Sharing the Future - Young Papua New Guineans

By Marina Waita

BRG - Communications

The Madang Festival is a two-day annual event that occurs on the first weekend of June.

In his opening speech Madang Governor Jim Kas emphasized that the Festival would be a display of the diverse Madang Cultures, but this was just another political speech, a disappointment.

The sound of the kundu (traditional drum) beats and melodious traditional singsings were drown out by the non stop babbling from the Master of Ceremony promoting the various major business sponsors. As if that was not enough, the western music booming from the speakers from nearby stalls, left everyone dazed with confusion of whose culture we were celebrating - the diverse Madang Culture or the Corporate version of the Madang festival.

Watching children walk through the Laiwaden Oval gate, which was the venue of the event, with the expression of pure joy on their faces was a bittersweet experience.

Because these children had no idea that the 2015 Madang Festival was turning out to be an avenue used by companies and corporations to promote their corporate cultures and not an event of cultural celebration. For what was visibly promoted at this much anticipated festival was the corporate cultures.

Despite the display of the confused culture, it was encouraging to see that the children were drawn to the information and educational stalls to learn about their history and their true identity that has been intentionally excluded in the Papua New Guinea education systems.

Bismarck Ramu Group (BRG), who had its first display in such a big event, gave these children a chance to learn about their cultural heritage and the development paths PNG was is taking.

Although the BRG stall was set up at one end of the Laiwaden Oval, many were attracted to it, mostly students and young adults.

During the engagement between the BRG staff members and its audiences important emphasis were placed on the most fundamental thing – Land is Life (Graun em Laip). How customary land is being stolen from the people by the government and corporations by using different mechanisms.   

Discussions also circulated around the Papua New Guinea’s Five (5) National Goals and Directive Principles.

Those who had never being given the chance to learn about the importance of their land, the development path, fundamental laws, values of their resources amongst others, really appreciated the information given to them.

The connection made was vital information for students as it shred light on many issues.

More poster, pamphlets and books were given out during the two - day event after discussion with those eager to learn.

For these children who walked blindly into a festival of corporate cultures instead of the rich Madang Cultural diversity, left with smiles after visiting the information and educational stalls.

BRG amongst other information stalls gave them reasons to appreciate their cultures and resources.