Olgeta Foundation and Royal Papua Yacht Club Explore Community Support Project for Daugo Island
A proposed partnership to improve education and healthcare facilities near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Just five nautical miles from Port Moresby, along the Papuan Barrier Reef, lies Daugo Island—a low-lying coral island about two nautical miles long. At its eastern end, a village with an estimated population of 3,000 people faces challenges that might surprise those living so close to Papua New Guinea's capital. A recent fact-finding visit by the Olgeta Foundation revealed concerning conditions at the island's school and health centre, highlighting the need to improve essential community facilities.
After discussions with Aaron Battes, General Manager of the Royal Papua Yacht Club (RPYC), the Olgeta Foundation is exploring a joint community support initiative to improve educational facilities and help restore access to local healthcare.
Education: A Priority for the Community
During the visit, the Olgeta team observed that several school buildings were in poor condition. While some classrooms remain usable, others have deteriorated significantly.
The Grade 2 classroom, for example, has reportedly operated from a makeshift structure for more than 20 years.
Classroom furniture is also in extremely short supply. Only one classroom has a small number of desks and chairs, while many other students must bring their own chairs to school.
As an initial step, Olgeta Foundation is exploring arrangements to deliver donated school furniture to the island.
In collaboration with Some Who Cares, two 20-foot shipping containers have already been shipped from Brisbane. Among the donated items are approximately 215 school desks and chairs, together with other furniture and supplies. The proposed project would involve coordinating the transportation and distribution of these resources to help improve classroom conditions.
Healthcare: Exploring a Practical Solution
The fact-finding visit also identified serious concerns about the island's existing health centre, which is currently not operational. Dr Ken Thistlethwaite, a director of Olgeta Foundation, inspected the building and considered it unsuitable for continued use as a health facility in its present condition.
During discussions, local villagers suggested a former church building as a more suitable alternative.
After inspecting the building, Dr Thistlethwaite agreed that it appeared to offer greater potential for conversion into a health centre.
Olgeta Foundation and the Royal Papua Yacht Club are now considering how they might work together with the local community and relevant authorities to explore this possibility. Any future conversion would require further assessment, planning, resources and appropriate approvals, as well as arrangements for medical staffing and ongoing operations.
Although the proposed initiative is still in its early stages, it reflects a shared interest in supporting communities that struggle to access basic educational and healthcare facilities.
The potential partnership between Olgeta Foundation and the Royal Papua Yacht Club would bring together community relationships, practical experience, logistical capabilities and charitable support. Some Who Cares' involvement in preparing donated educational resources offers a valuable starting point.
Importantly, any future project would need to be developed in consultation with the people of Daugo Island to ensure that their priorities and long-term needs remain central to the planning process. For Olgeta Foundation, the proposed Daugo Island initiative represents an opportunity to extend its community support activities beyond marine conservation and humanitarian assistance. Improving classroom conditions and exploring ways to restore local healthcare could make a meaningful difference to families living on the island.
Olgeta Foundation looks forward to continuing discussions with the Royal Papua Yacht Club, local community representatives and potential supporters to determine how this proposed initiative can move forward. While there is still much to plan, every meaningful community project begins with recognising a need and bringing together people willing to help.
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