Our Stories

A cohort of highly accomplished leaders from Papua New Guinea and Australia is stepping forward to mentor the country’s next generation, as part of development NGO KTF’s Archer Leadership Development Program. From international diplomacy and national regulation to banking, law and global resources, this year’s Archer Leaders have been matched with mentors who are not only leaders in their fields - but are shaping them. A core component of KTF’s flagship leadership program, th

Following the United Nation’s International Women’s Day and this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” development NGO Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) is highlighting how its Kicks 4 Kokoda (K4K) sport-for-development program is helping adolescents across Oro Province build safer, more respectful and equitable communities. Working with both girls and boys, Kicks 4 Kokoda uses sport as a platform to engage young people in critical conversations about g

180 Students from Hanuabada, Pari, Taurama and surrounding villages gathered at Ruatoka Memorial Hall in Port Moresby to celebrate the completion of their Grade 9–12 studies - an achievement many once believed was out of reach. Student representative, Rea Boe, presented a deeply emotional address which moved everyone present, “Most students saw it as a failure. The systems told us it was our fate - but they were wrong. Thank you for giving us a second chance to pursue our dre

Community connections came to the fore at last week’s celebration of the graduation of 120 grade 9 to 12 students at Kokoda College, a growing education hub in Oro Province operated by development organisation KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation). Through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), Kokoda College supports students from the greater Kokoda catchment who have been unable to complete mainstream schooling to complete their secondary education, or for students to upgrade the

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” KTF’s Archer Leadership Development Program demonstrates the powerful impact of investing in young women leaders to shape a fairer and more inclusive future. Now in its sixteenth year, the program supports emerging leaders committed to driving positive social change across Papua New Guinea.2023 Archer Leader Courtneyella Dotson reflected on the significance of

KTF has celebrated 16 years of its Archer Leadership Development Program, formally welcoming 12 new Archer Leaders for 2026 at a ceremony attended by leaders from government, business, and the community sector. At the event, hosted by Archer alumni, Valisha Cook and Nabieu Lansana, the 2025 cohort symbolically passed the leadership torch to the incoming participants. Representing the graduating class, Charles Sorman and Kylie Sabarei reflected on the communal spirit of leader

Join Dr Genevieve Nelson for a 'tell all' interview with NBC Tribe radio. They delve inside the Archer Leadership Development Program, which has been fostering young leaders in PNG for 16 years, covering topics like: What inspired the creation of the Archer Leadership Development Program What qualities and values define an Archer Leader How have past Archer Leaders created change in their communities Tips on how to apply for the 2025 cohort! Have a listen!

The KTF Bisset Medal provides scholarships for 2 young people from the Kokoda Track to pursue tertiary studies and leadership pathways, including an exchange programme to Australia.

Balimo College has marked yet another historic milestone - 26 students from its inaugural cohort have completed the requirements of their four-year qualification and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Primary).

Jendy’s Journey: Chasing Big Dreams through Kokoda FODE

KTF supports up to 4 places to study the Diploma in Primary Teaching at the Modawa Institute of Higher Education in Popondetta.

At KTF’s Pari & Taurama Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) Centre, Timo Oala and his son, Rarua Timo, have been studying side by side - supporting, encouraging and engaging in a friendly rivalry with one another along the way.

After years of dedication to learning and to their communities, today Anna Juary and Wari Kila Pondo graduate with their Diploma of Primary Teaching from Sacred Heart Teachers College in Port Moresby. KTF first met Anna and Wari in 2012, when they took part in a volunteer teacher-training workshop at Kokoda College. For more than a decade since, we have had the privilege of walking alongside them as they worked toward becoming fully qualified teachers. Between 2012 and 2016,

KTF’s Sanap Strong initiative is advancing gender equity, well-being and the prevention of gender-based violence across schools and communities in Oro Province.

How can sport create inclusion, confidence and change? Through Kicks 4 Kokoda (K4K), we’re seeing how the power of play is helping break down barriers and open doors for young people.

This morning, KTF CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson joined Mark at NBC Radio to speak about delivering FODE in Western Province, an integral part of SDP's Education strategy.

Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF CEO joined Tribe 92FM about New Ireland FODE graduations Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF CEO, joined Tamal Watt at Tribe 92FM about the recent FODE graduations in New Ireland Province, where nearly 300 students progressed to the next step in their studies.

ANZAC 2025 Newsletter