School steals Independence celebrations in Popondetta

​It was a school float that brought Popondetta town to a standstill on September 16.

Students of Popondetta International School, joined by their parents and friends, started off their celebration with a vehicle convoy around town.

Though small, the 42nd Independence celebration was significant for the school, which falls under the International Education Agency (IEA).

As viewed by the Consulting Principal – Les Roai, IEA is officially the little sibling, being only 41 years old.

Roai, guest speaker at the event, highlighted that IEA’s history really started when self-government was established in PNG in 1973.

Over the years, he said, IEA has experienced all of the changes of the young nation.

“It has ridden the economic rollercoaster, participated in the significant change from an expatriate to citizen workforce, and dealt with, and reacted to, massive social change,” he said.

Roai said IEA and schools like Popondetta IS, keep to its core business of providing high quality education. But it also strives to ensure that western educational ideas and the English language do not undermine the actualisation of being a Melanesian in a global society.

Making note of the theme ‘Connect, Celebrate and Preserve Our Culture’, Roai reiterated on the importance of educating children to embrace cultural aspects that promote discipline and good character. He noted the challenge of these traits becoming less significant, mainly due to influence of technology.

The event continued on with flag raising, provincial flag parade, show and tell of traditional attires, arts and craft exhibition, singing of PNG songs, traditional dances and finally traditional shared lunch.

Author: 
Gloria Bauai