Hundreds of elementary teachers from Morobe Province have graduated with a Certificate in Elementary Teaching through the Teach for Tomorrow project.
The project is delivered by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), Papua New Guinea Education Institute (PNGEI) and Morobe Provincial Department of Education.
The Certificate enables partially trained teachers – some 7,500 across PNG – to upgrade their qualifications to meet the new minimum qualifications required of elementary teachers.
Supported by Newcrest Mining Limited, the Australian Government, and the Morobe Provincial Government, the training was delivered over six weeks in facilities provided by the Pileh Community.
“We are delighted to support the roll out of the training program to elementary teachers from some very remote regions in Morobe Province,” said KTF’s chief executive officer, Dr Genevieve Nelson.
“These teachers have waited many years to complete their certificates, having operated in remote elementary schools and earning only a small allowance, or most times working as volunteers. This training will enable them to receive their certification to register on the Government’s payroll.”
The 534 teachers participated in a graduation celebration on Friday, 26 May. They were also given solar lights so they can prepare their class work after dark.
KTF will continue to roll out the training to more elementary teachers in other provinces.