Introduction: When the Lights Came on in Hupen
For decades, the people of Hupen Village lived by the rhythm of the sun. With little to no electricity, no phone reception, and no internet, the outside world might as well have been another planet. That changed in July 2024, when the Collective Empowerment Foundation (CEF) brought light and internet connectivity into the heart of this remote village.
Among the first to grasp the full weight of this transformation was the village councillor, Paul, a respected community leader. His words still echo in the minds of the CEF team:
“Disla solar wantaim starlink bai helpim mipla lo toktok wantaim housick wokman, gavman na ol family long Kiunga na narapla hap peles wer igat network istap long em so thankiu lo upla kam na helpim mipla”
The Solution: Solar Power + Starlink = A New Lifeline
In July 2024, CEF delivered and installed a solar electricity station that now powers 15 homes, allowing lights, devices, and tools to function day and night. Even more transformative was the installation of a 40GB/month Starlink satellite internet system, which provides 24/7 access to the digital world. Hupen is potentially the first remote village in Papua New Guinea to have a Starlink internet device, marking a groundbreaking leap in digital inclusion.
From Isolation to Integration: Real-World Changes
1. Health Communication Has Become Immediate
With internet access, villagers can send WhatsApp messages to health workers, request emergency assistance, and even coordinate with aid organizations. Elijah, a local Hupen youth said: “Now mipla ken toktok wantaim olain lo housik long taim blong emergency or anytime mipla neeedim help.”
2. Government Access and Engagement
The councillor and village leaders can now participate in online calls with government representatives, send emails to provincial offices, and access legal documentation. The Starlink device has made Hupen part of the national conversation for the first time in its history.
3. Educational Uplift for the Next Generation
Teaching resources can be streamed through the internet station. Villagers are even discussing setting up a learning corner in one of the powered homes so students can access educational content from the global web.
Conclusion: One Signal, Infinite Possibilities
When CEF powered on the Starlink in Hupen, they didn’t just give the leaders a tool—they gave them a megaphone. One they will now use to advocate for their people, share their needs, and plan their future. One village. One voice. One powerful signal. That’s how change begins.
