The governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia launched a new education initiative to improve access, equity and student learning through professional development for teachers.
The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program was launched at Central’s Papa Elementary and Primary School last Wednesday.
Annemarie Kona, Education Department’s deputy secretary, said the department is committed to the objectives of the PIE program, which are to improve student enrollment and retention and to up-skill and upgrade elementary or early grade teachers.
Kona added that with program launch at Papa, this is an opportunity for Central schools, students, and teachers to set an example for the nation on how to improve student enrollment, retention and learning outcomes.
Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said the most important things for schools are infrastructure, electricity and hygiene but it is pointless if there are no good, quality, committed teachers.
Philp said also with good infrastructures and brilliant teachers it is no good if students cannot stay in school.
Also the country needs to educate male and females and children with disabilities and that is what the PIE program is aiming to do.
It is not about infrastructures or anything like that but it is about students staying in school and their teachers can access better educational knowledge and skills to impart to them.
This partnership program is aimed at improving the education systems in line with the PNG government to achieve quality education for all.
Jon Philip, Australian High Commissioner to PNG
Kona added following this launch, they are expected to launch the same program in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, West Sepik and Enga.