Teachers’ college gets a boost of K271,000

Privately-owned Bismark Teachers’ College in East New Britain recently received a boost of K271,000 to help with the construction of their two-storey building.

More than 200 people, about 50 of which were trainee teachers and the Bismark Early Childhood students, gathered at the Bismark Elementary School to witness the humble reception.

Chief executive officer of the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), Imelda Agon, presented the school with a dummy cheque last week Friday. The funds will be directed towards supporting the school in constructing a new library and an ICT Lab.

Owner and managing director of the school, Linus Wairop, says he shares in the country’s wishes and aspirations that are expressed in the Vision 2050. By establishing this project, he is contributing towards ensuring that the provision of quality education is achieved.

Leornard Warpin, a trainee teacher, told Loop PNG that the school also gives an opportunity for drop outs to train to become qualified teachers.

“The school aims to become a regional early child hood training centre,” said the acting school principal, Stanley Sirifave.

Prior to receiving the funds, Wairop made a proposal to the NGCB. Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion then sighted and approved the proposal, before handing it over to the NGCB to be assessed.

“Without your signature, we would not have gotten the support we have today,” said David Piamia, a former LLG president who was the master of ceremony for the day.

Although NG&CB comes under the gaming industry, Agon deliberated that it is also a government organisation and that the NG&CB’s assistance to the school is part of their give back program.

Agon also commended the Government for prioritising education.

“But more so, I want to acknowledge the O’Neill-Dion government because during the Alotau accord, one of their key priority areas was education,” said Agon.

She went on further to thank the government for achieving a lot within a short span of time.

“Grand chief, I take my hat off to you and the Prime Minister for what you’re doing,” she said.

“I’ve travelled the breadth and length of the country and seen a lot of changes.”

In appreciation of the cheque, Dion and Agon were presented with baskets of food.

As the program came to a close at 1.13pm, a word of prayer was said to bless the area marked out for the new building.

The college is now into its 11th year of training elementary as well as primary school teachers.

(Early childhood students presenting a dance number during the event.)

Author: 
Fiona Silo