Introduction: When the Lights Came on in Hupen
For decades, the people of Hupen Village lived by the rhythm of the sun. With no 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 Problem: Darkness, Disconnection, and Desperation
Before the CEF expedition, Hupen had little to no electricity. Nights were lit by firewood and small solar lamps. Emergencies had no hotline. Villagers had to walk for hours or even days to reach assistance. In life-or-death moments, time ran out before help could arrive.
- Medical emergencies? No way to call a doctor.
- Educational resources? No access to books, let alone the internet.
- Weather updates, security alerts, or government information? Hupen was blind.
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, and possibly the wider South Pacific to have a Starlink internet device, marking a groundbreaking leap in digital inclusion for isolated communities.
From Isolation to Integration: Real-World Changes
Since installation, the Hupen Community reported three key ways their community transformed:
1. Health Communication Has Become Immediate
Before: During medical emergencies, families had to send someone to walk hours to the next village which was Smipen to relay a message. Sometimes, they returned too late.
Now: 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
Before: Policy decisions, disaster alerts, and elections were mysteries to the village. They had no access to government news or updates.
Now: The councillor and village leaders can participate in online calls with government representatives, send emails to provincial offices, and access legal and civil 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
Before: Children in Hupen learned only what could be passed down orally or written in scarce materials from outside villages such as Smipen.
Now: Teaching resources can be streamed through the internet station. Villagers are even discussing the potential of setting up a learning corner in one of the powered homes so students can access educational content from the global web.
Looking at the Numbers: Tangible Impact
The impact isn’t just anecdotal. From the CEF Hupen Impact Report:
- 15 households now have solar lighting and charging capacity.
- 40GB/month of internet is accessible by the entire village through a shared hotspot.
- Over 20 individuals have used the internet station to make contact to people outside of Hupen such as Kiunga and other parts of PNG since July 2024.
These figures show a sustained change, not a one-off impact.
From Pilot to Policy: What This Means for the Future
CEF’s deployment in Hupen wasn’t just about the village but a test case. It proved that with the right tools, even the most remote community can be connected, empowered, and be self-sufficient.
As CEF scales its efforts, the Hupen model stands as proof of concept. Something policymakers, NGOs, and global development experts could look into and potentially apply in other remote areas throughout the globe.
Councillor’s Closing Words: A Message to the World
“Mipla hamamas na tok thankiu long displa charity work. Em bai helpim mipla long planti samtin and bai mipla move forward.”
This isn’t just a story about solar panels or a satellite dish. It’s a story about human dignity. It’s about what happens when someone says, “Your village matters.” And follows through.
Conclusion: One Signal, Infinite Possibilities
When CEF powered on the Starlink in Hupen, they didn’t just give the councillor and leaders a tool – they gave them a megaphone. One he will now use to advocate for his people, share their needs, and plan their future.
One village. One voice. One powerful signal. That’s how change begins.
