KTF Celebrates 16 Years of Archer Leadership Program and Welcomes New Cohort of Changemakers

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 leadership in Papua New Guinea.

“In PNG, we have a communal approach to everything, when you lift one of us, you lift a dozen more who stand behind us. Like the mulga tree, we are single branches of a larger tree that is our community - our tribes, our clans. The light given to these twelve graduates will always find its way back to brighten our local communities. Thank you KTF, its partners, and sponsors for making this program possible annually,” said Kylie.

Now in its sixteenth year, the Archer Leadership Development Program invests in young Papua New Guineans committed to driving positive change. The 12-month program includes workshops based on the Harvard Adaptive Leadership model, professional mentoring partnerships, work experience placements with industry-leading organisations, tuition fee and resource support, assistance to implement community projects, and a once-in-a-lifetime exchange experience to Australia.

The 2026 cohort was selected from almost 350 applicants nationwide, shortlisted to 30 before completing a rigorous two-day panel interview process.

The 2026 Archer Leaders are:

● Alisha-Joy Gizoria (Dental Surgery - University of PNG)

● Barbara Sigere (Chemistry - Pacific Adventist University)

● Bonnie Enosh Amof (Computer Science & Mathematics - University of PNG)

● Colin Moala (Business - Pacific Adventist University)

● Dokta Urame (Civil Engineering - PNG University of Technology)

● Francis Abei (Applied Mathematics - PNG University of Technology)

● Gerard Ivalaoa (Computer Science - PNG University of Technology)

● Sophie Taroa (Primary Teaching - Innovative University of Enga)

● Salome Kiap (Law - University of PNG)

● Samuel Atasoa (Law - University of PNG)

● Tairah Taiap (Business & Accounting - PNG University of Technology)

● Vanessa Boga (Law - University of PNG)

KTF CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson said the program continues to build a strong network of young leaders across the country.

“Our Archer Leaders are not waiting for change - they are stepping forward to lead it. Each year, we are inspired by the quality of incredible young leaders already making a meaningful difference. Through this program their confidence, skills, knowledge, and networks are fostered, equipping them to go on and have an even greater impact. With an alumni network now more than 120 strong, we are seeing how strong leadership abilities make a tangible impact across diverse sectors and communities throughout the country,” she said.

Special guests at the event included Mr Adrian Lochrin, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, alongside representatives from long-standing program supporters - Kina Bank’s Ann Steele, General Manager People & Culture and Mackhenly Kaiok, Chief of Staff, and Newmont representative Tim Bryson.

Addressing the cohorts, Mackhenly Kaiok said, “Our Archer Leaders, young Papua New Guineans, represent the strength, resilience, and future of our nation. When young people are given the chance to learn, grow, and lead, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and change the nation. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow - you are the leaders of today.”

Newmont’s support of the program in the past five years reflected its strong commitment to developing local talent, fostering ethical leadership, and empowering young high-performing Papua New Guinean leaders with skills and confidence to drive positive changes in their communities and contribute to a bright future for Papua New Guinea.

Through its Lihir gold mine in the New Ireland Province, Newmont has provided funding, including final-year tuition, for 24 Archers. Of these Archers, four hail from New Ireland. Newmont-sponsored Archers gained valuable hands-on experience at Newmont, learning directly from employees across all levels within the organisation.

Kina Bank and Newmont join the Fred P Archer Trust (via Perpetual Trustees) in supporting the 2025 program. The Canadian Government, through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives join Kina Bank and Perpetual in funding the 2026 cohort.

The commitment of partners who believe deeply in fostering Papua New Guinea’s young leaders makes this transformational program possible - building a powerful community of remarkable leaders working together to create positive change in their communities, workplaces, and nation.