THE PARLIAMENTARY Service today (Tuesday, 4th August) presented laptops and library books to secondary schools whose Grade 11 students were finalists in the nationwide 50th Independence Anniversary Essay and Poetry Competition, marking the successful conclusion of one of its flagship Golden Jubilee civic engagement initiatives.
Launched under the theme “Their Legacy, Our Future,” the competition encouraged students to reflect on Papua New Guinea’s 50-year nationhood journey while promoting civic awareness and democratic values among young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to becoming a more open, transparent, and accessible institution.
“Parliament cannot remain an isolated fortress on the hill in Waigani. A nation’s democracy is only as strong as the civic consciousness of its young people,” Mr Aufa said.
He highlighted reforms introduced during his administration, including enhanced parliamentary induction programs, stronger engagement with government and civil society stakeholders, and the modernisation of Parliament’s ICT and Media services to improve public access to parliamentary proceedings.
The ceremony also reflected the broader theme of the 11th Parliament—”Ushering in 50 Years of Nationhood (2022–2027)”—and celebrated the connection between the nation’s founding leaders and its future leaders. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations, 22 surviving pioneer legislators who voted PNG into Independence in 1975 were honoured alongside the student finalists.
Mr Aufa thanked the National Department of Education (NDoE) officials, school leaders andteachers for their support in making the competition a success.
The laptops and educational resources will strengthen research, digital literacy, and civic learning in participating schools.
Mr Aufa expressed hope that the initiative will grow into an Annual National Youth Assembly, giving future generations a greater opportunity to engage with Parliament and contribute to the country’s democratic future.