Lae Community College

The items were presented by the Lae-based Niugini Good Samaritan Foundation, a non-profit organisation that builds partnerships with other groups to address development issues.   

Handing over the materials today was its president, Nera Kame, who outlined the low literacy rate in the country due to inaccessibility and lack of resources.

“We are basically supporting the education sector with the supply of books and other educational materials that can enhance the level of literacy in schools across Papua New Guinea,” said Kame.

Staff at Lae’s Flexible Open and Distance Education office are being threatened by frustrated former students and their parents.

Students who graduated from the Lae Community College since 2018 are yet to receive their Grade 10 and 12 certificates.

Head teacher, Cephas Malum, said despite their numerous emails, calls and visits to the Flexible Open and Distance Education headquarters at Waigani, the certificates of students from 2018 to 2021 are yet to be sent to Lae.

Principal, Cephas Malum, said they have met all requirements but are still waiting.

The Lae Community College facilitates Flexible Open & Distance Education (FODE), and it mostly takes in students that have been pushed out of the formal education system.

Over 1,000 students, including those with disabilities, are given a second chance every year to upgrade their marks and pursue their dreams. 

Principal Cephas Malum, however, said over 50 students who did their Grade 12 in 2018 are still waiting for their certificates.