A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Education and Emstret Holdings Limited was signed last Friday to formally recognise and support the Emstret School Challenge.
The school challenge is facilitated by Emstret Holdings to become a part of the extracurricular activity in all high and secondary schools in the country.
The Emstret School Challenge comprises debate competitions for high and secondary schools, spelling bee designed for students from grades 3 to 8 and poetry slam, an open category for all students.
Nine years running, the academic competitions are intended at developing young Papua New Guineans and enhance students’ research and public speaking skills, literacy levels and networking, including building their confidence.
“We believe that these kind of extracurricular activities will enhance the students outside of class and allow them to learn so much apart from the classroom settings,” said Vani Nades - Director, Emstret Holdings Limited.
The MOU signing will pave the way for both parties to collaborate towards making the school challenge competitions an annual event in the National Education Calendar.
It will also encourage all primary, high and secondary schools to have debate, spelling and poetry clubs within their respective schools.
“We will recognise the program as part of the Education Department’s work and the reforms we are undertaking,” emphasized Dr Uke Kombra, Secretary of Education Department.
The MOU is effective and will remain until modified or terminated by any one of the partners, by mutual consent.