A significant step has been taken towards revitalizing the struggling Manda Community in Jiwaka Province. The Manda Community Development Foundation Incorporated (MCDFI), a newly established non-profit organization, proudly announces its official registration under Papua New Guinea's Associations Incorporation Act. This crucial legal recognition paves the way for the MCDF to begin its vital work in a region that has faced decades of severe challenges.

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), the official body for business registration in PNG, issued the Certificate of Incorporation of an Association to the Manda Community Development Foundation Incorporated (Registration Number 5-108136) on May 25, 2023. The foundation was initially incorporated on September 9, 2020.

"This registration with the IPA is a monumental achievement for us," stated Mr. Roy Daggy, the MCDF Founder. "It confirms our legitimacy as an organization recognized by the government of Papua New Guinea. This legal backing is absolutely essential as we prepare to bring in the resources and forge the partnerships needed to uplift the Manda people."

The Manda community, located in the southwest of Minj township, has endured immense hardship. Once a thriving economic hub, boasting major coffee plantations and processing facilities, the area's infrastructure has crumbled over the years due to prolonged tribal conflicts. Basic services like schools, health centres, roads, and bridges have disappeared, leaving an estimated 30,000 residents feeling isolated and forgotten.

"For 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence, the Manda Community has been consistently overlooked, even though they live close to a very important national highway," Mr. Daggy emphasized. "The MCDF has been formed to be their voice. Now, with our official registration, we have a strong, legal foundation to begin advocating and working with partners and the government to rebuild what was lost and create a better future for our people."

The MCDF's mission is ambitious: to address critical gaps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and to create sustainable opportunities for improved livelihoods. The foundation is committed to operating with transparency and accountability, ensuring that all efforts are community-driven and contribute to a lasting positive impact on the Manda people.

With its official IPA registration now secured, the Manda Community Development Foundation is poised to move forward, rally support, and lay the groundwork for transforming the "back-page" of Jiwaka into a thriving and self-sufficient community. More details on specific initiatives and future plans are expected to be announced as the MCDF begins its operational phase.