Actions, as they say, speak louder than words.
While businesses often purport to “give back” to the communities in which they operate, the proof ultimately lies in the outcomes associated with that effort.
Social responsibility programs need to be carefully designed, fully funded and well targeted if they are to have a lasting impact. And these are some of the key tenets behind Orica’s long-standing Impact Fund, that has delivered community engagement programs throughout the world.
In 2026, the fund focuses its attention on Papua New Guinea (PNG) and youth education and development.
Orica Digital Solutions coordinator of marketing and communications Lisa Cronqvist said the planned intervention with six secondary schools will instil project- and problem-based learning around science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
“Schools worldwide face significant challenges in delivering long-term, sustainable STEM education that provides highly relevant, industry-aligned learning outcomes,” she said. “At the same time, industries are eager to engage with their future workforce, fostering early connections with potential talent.
“However, there remains a disconnect between the skills employers require and what students are taught, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, industry-integrated STEM education solutions.”
Punks in the classroom
To bridge this education-industry gap, Orica has partnered with Brisbane-based STEM Punks Education. This award-winning organisation will embark on a 12-month program with the select schools in PNG, bringing fresh perspectives to the teaching of vital STEM subject areas.
STEM Punks head of education Chris Buswell said the industry accelerator school program has been developed over three years and run in multiple countries, including PNG. It has had demonstrated success at Paradise College in Port Moresby, as well as through a series of programs in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Participating students are provided with hands-on resources and digital learning guides to get them engaged with concepts such as coding, three-dimensional design, and autonomous technologies.
“Instead of simply learning about STEM theory, students dive into real-world scenarios linked to Orica’s operations,” Buswell said.
“For example, they could be asked to design a sustainable water filtration system or create prototype for a solar-powered phone charger.”
The 12-month PNG initiative will target six secondary schools strategically selected for their proximity to Orica’s operations. It aims to reach more than 2000 students and provide professional development for over 200 teachers.
Orica’s investment in PNG’s STEM education reflects strategic business interests and genuine community commitment. The company’s operations have supported the local mining industry for more than 35 years and create a natural connection to the region.
Educational investment becomes a logical extension of that local presence.
The specific focus on STEM education addresses a critical skills gap that affects PNG’s development aspirations and the very real industry needs of mining and associated services.
As Cronqvist said, the disconnect between employer requirements and student preparation creates challenges for both sides – students lack relevant skills while industries struggle to find qualified local talent.
The timing is also strategic. With global emphasis on sustainable development and local capacity building, programs that create lasting educational infrastructure rather than short-term aid represent best practice in corporate social responsibility.
By building teacher capabilities and establishing sustainable STEM frameworks, the program creates benefits that extend well beyond the initial 12-month investment period.
Funding with impact
The Orica Impact Fund was launched in 2021 as part of a broader $15 million commitment to global community investment. It prioritises support for local, grassroots initiatives across Orica’s global operations, focusing on three key areas: education, environment and health; wellbeing; and social welfare.
Cronqvist said this targeted approach is designed to ensure investments create lasting positive outcomes, not just temporary assistance.
“We believe in creating partnerships that build genuine capability within communities,” she said. “The Impact Fund allows us to invest in programs that will continue delivering benefits long after our initial involvement ends.”
In education, Orica forges partnerships to help children and young people acquire foundational learning skills that will see them able to participate more fully in society and enjoy expanded life opportunities. The STEM Punks program exemplifies this philosophy, building long-term educational capability over short-term or one-off interventions.
The STEM Punks program, and its planned rollout in PNG, demonstrates how actions can indeed speak louder than words in corporate social responsibility. Rather than simply announcing good intentions, Orica’s Impact Fund is set to deliver measurable outcomes through a strategic partnership and sustained investment.
With more than 2000 students and 200 teachers set to benefit from this initiative, the program has the potential to create lasting change and genuine transformation in the community.
This feature appeared in the October–November 2025 issue of PNG Mining.
