BUAKAP Primary School, Salamaua LLG | 1st December 2025
The Huon Gulf District is shining brighter than ever! Hon. Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, today officially announced the successful completion and closure of the Light for Learning Project – Phase 3 during a special event held at Buakap Primary School.

Launched in May 2024, this impactful initiative has been delivered through a strong partnership dedicated to transforming rural energy access, education, health, and community safety across the district.

Minister Peter highlighted the critical role that reliable energy plays in rural development, noting that it strengthens all essential services.

“Light for Learning has brought new life into our rural communities. When we bring the light, we bring safety, opportunity, and hope for our people – especially our women, girls, and students. Today’s closure is not an end, but the beginning of long-term positive change.”

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Key Achievements of Light for Learning – Phase 3

Impacting Over 27,000 People
• More than 8,000 homes and 273 community facilities across 37 villages now have reliable solar power.

Empowering Health Services
• Health workers can now deliver safer and more effective care with improved lighting and power in rural facilities.

Improving Community Safety
• Solar lighting in public areas has boosted nighttime safety and strengthened community interaction.

Building Local Expertise for Sustainability
• 728 local community members trained as Solar Champions, equipped with skills for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Local Support Hub
• A dedicated Solar Hub in Buakap Village has been established to supply spare parts and provide technical support for long-term system upkeep.

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Core Project Priorities

Inclusive & Sustainable Development
Phase 3 was designed to promote equality, resilience, and community empowerment.

GEDSI Priority (Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion)
• Ensuring women, girls, and persons with disabilities benefit equally from improved energy access.

Climate-Smart Education
• Allowing students to study after dark and enabling USB charging to support learning continuity during extreme weather events.

Local Skills & Jobs
• Providing technical training that builds local capacity and supports job creation within communities.

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Acknowledging Our Partners

Minister Peter expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this project:

“The unity we witnessed today at Buakap Primary School reflects the true spirit of Salamaua and Morobe. This partnership will continue to empower our people long after today’s event.”

We proudly acknowledge the support of:
• Salamaua Local Level Government (LLG)
• Morobe Rural Local Level Government (LLG)
• Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF)
• All community partners

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The Ministry and the Huon Gulf District Administration reaffirm their commitment to driving community-led, sustainable development across the district.