14/01/2026
Horlombo in the Yangoru-Boiken language refers to the rites of passage ceremonies where indiviudals received training to face responsibilities as adults. Some authors like Fr Patrick Gesch spell it as Hwelempo or Huelempo. Our research over the years tells us that Horlombo was actually a school system of the past. It had three stages of training.
Stage 1 involved individuals coming of age (13- 18 years) and being separated from dependency (on mothers) to independence. There was a pe**le cutting ritual that simbolized the separation.
Stage 2 involved young adults (20 - 25 years) preparing to live independent lives with their own family units.
Stage 3 involved older adults who were seeking specialization training in various subjects or disciplines. There were those who specialized in cultural practices, some specialized in hunting or gardening, others specialized in the making of crafts etc...
We have attempted to establish a modified form of the Horlombo in 2015 through the Yangoru-Sausia Cultural Heritage Program but progress was stalled due to resource constraints. This year (2026), with renewed determination and hope, we are moving to formally establish the Horlombo Institute of Culture and Ethics through registration with PNG IPA and other regulating agencies. The Institute will begin with two short courses initially;
1. Certificate of Competency in Local Cultural Practice (proposed course name). This will be a cultural training course of 6 months duration that will begin in June 2026 (ending December 2026). This program seeks to train those who would like to become cultural leaders in their respective communities. It is equivalent to stage 3 program of the Horlombo of the past ceremonies. For Yangoru-Saussia, the subjects to be taught are Garamut Skills (Miehru-Miekwo), Traditional Singsing (Lomo-Hangu) and Traditional Figurative Speech (Paiyie-Nangri).
2. Certificate of Competency in Culture-Oriented Leadership (proposed course name). This will be a leadership course of 4 weeks duration that will begin in December 2026. The program seeks to train the participants to focus their energies on the elements of leadership that liberates them from dependency. This course is equivalent to stage 1 of the Horlombo of the past ceremonies and includes medically-assisted male circumcision, that substitutes the pe**le cutting operation of the past for male participants.
Course materials including training manuals for these two courses are currently being prepared and further announcements on application form, registration form, course fees etc... will be made in due course. Sponsorhip forms will also be made available to those who would need financial assistance from sponsors to take up the courses.
Meanwhile, anyone with artistic talents interested in designing a logo for Horlombo Institute of Culture and Ethics can inbox or email me for a description of the logo and the terms of your service including payment. Please email [email protected].
