rural schools and hospitals often lack access to adequate resources,” Ms. Agon said.
She added that the Give-Back Program had improved access to quality education and health care services in communities in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces.
“The NGCB also recognizes that rural clinics are critical in managing outbreaks and often serve as the primary healthcare providers for entire communities,” Ms. Agon said.
NGCB also donated personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as face masks and other medical materials to enable community health workers to have adequate resources to protect themselves from diseases while providing optimal healthcare,
“NGCB continues to actively support rural schools and healthcare services across Papua New Guinea through its Give-Back Program focusing on improving the livelihood of the people in under-privileged communities,” Ms. Agon said.