Wokbung Wantaim

Connecting PNG and the World, One Wave at a Time Today, 13 February 2024 is the World Radio Day. Here is one for this day! Even where there is no road, bridges, jetties, airfield, radio can connect a people thousand miles together in one space and time, bringing a sense of togetherness. Even where there is no electricity to power up lighting, radio can bring information to far and wide raising awareness and bring a light of hope. Here in Papua New Guinea, amidst the lush rainforests and rugged mountains, radio remains the lifeline, the voice that unites and informs. This isn't just a romantic notion. The power of radio has been demonstrably proven throughout history: **1. WW2: Defying Nazi Lies, London Calling:** During the darkest hours of World War II (1939-1945), amidst Nazi propaganda, BBC Radio's "London Calling" became a beacon of truth for occupied Europe. Broadcasts in multiple languages offered news, hope, and a sense of unity to those resisting tyranny, prov...

Bridging the Communication gap - EQUIPING REMOTE RURAL WOMEN WITH AN AM-RECIEVER RADIO. Don't underestimate the crackle: Why AM radio thrives in the age of the internet In a world buzzing with high-speed internet and endless digital streams, it's tempting to dismiss AM radio as a relic of the past. Yet, amidst the sleek smartphones and ubiquitous Wi-Fi, AM radio quietly continues to play a vital role, especially in the forgotten corners of our world - the remote rural communities. While internet connectivity might seem like the ultimate information gateway, the reality is starkly different for many. In remote areas, the internet remains a distant dream, leaving communities isolated from the information wave. This is where AM radio steps in, its simple technology transcending limitations. Powered by a humble hand crank, it delivers news, education, and entertainment, bridging the communication gap and empowering those often left behind. AM radio's relevance lies in its acces...

  The old radio can still connect PNG's Rural Heart. Something the current desire for modern tech advancement still struggles to get it right. Source: Alamy photos Remember those evenings in the 90s when you visit the village, bathed in the warm glow of the fire under the smoky thatched roof? You all gathered around the fire, and the gentle hiss of your uncle's kettle sings a counterpoint to the crackle and pop of the AM/SW radio as he wrestles the dial. Suddenly strange foreign languages flitting by, then the sweet relief of that familiar voice – NBC National, NBC Morobe. Your uncle hushes everyone, hoping to catch news relevant to him, his village, maybe even a teacher's posting or a health notice. Simple, yes, but it worked. Everyone, even in the most remote corners, knew when to tune in, creating a shared space for vital information. Fast forward to today. Communication has exploded, a cacophony of options – FM stations, pre-loaded USB drives, the siren song of social m...

Many Papua New Guineans, like citizens across the globe, view politics through a narrow lens, focusing solely on immediate, tangible outcomes. We cheer for leaders who deliver roads, schools, and jobs, mistakenly believing these are the sole markers of political success. But like an iceberg, the true influence of politics lies beneath the surface, shaping our culture, language, way of life, and even our core identity in ways we often fail to recognize. Let me tell you about a fascinating experiment conducted on a grasshopper that sheds light on this hidden influence. The experiment involved a common grasshopper, known for its impressive jumping ability, typically reaching heights of about one meter. The researchers placed the grasshopper in a transparent container with specific dimensions: 15 centimeters high. This seemingly innocuous container would become the grasshopper's world for the next 24 hours. At first, the grasshopper hopped freely within the container, attempting its us...