Governor Parkop Urges Students to Honour Their Promises as He Delivers 200 Desks To Waigani Primary School

#pngsun #news NCD Governor Powes Parkop has called on students, parents and leaders across the country to start honouring commitments they make, saying their failure to keep promises is one of the country’s biggest problems today.

Speaking at Waigani Primary School during the handover of 200 desks—part of a long-standing pledge of 1,000 desks made in 2016—Governor Parkop apologised for the delay.

However, he said fulfilling the commitment was important for restoring trust.

Mr Parkop announced that the remaining 600 desks will be delivered in 2026 to complete the pledge.

Governor Parkop said leaders often make public promises during campaigns or on the floor of Parliament but fail to honour them, creating disappointment and hopelessness among citizens.

“If all our leaders honoured their words, our country would be a much better place,” he told the school.

He urged students to begin practising this value in simple, everyday actions.

“If you tell your parents you will wake up early for school, wash your clothes on weekends, brush your teeth, or comb your hair, make sure you honour that commitment,” he said.

“Your parents’ hearts will melt when they see you keep your word. You will earn their respect and the respect of your teachers and brothers and sisters.”

Governor Parkop also drew on Papua New Guinea’s traditional leadership values, reminding students that in ancestral times, a leader’s word was treated as authority.

“When a chief spoke, people trusted and acted on it because they knew the leader would honour their word. That is a heritage we must not lose,” he said.

He encouraged students not to make big promises but to commit only to what they can realistically achieve.

Keeping small promises, he said, builds character and confidence, and paves the way for bigger responsibilities later in life.

Governor Parkop said delivering the desks was not just about improving learning facilities but demonstrating leadership by example.

“I am here to honour the words spoken on my behalf. When we honour our commitments, we build hope,” he said.