Guest blog by Lydia Dimokari, Milton Kisapai, Lua Rikis, Basil Jofari and Kollin Killa Taugamu
Over the past 12 weeks, our team—Opportunity League—embarked on an incredible learning experience through the PDIA (Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation) approach. Here’s what we discovered, the challenges we tackled, and how this journey is shaping the way we solve problems.
One of the most powerful lessons we learned is that every problem has deeper causes that aren’t always visible at first glance. Too often, we rush to solutions without truly understanding the root issues. PDIA taught us to slow down, construct and deconstruct the problem, and dig deeper before jumping to solutions. Real, lasting change starts with understanding why the problem exists.
Working on sports, youth, and economic empowerment pushed us to explore the environment, the people involved, and the level of authority, acceptance, and ability around the issue. We realized that the ideal bureaucratic space rarely exists. Acceptance often comes from mid-level managers rather than top leaders, and authorizers aren’t always “big names”—they’re people who recognize the problem and can support action.
The Triple A analysis (Authority, Acceptance, Ability) became a critical tool for diagnosing complexity and identifying entry points. We also learned the value of capturing stories and understanding why the problem matters to those already working in the space.
Tools like the fishbone diagram and the 5-Why technique helped us peel back layers of the problem. And perhaps the most humbling lesson? Keep it simple. Small steps matter. Even tiny progress can lead to big changes over time.
Our project focused on a unique challenge: elite athletes in Port Moresby struggling to secure employment while competing in sports. Initially, we looked broadly at barriers to education and employment for athletes. Over time, we narrowed our focus to employment challenges for elite athletes.
Our vision was to create two pathways:
- Education Pathway: Access to formal or vocational training.
- Employment Pathway: Opportunities for athletes who may not pursue further education.
We believe these pathways will empower athletes to build stable futures and contribute positively to the country.
We identified 6 main causes, which are:
- Sporting bodies are not prioritising athletes’ career welfare
- Insufficient employment opportunities
- Progress in an athlete’s personal development
- The formal education system is exclusive
- Gender stereotypes and athlete commitment
From the main causes above, we chose two to start with and looked at two authorizers to speak to 1) focus on the NGO perspective and 2) government perspectives, but presented all causes to the authorizer:
- Insufficient employment opportunities
- Sporting bodies are not prioritising athletes’ career welfare
Using PDIA tools, we made significant progress in breaking down the problem. The fishbone diagram revealed interconnected causes, making the issue clearer and more actionable. The Triple A analysis helped us understand our space for action—who the authorizers were, the level of acceptance, and our ability to act.
One surprising insight? The challenge wasn’t always funding—it was coordination. For example, the PNG Sports Foundation expressed willingness to provide office space, staff, and support to revive the National Sports Institute and strategy. PNG Sports Foundation were also able to give more information on potential authorisers to meet with. PNGOC, through our meetings, were able to accept the causes and problems, but the focus is on tertiary education and scholarship opportunities and employment opportunities for athletes.
We also learned that government roles can be influenced by politics, but mid-level managers often drive real work. Their commitment is a powerful entry point for change. Create a space for more collaboration among partners, as existing partners have programs targeted at different age and sporting groups, but need to link together, collaborate and support athlete welfare.
Each of the causes had a connection to a story of who needed to care more, and the authorizers shared stories of employment opportunities, education needs and partnership needs.
For example, the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme through the Australian Government program saw athletes gain the opportunity to work overseas and support their families back home through a sporting organisation to support athletes through their own program set up.
How this Approach Will Shape our Future
PDIA has transformed how we approach problem-solving. We now know that solutions come after deep understanding. Breaking down problems, asking why they exist, and mapping causes gives us clarity.
Complex problems require experimentation and iteration—progress comes from small steps, learning, and adapting. The Triple A framework will remain a guiding principle for us, reminding us that good ideas need authority, acceptance, and ability to succeed.
Context matters. Solutions must fit local realities. Our work with athletes reinforced the importance of listening and tailoring solutions to the environment.
We saw this perspective shared with engaging with other people and authorizers as useful, as most saw this as a cause, but we could facilitate need an analysis of sports and athletes.
We’re already using PDIA in our work. For example:
- Introducing PDIA check-in questions in project design.
- Using Triple A questions in team meetings to assess authority, acceptance, and ability.
- Bringing authorizers into workshops to build community support.
- Bringing athletes into focus group discussions to understand their needs.
- Applying PDIA tools in provincial government projects to identify entry points and iterate effectively.
As Professor Matt said during induction: “PDIA is hard, but it’s worth it.” This work isn’t about filling templates—it’s about making real change with heart and persistence.
Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Remember that meaningful progress often starts small. PDIA takes effort, but it leads to actions that matter.
If we can address the challenges facing elite athletes, we can strengthen the economy and build a future where sports are a source of pride and opportunity. Athletes will feel supported, confident, and ready to contribute to nation-building.
This blog was written by participants who completed a 12-week PDIA for PNG online learning program from August – November 2025. 44 participants successfully completed this program.