The Government of Papua New Guinea, the Government of Australia and UNICEF today launched the four-year Smarter Safer Schools (3S) Programme in Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Central Province - an initiative that will support 600 schools across six provinces and regions as the country rolls out its 1-6-6 education reform.
The programme is funded by the Australian Government at AUD33 million and is designed to strengthen school leadership, improve teacher capacity, expand digital learning, and integrate climate resilience and child protection into school planning.
It will also reinforce inspection and data systems to improve accountability and performance across the education sector.
Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the initiative would strengthen the foundations of the 1-6-6 reform, which aims to improve quality, access and equity throughout the education system.
“Education is not only a social priority; it is a national development priority. By improving learning outcomes, we are investing in Papua New Guinea’s future workforce and economic growth."
The 3S programme builds on Australia’s longstanding support to PNG’s education sector.
In 2024–25, Australia’s total education investment in PNG is valued at AUD83 million, supporting early grade learning, teacher development and system strengthening in line with PNG’s National Education Plan 2020–2029.
Madeleine Moss, Minister-Counsellor for Subnational, Governance and Human Capital at the Australian High Commission, said the programme demonstrates the shared commitment of both governments to safe, resilient and high-quality schooling.
She said investing in quality education is critical for Papua New Guinea’s long-term development and that the Smarter Safer Schools programme will contribute to safer, healthier and more innovative learning environments.
Acting Representative of UNICEF Papua New Guinea, Vikas Singh, said every child has the right to quality education and that strong systems are needed to ensure reforms deliver real learning gains.
The 3S Programme will be implemented in the following provinces: Central, Morobe, Western Highlands, East Sepik, East New Britain and Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
