Tribal fighting module launched to tackle law and order issues in Tari

The Hela Education Services has launched a new Tribal Fighting Module under its Personal Development and Guidance program, aiming to address long-standing law and order problems through education.

The module launched today, is intended to instill respect, discipline, and conflict resolution skills at an early age, with the goal of reducing tribal fighting and strengthening community union in Hela Province.

The community-based curriculum will be delivered by teachers to students in Grades 7 to 10 across the province.

Speaking at the launch in Tari, Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu acknowledged the educators who developed the module, led by Provincial Guidance Officer Anna Lakaio and others.

He said the curriculum has been officially registered with an International Standard Book Number [ISBN] number and is now formally part of Hela Education Services’ Personal Development and Guidance program.

Angu said tribal fighting and related law and order issues have persisted in Hela for many years. Despite repeated efforts through peace ceremonies, increased security presence, and other interventions, the problem has not been fully resolved.

He said the provincial government continues to spend heavily on these measures with limited long-term impact.

“This curriculum is important because it will teach students the right behavior and values to guide them in school and in their communities,” he said. “One important custom from the past was respect for elders when they speak, but that value has been fading. When young people disrespect elders and leaders, it often leads to conflict.”

Angu said the program targets around 40,000 to 50,000 students from early childhood education through to secondary school. He expressed hope that these students would become agents of change and advocates for peace in their communities.

“In 10 to 20 years, people will look back and appreciate the efforts made today to promote respect, discipline, and peaceful behavior,” he said.

Guidance Officer Miss Lakaio said school counselors from high and secondary schools would undergo one week of training before returning to their schools to begin teaching the module. She thanked ExxonMobil for funding the launch and the Red Cross for partnering in the development of the curriculum.