Education Department

Kapavore inquired into the implementation of the Education Department’s Behavioural Management Policy, and whether, the land on which schools are established, are state owned.

Minister Uguro highlighted that the Behaviour Change Policy and Scouts Policy in schools were launched in 2021 at the Hagara Primary School.

The Minister said, “We are now encouraging all the schools to use that policy to educate our kids throughout the schools on the behaviours and values and types of attitudes that we face throughout the schools and throughout the society.”

Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra says instructions were issued to all schools to resume normal classes on July 25 and August 1 for other schools due to election-related violence and disturbances.

Provincial Education Advisors were also advised to assess the situation in their provinces and decide on an appropriate decision.

However, news reports of schools still closed and low turnout by students and teachers in the last two weeks has caught the attention of the Department.

This is part of a four-year long-term exercise under the Public Sector Reform project that started in 2021 reviewing all government agency functions and policies.

DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan said, “The Functions Expenditure Review (FER) is a critical government reform conducted by DPM to know if agencies are performing their mandated functions, and if they have outlined their short and long-term plans to achieve the National Government’s 20-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) and realise Vision 2050.”

Secondary Education Management and Coordination Director, Benny Rayappan made the announcement during the launch of the Online School examination results website on Friday December, 3, 2021.

“The first school to stand in this list is St. Charles Luwanga Secondary School in Grade 10.” Rayappan said. 

St. Charles Luwanga also came up 3rd in the Grade 12 category. 

The results of the rest of the grade 10 were as follows: Cameron secondary school in Milne Bay province 2nd, Marianville Secondary School in NCD, 3rd place, 4th was Gordon Secondary School in NCD. 

The government believes the reforms under the plan will better equip children to make a positive contribution to the country.

The 10-year plan was launched by Prime Minister James Marape and the Education Department on Friday, 11^th of June 2021. 

Under the reforms in the 10- year plan, the education system will give every child 13 years of education regardless of their economic situation, geographical location or gender and disability.

The Department of Education is aware of concerns regarding the operation of nightclubs near learning institutions.

The most recent issue involves the purported illegal activities of Lae’s Swing Bar near the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

In a press conference this afternoon, Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra said the department is serious about giving quality education to every child in the country.

Dr Kombra said the Department is cracking down on the issue and will hold principals of those colleges, responsible.

This follows recent reports in the media that the 2019 graduates of Balob Teachers College were querying why the Education Department has yet to approve and issue their Diplomas for posting.

It was held at the PNG Education Institute in Port Moresby on Friday 22^nd January, 2021.

The dedication of the Education year was initiated 5 years ago under the direction of the current secretary. This year’s dedication was conducted by Pastor Idomu Onamusi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.   

“Bible say commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plan will succeed.” Pastor Onamusi.

Consequently, the Secretary has issued administrative instructions to all schools under the National Education System on the resumption of classes, revised term dates and national examination dates.

This means, all programmed and timetabled teaching and learning activities per day and per week must be covered every week from Monday to Friday.  

Funding constrains has left schools in an awkward situation as to how they will be able to improve some of their facilities and infrastructure suitable for the current pandemic and State of Emergency.

Minister for Education Joseph Yopyyopy, recently announced that the government had released K50 million to all schools.

“The government had released K50 million for schools to install hand basin and other hygiene equipment for students. More funding will be released soon”, said Minister Yopyyopy.