The School
While much has been accomplished over the last 40 years, we believe our work is not finished. Social and economic change in PNG is happening at a rapid pace. Mining and logging companies are encroaching upon the Nakui and Iteri's lands. Other religious sects see these communities as opportunity to expand their influence. However, some things have not changed ... young girls continue to be marginalized and objectified, and the youth grow to adulthood without the cognitive skills and tools to engage the modern world.
With the credibility and relationships to advocate for these in the highest offices of government, we have been working since 2019 to launch a grade 1-6 primary school for the 200 children of these two villages. With the Provincial Education Secretary's approval, in 2022 we provided the labor, logistical support, and financial backing to clear land at the Iteri airstrip and erect a 2-classroom school building along with two teacher homes. Later that year, teaching positions were approved by the government, paving the way for the province to pay for teacher's salaries. Also in 2022, we partnered with the Christian Brethren denomination's education board who agreed to provide accredited teachers and school administration services. In April 2023 our first teachers, Edwin and Lisa Yaim, moved in and launched the school with 91 excited students. In 2024 we built an additional teacher home and Desmond Merhino joined our teaching team allowing us to add a 2nd grade in 2025 and a 3rd grade in 2026.
After many years of waiting for a school, Edwin and Lisa arrive at the Iteri airstrip to much fanfare and celebration.
Excited students line up for role call every day to pray, sing the PNG national anthem and listen for teacher's instructions for their day at school.
Edwin teaches the older students in one classroom. This first year is a bridge-year helping them build confidence and introducing them to letters and phonics.
In 2025 we were able to build and stock a medical clinic which allows our Village Health Officers to provide a basic health care to the school and the surrounding communities.
The school was officially launched on April, 28, 2023. After 4 years of teacher college Edwin and Lisa were excited for school to start.
Lisa teaches the younger students who are being exposed to basic preschool concepts and learning skills.
In 2024 Desmond joined our teaching staff allowing us to open up 2nd and 3rd grade classes. Desmond was married in 2025 to Leoni and they returned together in 2026 with a baby.
In 2026 we erected a 50' x 20' dormitory for the Nakui students who travel over 5 miles upriver to attend school. Half for the boys and half for the girls, this building provides housing for 40 students.