Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Hela Chapter of the PNG Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) for organising a church-based youth awareness and gospel outreach program in Tari town, calling on young people to return to God, embrace positive change, and prepare their lives for eternity.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Monday, 29th December 2025, while officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the Hela Reset@2025, an initiative spearheaded by the Hela Chapter of TSCF during the Christmas and New Year festive period.
The Hela Reset@2025 program brought together students from the Tari-Pori District and other districts including Komo-Hulia and Magarima, who are currently studying at higher education institutions and colleges across the country. Through worship, fellowship, and community awareness, the students preached the Gospel and promoted Christian living, peace, unity, and responsible lifestyles among the youth of Hela.
PM Marape thanked the students for their voluntary service and faith-based leadership, saying their work was timely and deeply needed in the province.
He said the Hela Reset@2025 reflects the same spirit of renewal and responsibility as the national Reset@50 vision of the Marape-Rosso Government, which encourages Papua New Guineans to reflect on past challenges, correct what has gone wrong, and move forward together with renewed purpose. He emphasised that true and lasting reset begins in the heart, through faith in God and obedience to his word.
Addressing the youth, the Prime Minister warned against destructive lifestyles and urged a return to faith-centred living.
He said a way of life marked by drugs, alcohol abuse, gambling, idleness, roaming the streets, and tribal fighting only leads to destruction, loss of life, bro ken families, and spiritual emptiness.
Tari-Pori District and Hela Province who are members of the Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship, noting that they continue to serve voluntarily without expectation of payment.
“I commend their invaluable voluntary work in preaching the gospel and creating awareness, encouraging the youth of Tari-Pori and Hela to change their ways, attend church, and return to education,” he said.
“The work they do is not for money. They do it because they value their community, their district, Hela Province, and Papua New Guinea.”
The Prime Minister reminded the gathering of the reality of life and eternity, referring to biblical teachings that human life is short and that every person must be spiritually prepared.
He urged people to attend church faithfully, respect their chosen day of worship, and live purposeful lives, reminding them that all people will one day give an account of their lives to their Creator.
Following the public church and awareness program, PM Marape met with the students at the Hela Provincial Administration Office at Hulukumaya, where he encouraged them to continue their ministry and assured them of his support.
“This voluntary work you are doing is important,” he said, adding that although government and leaders may at times overlook such efforts, faith-based work among young people remains critical for the future of Hela and the nation.
He said his office would look into assisting the fellowship with logistics and the possible identification of a small office space where the Hela Chapter of TSCF could coordinate its activities and fellowship work more effectively.
Prime Minister Marape also encouraged students who have graduated or are about to graduate to return home and contribute their skills to the development of Tari-Pori District and Hela Province.
He requested that they submit their profiles and Curriculum Vitae so his office could better understand their skills and help coordinate support, where possible, while they continue seeking formal employment opportunities.
Member of Parliament for the Komo-Hulia District, Hon. Daniel Tindipu, was also present. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting disciplined youth to access opportunities such as seasonal employment in Australia and New Zealand under the Pacific Seasonal Workers Scheme.
Prime Minister Marape said priority would be given to young people who are humble, disciplined, possess good character references from their church pastors, and hold appropriate educational qualifications, especially at Grade 12 level. He stressed the importance of sending young people who would represent Hela Province and Papua New Guinea positively overseas.
Prime Minister Marape is currently in his home district of Tari-Pori, spending time with his family, visiting communities, and sharing messages of hope, unity, love, and care during the festive season as he prepares for the new year 2026.
As part of the program, the Prime Minister also conveyed his belated Christmas and New Year message to the youth, linking it closely to the message of the Hela Reset@2025.
He extended a belated but heartfelt Merry Christmas and New Year greeting to the youths of Papua New Guinea, including those from Hela, and acknowledged the presence of the Hela Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF), describing them as young people who worship together, voluntarily advocate for peace and Christian living, and represent the nation’s youth in a positive and meaningful way.
PM Marape encouraged young people not to travel to Waigani in search of government assistance, but instead to return to their districts and engage with their local leaders. He urged them to approach their respective Members of Parliament with a spirit of service and responsibility, asking what they could do for their district, their province, and the country in the coming year.
Addressing the New Year ahead, he called on youths to take ownership of their future, choose Christ, and embrace education, including second-chance education. He encouraged them to discover their purpose, find meaningful work, and contribute positively wherever opportunities arise within the country.
He concluded by urging young people to serve with commitment in 2026 and beyond, expressing confidence that together they can build a stronger and better Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by encouraging the youth of Hela and Tari- Pori to fully embrace the Hela Reset@2025, return to church, live disciplined and faith-filled lives, and work together to reclaim peace, dignity, and hope for their communities.