23/09/2025
✨ Celebrating Collaboration and Independence✨
Team GCI is super excited to share the collaboration with our Clean Generation Movement UNRE team, where we successfully hosted two milestone events in celebrating Papua New Guinea’s Independence.
📌 Event 1: Constitutional Awareness (11th September)
Held for UNRE staff, students, and the Vudal community, this event focused on raising awareness about our “Mama Law”, the Constitution, and learning about the contributions of our founding fathers and others who paved the way for PNG’s independence. The turnout was inspiring, with interactive sessions and prizes for participants who engaged in the discussions.
📌 Event 2: Open Dialogue (19th September)
We were honoured to host an open dialogue featuring Chief Dr. John Momis, Chancellor of UNRE and former Chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee. He reminded us that while he is often recognized, the other 60 members of the Committee equally deserve recognition for their invaluable contributions, each bringing unique professional backgrounds to shape our “Mama Law.”
Other distinguished guests shared powerful reflections:
Ps. Douglas Erema Vuru (member of the 1975 flag-raising party) reminded us that “no blood was shed, and we were blessed to receive Independence on a golden plate.”
Mrs. Jennifer Popat (Registrar) shared her personal story as a Grade 9 student in 1975 - walking from George Brown to Rabaul town to witness the Independence celebrations.
Prof. Aisak Pue (Vice-Chancellor of UNRE) highlighted that provincialism continues to divide us, emphasizing the importance of unity for nation-building.
Mr. Navus (PVC Academic) drew parallels between family and state, noting that “house rules are set in place to mold and guide us,” and used “food in the house” as a metaphor to illustrate the reality of how PNG gained independence.
Miss Gladys Bunemiga: final-year forestry student & CleanGen scholar, shared her perspective as a young person on what it means to be an independent country today, highlighting the role of youth in shaping PNG’s next 50 years.
✨ Key Takeaways:
The Constitution (Mama Law) is a living guide that continues to shape PNG’s journey.
The voices of youth, like Miss Bunemiga’s, remind us that PNG’s next 50 years rely on emerging leaders.
Wisdom from Chief Dr. John Momis:
“Use your intellect and will to choose to do the right thing.”
“Doesn’t matter if you’re under pressure, you still have the power to choose.”
These events were a true testament to the power of collaboration, reflection, and community engagement. 💚
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much The Voice Inc Inc & to the office of our Prime Minister for greatly supporting our events financially. To our institution and the Independence Committees, thank you for giving us this opportunity to host these events.
To our facilitator, Mr Vaughn V Siwat, we appreciate your time & effort in our Open Dialogue. Thank you tumas for accepting our offer and being part of this insightful event. 🙏🏽
Boina Tuna 💐
