Gazelle District Program Gives Grade 12 ‘Push-Outs’ a Second Chance at Higher Education
KOKOPO, Gazelle District — A new educational initiative, the Academic Renewal Program (ARP), is offering a second chance to Grade 12 school leavers in the Gazelle District of Papua New Guinea who missed out on tertiary placements.
Launched in 2024, ARP was created to support students who completed Grade 12 but could not continue their studies due to low grades, lack of funding, or limited access to guidance and opportunities. The program operates in Tinganagalip, Vunagogo, and Takekel wards, identifying eligible participants through local ward members and LLG representatives.
Since its inception, ARP has helped 62 Grade 12 leavers return to education, with six graduates now holding tertiary qualifications and three employed full-time.
Locally Driven, Digitally Supported
The initiative is backed by the Gazelle District Administration and employs five staff who manage operations from Kinabot Stage 2, Kokopo. A key feature is ARP’s online Student Data System, which allows leaders to track student profiles and monitor progress across wards and LLGs.
International Opportunities
ARP has built partnerships with Kimpo University in South Korea and the Education Pacific Agency in China, expanding global study options. Its first international student has already departed for Indonesia, with more expected to continue to China and South Korea later this year.
Empowering Youth Through Education
Founder Samuel Vaulai said the program draws inspiration from his own journey — from UPNG Kokopo Open Campus to earning a Master’s degree in Strategic Management in China.
If I can do it, they can too — but this time with more guidance and assistance.
The next phase of ARP aims to help graduates transition into employment or small business ventures (SMEs).
The Academic Renewal Program is not about talk but action.
Vaulai
A Model for the Future
According to a World Bank report, only about 18 percent of Papua New Guineans aged 20–24 have completed secondary or tertiary education. Programs like ARP are proving vital in bridging this gap, giving young people practical pathways to continue learning and contribute to local development.
As it grows, ARP could serve as a model for education renewal across other districts in Papua New Guinea.