The operational functions of schools in the nation’s capital will now be controlled by the National Capital District Commission.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today between the Minister for Education and the NCD Governor in Port Moresby.
The signing officially begins the work of transferring the powers and functions under the NCD Education Service Division in the Department of Education to the NCDC.
DoE will only be responsible for determining national policies and standards while NCDC will now take responsibility of all registered elementary, primary, secondary and vocational schools in the city.
The department will coordinate the implementation of policies and standards through support and advisory services to the provinces in areas such as planning, research, training and staff development.
NCDC will be responsible for the operation and development of these institutions including providing enough infrastructures, classrooms, teacher’s houses and disciplining students and schools.
Education Minister Nick Kuman acknowledged the work done by both NDoE and NCDC Joint Working Committee to see the MOU signing take place.
Kuman directed the DoE to develop the Terms of Reference guidelines to commence process for the transfer of powers and functions.
Kuman acknowledged Governor Powes Parkop’s support and financial contributions towards school infrastructure, purchasing of computers and other educational resources for schools in NCD.
Governor Powes Parkop said they were prepared to take on the challenge with the vision to establish more secondary technical schools and achieve universal and quality education.