Monday 8th September, 2025
The late Sir Kondom Agaundo’s vision for education was honoured today with the launch of the UAS Connect School Project – Site 2 at Kondom Agaundo Memorial School, bringing Digital Transformation in education to students in the heart of Simbu – Kundiawa.
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology and Police Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr officially opened the new ICT learning center, valued at K208,000 and funded through the Universal Access and Service (UAS) Fund under NICTA,
The new ICT Learning Centre is equipped with 20 computers, broadband internet, a solar backup power system, and training modules for teachers and students.
Minister Tsiamalili described the moment as humbling for a younger generation of leaders.
“Great men like Sir Kondom Agaundo were already shaping our nation before many of us were even born. To now stand in his shoes and return to contribute back into this community as a national leader is deeply humbling,” he said.
The Minister recalled Sir Kondom Agaundo’s famous words in the Parliament of Australia:
“In my village, I am a chief among my people and I speak in my language and you laugh at me. But one day, my sons will speak your language, and you will listen.”
He explained that Sir Kondom spoke these words in parables.
“Whilst he said, my children will one day speak to you in the language you understand, his deeper intent was clear: my children will one day be equally educated, standing on the same footing as all others in the modern world. This project fulfils that vision,” Minister Tsiamalili said.
The ICT centre, he added, ensures that the sons and daughters of Simbu will not only “speak English,” but also the languages of technology, innovation, and leadership.
He acknowledged the Member for Kundiawa Gembogl Hon. Dilu Mugluwa who initiated this project, NICTA CEO Mr. Kila Gulo-Vui, the NICTA Board, and the UAS Board for their stewardship of the program, which ensures rural schools like Kondom Agaundo Memorial are not left behind.
“This initiative is part of the Government’s wider commitment under the Digital Government Act 2022 and the PNG Digital Transformation Policy.”