The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) yesterday announced Will Genia as their new Ambassador. The Wallabies rugby star, who is originally from Papua New Guinea, will be involved in supporting the Foundation by raising awareness for their aid programs in PNG as well as other fundraising activities.

KTF’s Chairman, Patrick Lindsay commented: “As a small grassroots Australian charity we are thrilled to have one of rugby’s greatest, Will Genia, to come on board as our Ambassador.”

“In this particularly important year, being the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign, as well as the Foundation’s tenth year of operation in PNG, we have also announced the construction of the Kokoda College - a training facility for teachers and community health workers, in KouKou village close to Kokoda. Will will certainly play an important role in raising awareness forthis ground-breaking project” Lindsay continued.   

Will Genia commented: “I am delighted to be involved with the Kokoda TrackFoundation and the great work they are doing in PNG. KTF has been very effective in delivering on-the-ground aid in the rural areas where it is needed the most. I look forward to supporting them and raising their profile further.”

KTF operates in the areas of education, health, microbusiness and community development. They are currently providing 350 scholarships for children to attend school and financially support 25 teachers, keeping 25 more schools in remote areas open. The Foundation also supports eight community health workers who are manning aid post along the Track providing vital health care to villagers. Through KTF’s microbusiness program, women are able to earn an income for the very first time ever. KTF also distributed 3,500 solar lights to communities in the Kokoda Catchment area, meaning every family now has a permanent source of light.    

“We are in constant dialogue with the local communities and implement sustainable programs based on the villages’ needs” Lindsay concludes.