kevindayonga

Below is a link to few of my stories, i found on the Earth Journalism Network site. Check the link to the stories; https://earthjournalism.net/people/kevin-dayonga

Determination, passion and love for their people are the driving forces behind the success of women leaders Francisca Moiwo, Cathy Yafu and Julie Alo, who are among many other PNG women that are silently working in their local communities extending the arm of services for the benefit of their people. These Papua New Guinean women have beat all odds to advance progress in their male-dominated and patrilineal communities. Each of the women has their own stories to tell, some similar, others unique and different from each other depending on the environment they operate from. They are resilient, adamant, skilful and are champions of their communities. They were brought in from their rural communities to be part of APEC which was held in Port Moresby in 2018. The senior officials meeting in Port Moresby was an opportunity for these rural women. For the three women that came in from the remote highlands, they have one shot at showcasing their products to delegates of APEC through their st...

One Particular area in Morobe province that has a remarkable war history and a natural harbour played an important role during World War II. The German’s called it Samoahafen situated on the north-eastern coastline of Morobe province. The settlement was built on a minor isthmus between the coast with mountains on the inland side and a headland. Today the coastline of these places face one of the biggest threats from the forces of nature. It has being a growing concern among the people. The issue of Sea level rise has done so much damage, that the people in this area see to it every day. Just 45 minutes out of Lae is Salamaua. Surrounded by white stretch of sandy beach, evergreen lush vegetation and incredible views. It used to be a town then before the war. The Japanese captured the place on 8 March 1942 during World War II. It was later retaken by Australian and United States forces led by General Douglas MacArthur on 11 September 1943 during the Salamaua-Lae campaign. During ...

A peanut farmer from the remote Arou village of Lake Kopiago in Southern Highlands Province was among women from the SME sector that converged at International Convention Center to showcase their produces and their work in their respective communities during the third Senior Officials meeting. Julie Alo who came under the Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network is a trainer of trainers on Leadership and good governance training program in Hides and Juha areas. ‘’I came not only to participate but observe what the discussions are about. I’m thankful to those brave women who represented small holder women farmers and did a presentation on women’s participation in Agriculture. The economies that were present clearly got the message. From time to time the voices kept on re-emphasizing on partnership and networking among other economies. I’ am also happy that our very own authorities were present to hear our needs’’, she said. Peanut farming has generated a lot income in her local community, e...

The Twin Otter Dash 8 glided through the alto stratus as it descended into a clear patch leaving behind trails of jet blasts forming long pieces of white streaks as it passed through parts of the overcast Lake. The weather could have been more kind to the travelling City sleekers and a few tourists visiting Daga village to attend the Kutubu Kundu and Digaso festival. As the pilots maneuvered the plane into sight, the breathtaking view of the magnificent Lake sprawled across the vast landscape came into view; although covered by cumulonimbus spread across the horizon, a Czech citizen was amazed by its beauty. The plane's tyres screeched on the rough tarmac as it snapped my senses back into reality. We just arrived in Moro, a mining campsite in the heart of Kutubu, a vital income source feeding our national purse. For me, this was my 9th trip returning to this part of the country, not as a journalist in the mainstream but as a volunteer of Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival.   ...

It was a restless two hour flight I took from Port Moresby to Kiunga, my first time travelling that route and I must say, it was a tiring one and the distance is similar to Honiara. An Abip man who sat next to me took advantage of my boredom and started telling me about how beautiful the place is and the challenges it is encountering each day. Something struck me during our conversation was the lack of information to make informed decisions among the people. Although the communities have access to telecommunication infrastructure in the district, my Abip friend said literacy level is still low. This in itself highlights a lot of obvious issues that hinder their growth. Nevertheless, the people strive each day to make ends meet. Kiunga is just like any other peri-urban town in the country, what makes it more important is its location. It is situated right next to the Fly River, making it an important hub of economic development for the North Fly district. It is a fast developing distr...

Cocoa farmers in Talasea District in West New Britain Province now have access to information resources that will improve their understanding of their rights and responsibilities in developing their local cocoa industry. Support was recently provided to farmers as part of an Australian Government C4D initiative designed to empower farmers through information sharing in meaningful ways leading to long term behavioural change. The resources included pull-up banners, flipcharts and leaflets that promote key messages around the importance of awareness, empowerment, collaboration and conservation to better manage the rehabilitation project. It is expected that the increased awareness and empowerment will lead to a greater collective farmer’s voice and accountability in the district as they work together with other industry stakeholders in the Provincial Administration and private sector. The Talasea Cocoa Rehabilitation Project is being co-funded under the Australian Government’s De...