Rapa eyes on minimizing cultural events in the province

The Governor of Western Highlands Wai Rapa is looking into minimizing cultural events in the province coming September 16 and going forward.

The provincial government decides that coming independence month [September 16] they won't be any cultural events instead, Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will be making presentations of school trucks for the remaining High Schools in the province and prioritizing church activities and sports.

"There won't be any traditional singing and dancing during the Independence celebration. This important day, we expect students from the remaining seven High Schools to come and receive their school trucks.

"I am not interested in promoting cultural events going forward because many youths, especially young boys, are taking these opportunities and creating unnecessary social problems. This has to stop," Governor Rapa said.

Rapa made this statement during the National Day of Prayer and Repentance observed in Mt. Hagen's Queens Park on Monday [yesterday].

The Rapa-Mai government is adamant to promote church activities.

He said church activities are the key driving force that will change the mindset of many young people, and he urged church leaders and pastors from various denominations to continue evangelizing and drive transformation in the lives of youths in the communities, settlement and towns.

"We are ready to support. Let us know especially when there is a bigger convention church will organize. Only the mini events won't be assisted, the church can be responsible,"Rapa added.

Meanwhile Rapa further added that his government is also behind sports.

He said Church activities can completely change the mindset of youths including elders however, sports are another effective platform to bring unity and drive social change in the communities.