Hela Province, in Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands, is a place of beauty and enduring cultural strength. Though officially established as a province in 2012, Hela’s identity stretches back through generations, grounded in the deep traditions of the Huli people - one of the largest and most culturally resilient groups in the country. With a strong sense of ancestry and connection to land, the Huli have preserved their customs, stories, and community values despite decades of change.

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Set among mountains, valleys, and winding rivers, Hela is rich in natural resources like oil and gas, yet remains vulnerable to natural disasters and ongoing development challenges. Infrastructure, healthcare, and peace-building remain pressing needs - but they exist alongside remarkable resilience. The people of Hela meet hardship with strength, and visitors often speak of the warmth, hospitality, and pride that defines this remarkable province.

 

KTF began working with the Hela Department of Education in 2025 to help improve access to secondary education in the province.

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Hela Province Snapshot:

• Population 765,000 in a landlocked 10,498 km²;

• One of PNG’s most populous, and densely populated provinces;

• Dinghies and ferries are essential transport, with roads running down the north coast of the ‘mainland’;

• Economy is driven by LNG extraction, with potential in agriculture and hydropower;

• Youth bulge, with almost half the population (46%) under 18 years;

• PNG’s Prime Minister, the Hon. James Marape, MP, hails from Hela.