Mothers and families in Waima, Kairuku District, Central Province received much-needed support for Waima Health Centre following a donation of essential maternal healthcare supplies.

This was made possible through a partnership between Kina Bank’s Payments and Digital Banking team and Project Yumi Inc. to provide essential maternal healthcare supplies to the health centre.

The team donated maternity packs and other medical supplies to help expectant mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and recovery. The maternity packs include boxes of tongue depressors, cotton tips, clean birth kits with gloves, soap, gauze, cord ties, sterile blades and plastic sheets, as well as baby items including onesies, blankets, towels, booties, beanies and sanitary items.

Kina Bank Executive General Manager Payments & Digital Banking, Shirly Prasad said the initiative was a reflection of the team’s commitment to giving back to the communities. “We believe that creating positive change extends beyond the services we provide. Through our partnership with Project Yumi, we are helping ensure mothers in rural communities have access to basic necessities that can make childbirth safer and improve the wellbeing of both mothers and babies.”

President of Project Yumi Incorporated PNG, Arleena Kukari, welcomed the partnership and said the supplies would make a difference for mothers and families in rural areas.

“Project Yumi is committed to supporting vulnerable communities across Papua New Guinea, and partnerships such as this enable us to reach mothers who often face significant challenges accessing healthcare resources.”

Waima Health Centre representative Michael Augustine acknowledged Kina Bank and Project Yumi for their support.

“We sincerely thank Kina Bank and Project Yumi for this generous support. These maternity packs and medical supplies will directly benefit mothers and families who rely on our health services. Access to essential healthcare items is often limited in rural areas, and donations such as this help us provide better care and encourage mothers to attend health facilities before and after childbirth. The impact of this support will be felt by many families in our community.”

The donation is a practical example of Kina Bank and Project Yumi working together to support families and communities through better access to essential healthcare supplies.

Pictured from left centre are EGM – Payments & Digital Banking Shirly Prasad, with Project Yumi Inc. PNG President Arleena Kukuari (front centre), Waima Health Centre representative Michael Augustine and the Payments & Digital team.

Kina Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to building stronger communities through its Strongim Komuniti Grant program (SKG).

Through the SKG program, Legacy Christian Learning Centre (LCLC) in Kelekapana Kwapeupa village, Abau District in Central Province received twenty desks and chairs.

Kina Bank’s SKG program allows staff to apply for funding to support small community projects that make real difference in their communities.

Kina Bank Digital Business Analyst Barbara Kali, applied for desks and chairs funding through the SKG program and successfully received the grant.

Ms. Kali presented the donation to the school in the presence of her community members recently.

“I was motivated to support the Legacy Christian Learning Centre after identifying a genuine need for classroom furniture. Many students were attending classes without adequate desks and chairs, which affected their comfort, concentration, and overall learning experience. This may be small, but I hope it will make a lasting difference in the lives of our children. More importantly, I hope it inspires others to give back to their communities in whatever way they can, because together we can create positive change for the future generations,” she said.

LCLC was established in 2015 and currently serves 105 students aged 4 to 10. The school comprises five classrooms and a staff room, all housed in bush material buildings. One of the key challenges facing the school was the lack of adequate furniture.

LCLC Assistant Head Teacher Niuni Geno said “I want to acknowledge Kina Bank’s SKG Committee for your support and contribution towards raising the standard of education in our community. Our school has been in operation for 11 years and this is the first support we have received from an organization. Your donation enhances learning for our students.”

The SKG program has supported various community projects in PNG since its inception in 2023. Notable projects include providing water tanks to community schools, reading and learning materials to schools, medical supplies to rural communities, school furniture, and solar power installations at health facilities.

Barbara Kali standing with teachers, community members and students of the Legacy Christian Learning Centre in Kelekapana Kwapeupa village.

Kina Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to building stronger communities through its Strongim Komuniti Grant program (SKG).

The Silosilo community in Suau, Milne Bay province received a water tank for its aid post under this program to support its operation.

The water tank was delivered by Beverly Thomas, Kina Bank Governance Manager, who successfully applied for the grant.

Ms. Thomas said the aid post relied on a nearby well water for drinking and washing medical equipment which posed health risk for the people. “A reliable and safe water supply will greatly improve health services and provide a long-term benefit for my community and ten other villages who depend on the aid post.”

The senior Medical Officer of Silosilo Aid Post, Lancelott Tibelia conveyed thanked Kina Bank for its generous support.

“Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to good health, hygiene, and quality healthcare services and that this support will positively impact our community. On behalf of my community, thank you Kina Bank.”

Silosilo community leader, Tkaye Kayoke stated, “having access to basic needs like clean water remains a challenge for many rural communities and the people of Silosilo are grateful for the support.”

The SKG Program is exclusively available to Kina Bank employees, providing small grants to support initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits to their communities. Since its launch in 2023, the program has supported a range of projects, including water tanks for schools and aid posts, learning and reading materials for students, medical supplies for rural communities, school furniture, and solar power installations for health facilities.

Silosilo Aid post staff and community members standing in front of the newly donated tank.

Kina Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and education through the donation of 20 classroom desks to Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School in Port Moresby under its Strongim Komuniti Grants (SKG) program. 

The desks were delivered to the school by Mr Eden Koti, Kina Bank Client Services Associate who was successful in securing the grant to fund the desks.  

Mr. Koti himself being a former student of the school saw the school’s need to help improve the learning environment for current students. 

Kina Bank’s Strongim Komuniti Grants program is available to Kina Bank team members only who apply for small grants help the bank drive sustainable development in their communities through the delivery of items such as school materials, water tanks, health supplies and solar lights. 

“I am humbled to give back to my former school. Students learn better and are able to focus more when they are seated comfortably, which is why I wanted to do something meaningful for the school,” said Eden. 

The school’s Head Teacher Mr. Tonny Stanley expressed his appreciation to the bank saying, “We are very grateful to Kina Bank for this generous donation. These desks will greatly benefit our students by ensuring they are properly seated and able to concentrate better during lessons.”

Speaking at the donation Kina Bank Chief of Staff Mackhenly Kaiok stated, “The SKG program continues to create meaningful impact across communities in Papua New Guinea. Initiatives such as this demonstrate our commitment to giving back, not just as a bank, but through our people who understand the needs of their communities.”

The donation aligns with Kina Bank’s long-term vision to contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of Papua New Guinea by empowering communities, supporting education, and creating sustainable impact at the grassroots level. 

Kina Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to building skills, leadership and opportunity in Papua New Guinea through its support as a major sponsor of the Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM) 72nd Graduation Ceremony, where the bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mr. Ivan Vidovich delivered the keynote address.

Addressing graduates, Mr. Vidovich gave the keynote message saying “Graduating is a significant achievement, but it is only the beginning of a much larger journey. Success in today’s world depends not only on what you know, but on your ability to adapt, act with integrity, remain disciplined, and commit to lifelong learning as you build your future.”

Reflecting Kina Bank’s own experience as a growing financial institution, he noted that success, whether for individuals or organisations depends on investing in people and developing strong leadership capability. He urged the graduates to see themselves as contributors to Papua New Guinea’s progress, capable of making a meaningful impact within their workplaces and communities.

The 72nd graduation ceremony brought together approximately 50 graduates across a range of programs, including Business Management, Business Information Systems, Leadership and Management, and Project Management. Held under the theme “Learning for Life, Developing Skills, Strengthening Careers, Transforming PNG,” the ceremony recognised the importance of education in strengthening the country’s workforce and supporting long-term development.

A key highlight for Kina Bank at this year’s ceremony was the achievement of its own team members who graduated as part of the cohort. Through its ongoing commitment to staff development, the Bank supported nine employees to complete a Diploma in Leadership and Management and two employees to complete a Diploma in Project Management. These included Home Lending Assistant Caroline Uhe Honeysett, Business Banking Associate Charlie Lalatute, Fleet Operations Coordinator David Bagita, Contact Centre Manager Esther Avoa, Branch Manager Joanne Kasokason, Senior Financial Accountant Melinda Waipo and Regional Manager Susie Benson.

In addition, Data Engineer Shanna Maroroa and Business Manager (MiBank’s Partnership Coordinator) Danleen Lo’ota successfully completed their Diploma in Project Management, further strengthening the Bank’s capability across key operational and strategic functions. Kina Bank was also proud to be the sponsor of one of the dux awards.

As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions, Kina Bank remains focused on supporting initiatives that drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen communities. through education, skills development and leadership.

Kina Bank CEO & Managing Director Ivan Vidovich and Kina Bank graduates.