The Rabaul District Administration officially commissioned and opened the ‘Trinity Centre of Excellence’; a District Education Resource Centre aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students. Approved in 2022 by the District Procurement Committee, the project was awarded to contractor Bela Investment Limited under the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) Funds and was successfully completed this year. This significant occasion recently took place at the Rabaul District Administration’s Headquarter, Kurakakaul, along the North Coast Rd, which was officiated by member for Rabaul, Dr. Allan Marat, along with his Board members from the District Development Authority (DDA) and the Provincial Education Division. This state-of-the-art building will now open doors for students to pursue further studies and serve as a vital resource and education pathway for students in the district. During the briefing at the Trinity Centre for Excellence building, Acting Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki, said that the building will cater for Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), Benchmarking, Open Campus upgrading, Early Childhood Learning and e-Library. The building will also be open to private institutions who are interested in renting out spaces to conduct their training. Lemeki further stated that the opening of the resource center is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible education for children who contribute to institutional strengthening. Meantime, Dr. Allan Marat also stated that the Trinity Centre for Excellence is a significant achievement for the district. He further emphasized the importance of transforming teaching and learning to achieve quality education. “Youths are our human capital. We need to teach them to have a clear mindset. Teach them the art of analysis so they can be able to analyze a series of issues and address them accordingly.” He added that he is willing to give some lectures to students next year once the education resource center goes into full operation.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and IBS University (IBSU) have strengthened their shared commitment to community development through an initiative that bridges education and sports. Last week saw the two organizations celebrate this collaboration by announcing the winners of the 2024 IBSU Scholarships, drawn from indemnity forms submitted by participants of the Trukai Fun Run which was held in July. A total of five individuals were awarded scholarships including Rickilah Wura, Everlyn Gumabugo, Veivei John, Essie Vartom from Port Moresby and Delailah Dilyndiwi from Lae. These scholarships will fund six-month programs at IBSU, offering certificate-level courses in accounting, business, information technology, and human resource management. PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu commended IBSU’s ongoing support, stating that IBSU has been an outstanding partner in their efforts to prepare athletes for life after sports through their athlete excellence program which provides scholarships to Team PNG athletes. “We would also like to acknowledge their ongoing support and commitments to help fundraise for Team PNG, particularly through the Trukai Fun Run.” “These scholarships are a demonstration to their commitment to education and development through sports in Papua New Guinea which is accessible to the general participating public at the annual Trukai Fun Run event.” Similarly, IBSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the university’s dedication to nation-building. “IBSU is committed to empowering Papua New Guineans through education and sports. We are proud to provide these five scholarships to Trukai Fun Run participants, alongside the 20 scholarships we offer annually to Team PNG athletes.” In addition to the scholarships, PNGOC's long-time partner, Theodist Business Superstore, and the Trukai Fun Run’s main sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, sponsored lucky door prizes to five participants including Dorothy N'Dromoi, Ivan Kora, Mali Kanaba, and Benny Mitaroa from Port Moresby, and Miriam Geyatulu from Lae. The Trukai Fun Run remains a pivotal event in promoting support for Team PNG, national health and movement, advancing educational and athletic pursuits, and inspiring the engagement and development of youth throughout Papua New Guinea. PNGOC remains committed in its dedication to cultivating partnerships, such as the collaboration with IBSU, to forge opportunities that empower the future leaders and athletes of our nation.

As the 2024 academic years officially ended as of last week and the festive season kicking in, Minster of Education, Lucas Dekena, highlighted some of the achievements that were made during this year in the education sector as well as the commitment, vision and challenges that were faced throughout the year. Minister Dekena extended his warmest wishes to the students, teachers, parents, education administrators and all stakeholders in the education sector and especially the general education sub-sector. In terms of the vision and commitment, the education sector has been guided by the ‘National Education Plan 2020-2029.’ “Our vision espoused in the NEP is clear: an education system that is affordable for parents and Government, that appreciates Christian and traditional values, and that prepares literate, skilled, and healthy citizens, each educated and trained to their fullest potential, to contribute to the economic and social development of the nation.” “This vision remains at the heart of every policy and initiative we have pursued this year as it has been in the past.” In being so, Minister Dekena, highlighted some of the key government policy achievements made including; Government’s Free Tuition and Project Fees Policy This year, the government has provided K638.9 million in tuition fees for Terms one to four. In addition, the government has covered project fees, totaling K160 million. This has significantly eased the financial burden on families, allowing more children to attend school. This reflects the commitment to ‘leave no child behind’ and building a brighter future for Papua New Guinea. The education sector has achieved an enrolment of 2.4 million this year and graduated 120, 000 grade eight, 77,000 grade tens and 32,000 grade twelves.        2. Transformation of Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) The transformation of FODE has been another milestone this year, with student enrolment growing from 33,000 in 2020 to 82,000 today. This sector provides a second chance for many young Papua New Guineans to complete their education and achieve their aspirations. The trust and interest in FODE are remarkable with exceptional support from many leaders including the Prime Minister. In a landmark decision, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) has included FODE students in the online selection system for tertiary education starting in 2024. This integration ensures that FODE students have equal opportunities to pursue higher education, marking another step toward inclusivity in the education system. 3. National Schools of Excellence (NSOE) and STEM Curriculum The establishment of National Schools of Excellence and the introduction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050. This initiative aims to produce top-tier human capital to drive research, innovation, and economic growth into the future. There is enough evidence to support our top-notch students to be selected for top universities abroad. This year, 165 STEM students were selected to study in the United States, India, Fiji, and China, following the success of the inaugural cohort of 43 in 2023. These young leaders are the embodiment of our aspirations for a smarter, more innovative Papua New Guinea. 4. Early Childhood Education (ECE) ECE has gained momentum as the education system has transitioned to the 1-6-6 structure. A PNG model for ECE is being developed, focusing on integrating four to five-year-olds into pre-formal education. Districts and churches continue to play pivotal roles in this space, with the establishment of an ECE unit to streamline efforts. In 2024, formalized standards in curriculum have been made including one subject called God, Bible and Me, teacher standards and operating standards. Minister Dekena stated that they will start ten ECE centers as model centers in 2025 and increase in the years ahead. 5. Access and the 1-6-6 Structure No child should be left behind. The shift to a 1-6-6 structure is underway, ensuring thirteen years of universal education starting from prep through to grade twelve. This reform includes the introduction of ECE (Kindergarten 1 and 2), who transit to Primary Schools that offer Preparatory, and Grade one to six. He also stated that they are also moving Grade seven and eight into secondary school environments. The challenges of infrastructure and teacher recruitment remain, but collaboration between national, provincial, and local governments has enabled the creation of Junior High Schools and the transformation of Elementary classes into primary school settings. He stated that everyone must collaborate to have all children enter school and remain until Grade twelve. He encouraged everyone to work towards giving every child up to grade twelve education: with only one entry and one exit. 6. Phasing Out Grade 8 and 10 Selections (National Exams) Every child has a right to education and to do away with the concept of using examinations as a tool to select students to continue their education and deny others and give them labels like “drop out” and “unfit”, “low IQ” and so on. Naturally, there are also slow learners who then progress very fast at a later age too. Therefore, the education system must be inclusive and not discriminatory. To correct the misconception and confusion, Minister Dekena said that they will change the headline to phasing out of Grade eight and ten selections. As part of the strategy, examinations would be used for assessment of learning at appropriate grade levels. In line with their commitment to inclusivity and giving every citizen the right to a full general education, Minister Dekena stated that they plan to phase out Grade eight selections for Grade nine starting in 2025. While some provinces face infrastructure challenges, he encouraged readiness at all levels to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy. He also urged provinces and districts to use the 20% education component of PSIP and DSIP to support this policy. In addition, he assured that the examinations and assessment of learning at the classroom level, school level, national level, regional level and international level will always remain as part of the education process. The Department is only doing away with using examinations to terminate young children’s education in Grade eight starting next year and this will be followed with grade ten examinations in a few years’ time. 7. Teachers Professional Development Teachers remain the backbone of the education system. Upgrading programs and quality assurance measures have ensured that educators are equipped to meet the demands of the restructured system. Additionally, teachers received a 3% pay rise, and those on upgraded levels are now being paid accordingly. These efforts demonstrate our appreciation for the invaluable role that teachers play in nation-building. Upgrading the qualifications of 17, 000 elementary teachers to diploma level will now start, so they can teach at a primary school. The education sector has launched the training this year and training will commence in 2025. Meanwhile, whilst looking ahead to 2025, Minister Dekena made mention that the coming year promises to be transformative and as they prepare for the new year and now eagerly anticipate hosting the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers where they will welcome all regional partners to Port Moresby to discuss shared education priorities. “This momentous occasion will further cement Papua New Guinea’s leadership role in Pacific education development. The conference is schedule to take place from March 18th-20th.” “We have completed four regional consultations on PNG Education Transformation Vision (ETV) 2075.” The PNGETV 2075 is a holistic 50-year education strategic roadmap that will spread over five decades of continuous planning, management, implementation, and evaluation through short-term plans such as the MTDP IV, NEP, Annual Plans and agency plans, provincial plans, district plans, LLG plans, ward plans and SLIP. The department is planning to have this policy launched as part of the fifty-year Independence celebration of PNG. In addition, he made mention that they will also pilot the Accelerated Christian Education System in selected NCD primary schools. The ACE curriculum develops a system that integrates academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and it’s highly suitable for the education system. There are currently 180 private schools in PNG offering the ACE system. “In the NCD pilot, we will study the system and look at its adoption or adaption if we see children build their lives on biblical principles, learn to read after twenty weeks, attain academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and learn well with confidence and do well in their personal and educational growth.” “Our work continues to be guided by our commitment to equity, quality, and access, ensuring every child in the country receives an education that empowers them to thrive.” Furthermore, he reiterated the achievements and the unity that has driven success. He expressed that teachers are the pillars of this nation, shaping the minds of future leaders. “As for parents your support has been invaluable and for you students, you are the reason for our relentless pursuit for excellence.” “May this festive season bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to every home across Papua New Guinea. Let us work together in 2025 to ensure that no child is left behind and that every citizen is empowered to reach their full potential.” “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!”

The National St John Ambulance (SJA) Service is now offering FREE community first aid training for taxis and bus drivers in Port Moresby city. There are a total of seven sessions in which SJA service will be provided starting from the 11th to the 17th of December 2024 and for each session will have a total of thirty (30) to forty (40) that will be able to take part. This first aid training is divided into a number of guidelines aimed at ensuring that each taxi and bus driver is equipped with the much-needed information that they must acquire: DRIVERS AS COMMUNITY RESPONDERS Taxi and public bus drivers are critical to our road transport system and often Encounter accidents and medical emergencies. EMPOWERING DRIVERS WITH LIFESAVING SKILLS By equipping them with essential first aid skills, they can assist during the crucial Initial moments of an emergency, act as the ambulance service’s eyes and ears in the community, call for help, and provide first aid care until the ambulance arrives. This proactive approach can save lives and improve outcomes in emergencies. PROMOTING SAFER COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE This initiative contributes to safer communities and builds public confidence in the Transport sector. Beginning in the National Capital District and expanding nationwide Ensures maximum impact in fostering a culture of preparedness and care. COLLABORATION WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC AUTHORITY (RTA) We have consulted with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to ensure alignment with National transport priorities and community safety objectives before launching this Initiative. A NATIONAL MANDATE FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY We undertake this initiative as part of our mandate and responsibility through the National Department of Health to improve health outcomes and foster preparedness in communities across Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of National St John Ambulance, Mathew Cannon, stated that the taxi and bus drivers are on the frontlines of the road network and are often the first to encounter emergencies. “By equipping them with lifesaving first aid skills, we are not only empowering them to make a difference but also fostering safer, more resilient communities.” “This initiative reflects our commitment to serving the public and working in partnership with stakeholders like the RTA (Road Transport Authority) to improve health outcomes across the country.” The training will be held at the National St. John Ambulance Education College, Baruni. Registrations to join this training program will close tomorrow Tuesday 10th of December 2024.

Secretary for Education, Dr Uke Kombra, thanked the Education Minster and the government for the continuous support given to education especially with funding given this year towards tuition fees and project fees. The Secretary made these remarks during the official launching of the National Examination results for grade 10, 12 and STEM students this week in Port Moresby city. “Last year we got about 14.6% and this year has gone up to 15%, so there has been an increase in the overall total budget for the education sector. That demonstrates the commitment of the Marape-Rosso government towards education.” In addition, Dr Kombra also highlighted the support of funding in each area of the education sector including National School of Excellence, Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) and Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE). “Those priorities that the government has given support for, the funding has been given to us to ensure that those project and priorities still run.” Meantime, Dr Kombra during the official launching also announced the top performing students for each subject that they performed well in. The top performing grade 10 students are as follows, English- Emmanuel Kaptigau- Kiriwina Secondary school in Milne Bay province Mathematics- Daniel Peter- Kiriwina Secondary in Milne Bay province Personal Development- Adasha Takoboy- Hayfield Technical Secondary in ESP Science- Cedric Maiok- OLSH International in New Ireland province Social Science- Jessie Awi- Mt Hagen Secondary in WHP Business Studies- Angelynne Opisa- Hutjena Secondary in AROB Agriculture- Claudia Pakea- Busu Secondary in Morobe province Arts- Young Dumu- De La Salle (Bomana) Secondary in NCD Design & Technology- Geoff Dawan- Cameron Secondary in Milne Bay Province Home Economics- Polin Laka- Hagen Park Secondary in WHP Practical Skills- Randall Agoniso- Kainantu Secondary in EHP Informationa Technology- Noreen Geno- PNG Paradise Secondary in NCD For grade 12 top performing students is as follows: Language & Literature- Kelryan Kelrundi- Tusbab Secondary in Madang province Applied English- Kinsley Gumbuli- Kimbe Grammer in WNBP Advance Mathematics- Tamoso Pavos- PNG Paradise Secondary in NCD General Mathematics- Sydell Mandau- PNG Paradise Secondary in NCD Biology- Edric Lus Kiisaku- Passam National High in ESP Chemistry- Edric Lus Kiisaku- Passam National High in ESP Physics- Edric Lus Kiisaku- Passam National High in ESP Applied Science- Basil Bogar- Megiar Secondary in Madang province Geology- Jonah Paul- Hagen Park Secondary- WHP Economics- Jamie Mendano- Mt Hagen Secondary in WHP Business Studies- Sydell Mandau- PNG Paradise Secondary in NCD Accounting- Billy Alfred- Mt Hagen Secondary in WHP Geography- Chelsea Minig- Port Moresby National High in NCD History- Gideon William- St Pauls (Pausa) Secondary in Enga province Legal Studies- Kelryan Kelrundi- Tusbab Secondary in Madang province Information Communication- Misuk Theresa Tong- Kopkop College in NCD GRADE 12 STEM students: Maths- Arie Mirigine- Aiyura National School of Excellence Biology- Puawe Pamela- Port Moresby National School of Excellence Chemistry- Haumu Angelberth- Sogeri National School of Excellence Physics- Phillip Neville- Sogeri National School of Excellence Technology- Vai'i Ishmael- Port Moresby National School of Excellence Engineering- Sonk Fayeden- Sogeri National School of Excellence Dr Kombra further congratulated all the students, parents, guardians and hardworking staff for their efforts in making this year’s academic year a successful one.

Renowned Tolai rock singing sensation, Sailas Kania also known as 'Saii Kay', recently released his Volume 4 album titled "Mama" under the Minigulai Studios and Krazy Sounds Production. The "Mama" album features tracks in the English, Pidgin, Motu and Kuanua languages. "I wanted to make this album a bit different, so I called it Mama. I mean, what would we do without our mothers? Ol stap na yumi stap (We're here because of our mothers)." Saii celebrates his 15th year in the music industry this year and says the release of this album is the mark of a significant milestone for him. The 34- year- old's official album launch is tonight at the Cosmopolitan at Vision City Mega Mall, Port Moresby city. Gate fees are selling at K100.

Minister for Education, Lucas Dekena, officially launched the online release of the 2024 National Examination results for the Grade ten, twelve and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The launch which took place today saw also the announcement of the top performing schools in the country as well the top performing students. Minister Dekena said that this was an important occasion for all students, parents and guardians who have been waiting for this special occasion. “This initiative signifies our unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the education sector.” He stressed that misconduct, deception and other forms of unethical behavior in educational institutions will not be tolerated by his ministry. They aim to continue to develop and enforce necessary control measures to promote good teaching, learning and behavioral patterns in schools. Order and Discipline are fundamental to learning and progress. The Ministry record shows that 77,413 Grade 10 students in 482 high schools and secondary schools sat for the 2024 Grade 10 National Examination. These students will now have access to their final examination results online starting today. For the grade 12 students, a total of 32,863 students from 225 secondary schools and 6 national schools of excellence sat the national examinations. The results will also be available starting today. “For the Grade 12 STEM, we have a total of 239 students from our 6 National Schools of Excellence and their individualized results will also be available online.” The top grade 10 system school was La Salle Technical Secondary school in Port Moresby followed by the top performing private and permitted school which was PNG Paradise Secondary school in Port Moresby as well. For the top performing grade 12 system school was Pitipais RMCN Secondary school in Enga province and for the grade 12 National School of Excellence was Kerevat National High school in East New Britain province, whilst for the private and permitted school was PNG Paradise Secondary. At this juncture, Minister Dekena announced the 2024 top ten (10) performing schools in the National Examinations: GRADE 10 TOP 10 SYSTEM SCHOOLS: 1. NCD LA SALLE (HOHOLA) TECHNICAL SECONDARY 2. ENGA ANDITALE HIGH 3. NCD ST. CHARLES LWANGA SECONDARY 4. ESP BRANDI SECONDARY 5. ENGA PITIPIAS RMCN SECONDARY 6. ESP MERCY (YARAPOS) SECONDARY 7. MBP CAMERON SECONDARY 8. NCD MARIANVILLE SECONDARY 9. WHP MT HAGEN SECONDARY 10. NCD BUTUKA ACADEMY GRADE 10 TOP 10 PRIVATE AND PERMITTED SCHOOLS: 1. NCD PNG PARADISE SECONDARY 2. NCD ST. JOSEPH'S INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC COLL 3. EHP GOROKA AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL HIGH 4. NCD KOPKOP COLLEGE 5. NCD NONU INSTITUTE SECONDARY 6. NIP KOPKOP COLLEGE (KAVIENG) 7. WNB KIMBE INTERNATIONAL 8. WHP HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN GRAMMAR 9. NIP OLSH INTERNATIONAL 10. ENGA HIGHLANDS LUTHERAN INTERNATIONAL GRADE 12 NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE: 1. East New Britain Kerevat National High 2. Morobe Wawin National High 3. Central Sogeri National High 4. National Capital Port Moresby National High 5. Eastern Highlands Aiyura National High 6. East Sepik Passam National High GRADE 12 PRIVATE AND PERMITTED SCHOOLS CATEGORY: 1. NCD PNG Paradise Secondary 2. Enga Highlands Lutheran International 3. NCD St. Joseph's International Catholic College 4. NCD Kopkop College 5. EHP Goroka Grammar GRADE 12 SYSTEM SECONDARY SCHOOLS: 1. Enga Pitipais RMCN Secondary 2. WHP Mt. Hagen Secondary 3. WHP Paglum Secondary 4. NCD Marianville Secondary 5. NIP Lihir Secondary 6. Morobe Busu Secondary 7. MBP Cameron Secondary 8. NCD Butuka Academy 9. WSP St. Ignatius Secondary 10. ESP Mercy (Yarapos) Secondary In conclusion, he commended the dedicated team at the Department of Education for their tireless efforts in continuing to make this a reality every year. Their hard work and commitment have made this day possible yet again. “Remember, education is a lifelong journey, and these results are just one chapter in their story.” Students and parents can access their results by accessing the website: mypngexamresults.com through a browser on their Computer/ Laptop/ Tablet/ Mobile. Alternatively, they can even access the result through a Mobile APP on their smart phone which can be downloaded by typing My PNG Exam Results on Google Play Store. Students and parents can access the application through web or mobile by providing the Surname, Given Name/s (without any spaces in between, when having more than a word), and SLF Number as per the records of the department with 2024 at the front. The password pattern is YYYYPRSCHCAN where 2024, province code, school code and candidate number, entered all together.

21-year-old May Torowi Hasola of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville was crowned the 2024 Miss Bird of Paradise last night at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city. The night itself portrayed a diversity of cultures, each reflecting the heritage and roots of where each contestant comes from and seeing that Hasola’s had stood out the most. Hasola, a second year Law student at the University of Papua New Guinea, is amongst ten amazing contestants who each showcased their own unique styles and talents in this year’s 2024 MBoP pageant. Whilst representing her people of Bougainville, Hasola expressed her gratitude for where she comes from and for being given this opportunity to represent well her people. “I stand as a reflection of strength and wisdom rooted in my matrilineal heritage. Inspired by my chieftain grandmother, I lead with care and guided by my chieftain mother, I embody resilience and confidence.” “Through generations the women of my lineage have been a pillar for family and community shaping who I am.” “I am a chief and I stand for strong family values because these values shape us as individuals and empower our community.” Upon being crowned the 2024 MPoP queen, she said it was an emotional yet satisfying moment of what she successfully delivered on the night and in her duly tasks as the 2024 Miss Paradise Boutique contestant. To end the night, Hasola thanked all for their support in helping her succeed and paving the way as she looks on to further serving her people and the country as a whole. "I want to thank the good Lord as well as my people of Bougainville, for the support and the encouragement and also to my chaperon, Sharon Onsa." “I would also like to thank Paradise Boutique for placing your trust in me as well as to my immediate family and close friends. " She also thanked the people of Papua New Guinea for allowing her this opportunity in representing the country. “I carry this title and this crown with purpose and for service. Thank you!”

The East New Britain Provincial Government, through the Provincial Administration, is now gearing up for a major recruitment drive. This follows the presentation of full documentation of the amended East New Britain Provincial Administration (ENBPA) structure and the approved Kokopo City Authority (KCA) structure to the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) that took place last week. The presentation signifies a major achievement for the Provincial Government as it prepares to overhaul its public service machinery through the recruitment drive to be conducted early next year. Deputy Provincial Administrator Corporate Services, John Talele led the ENBPA Team which presented the documents to the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), was received by Advisory Services Manager, NGI and Admin Sector Officer, Elias Yori. Talele explained that the current and existing ENBPA structure is outdated and therefore, the Human Resources Management Division was tasked to facilitate a major restructuring which was finally accepted for uploading into the Alesco Payroll system. He further explained that the Department of Personnel Management will now commence uploading the Revised ENBPA structure and the newly created and approved KCA structure before Advertising and recruitment early next year. Talele reiterated that the ENBPA will be executing the major activities of Advertising and recruitment of both the approved ENBPA and KCA structures immediately after DPM uploads both structures into the Alesco Payroll System.

Education continues to be a key focus of the National Government captured in the K28 billion 2025 National Budget, with a huge allocation aimed at making improvements for the betterment of the future generations. Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey, when handing down 2025 Budget in Parliament on Friday, said the education sector was allocated K473.5 million, an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to this year’s budget. Whilst the department of education is responsible for primary and secondary education and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) responsible for tertiary education, the sector aims to provide quality, affordable and accessible education for all. According to the Treasurer, the intervention programs in the Medium-Term Development Goals IV (MTDP), focus on improving skilled labour to meet the growing demand in the human capital by providing quality teaching and learning environment and improving accessibility and affordability for all levels of education. This will start from the early childhood education program which aims to set the foundation for children’s learning; quality basic primary and secondary education to improve quality education leading to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions, colleges and the universities and increase coverage of the educated population in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by leaving no one behind. Of the Education Sector's allocation for 2025, K3,989.1 million is designated for operational expenditure, with K2,803.5 million for compensation of employees (CoE) and K1,185.6 million for goods and services (G&S). Additionally, K446.2 million is allocated for capital investment expenditure, which includes K365.0 million in direct financing from the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG), K53.0 million in grants, and K28.2 million in concessional loan funded projects. As for TESAS, an total of K98.9 million has been allocated which is an increase of K15.9 million, followed by K53.1 million for HELP (an increase of K1.1 million), K859.5 million for Government Tuition Fund Subsidy (GTFS) which is an increase of K8.6 million and K30.0 million for STEM program (an increase of K23.7 million) in 2025 Budget. Meanwhile, as for teachers, an increase of K210.0 is allocated for their salaries and allowances to cover expected arrears and K66.0 million to cater for the costs associated with the increase in salary and allowances rates for teachers. It has also been noted that Teachers' Salary Grants and Leave Fares are now directly captured under the Education Sector. Moreover, other intervention programs that will be funded 2025 includes General Education Programs (K75.0 million), the Sir Michael Somare University (K10.0 million), Higher Education (K194.0 million) programs and TVET (K50.0 million) programs.

Parliament Sitting resumed today, Tuesday the 26th of November, with Member for Karamui Nomane district, Francis Alua as the first member who opened the floor during question time. His question was directed to the Minister for Administrative Services and member for Popondetta, Richard Masere on the on-going National Census. He stated in parliament today that there have been a few mixed reports from the media as to some provinces completing this exercise, some halfway through and some who have not yet started. Being that he then asked that the minister be able to inform the people of this country on the floor of Parliament to provide a status of this exercise. Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere responded by confirming that most of the counting had been completed which took only six months to do. “We’ve already completed well over 333 Local Level Governments with 32 currently synchronizing.” “From that current synchronizing that is taking place, Southern region has three more LLGs to complete their syncs. As for Highlands region, about twelve LLGs to complete their syncs, Momase has about fifteen LLGs and New Guinea Islands have completed their syncs.” Masere further stated that so far within six months, they have progressed relatively slowly, however, he remains confident that despite the many different challenges that things will go well. Meanwhile, along with the update that was given at Parliament, Masere made mention comparing this year’s National Census with the last one that took place back in 2011. He said that it took about a total of five years before reaching its completion, whereas this year’s Census took about six months. “For the 2011 Census that was conducted, the funding was initially issued in 2009 and in 2010, the National Statistics Office conducted what we call the ‘Household Listing Service’ which is part of the population count and then in 2011, the population census was then conducted.” “It was then in 2013 that the preliminary count was announced and in 2014, the official census count was announced.” “So, in contrast with what we are doing today, it took about five years to announce the initial funding allocation to when the official census was concluded and as for this year, it took us only six months.”

The weeklong Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Consultation meeting in Eastern Highlands Province is currently underway after commencing on Monday 25th November. TSC Chairman, Samson Wangihomie during the opening ceremony, said the rational of the workshop is to get views of the Provincial TSC officers on matters to do with the three (3) core functions of TSC which are Appointment, Industrial and Legal/Discipline. He stated that those are the activities that the TSC Provincial Officers experience every day in the provinces. As for Appointment, it is a core function of TSC that deals with appointment of all the teachers by confirming teachers, auditing and managing teaching positions for all sectors including elementary, primary, secondary, National Schools of Excellence, FODE, TVET and Inclusive Education Institutions. The second core function, Industrial Relations, deals with all matters relating to teachers' welfare conditions, salaries, allowances, leave fares entitlement and others. As for Legal, it is related to internal and external matters including teacher discipline and related appeals. The section investigates and responds to complaints of members coming through law firms, the Ombudsman Commission and other agencies. The section also considers complaints and makes referrals to the Police for criminal investigation, charge and prosecution in fraud cases. Meanwhile, the TSC officers will discuss and list all the different functions according to the TSC Act and to see what the most important requirements are when dealing with teachers' queries. In addition, Wangihomie said they will look at areas of discipline and how they should be able to deal with discipline matters in the province when they are confronted with teachers having behavioral matters. “We will look at how to conduct investigations, how to fill in appropriate forms, how to communicate the decision of Provincial Education Board (PEB) to the teachers who are affected.” A resolution committee will be formed to put all resolutions together to submit to the top management team of TSC. These resolutions will be categorized into short term that have immediate solutions, and the resolutions that are long term and need more consultations. Meanwhile, the first consultation meeting was held in Port Moresby for the Southern and New Guinea Islands TSC officers in July this year. The current TSC Consultation meeting will end on Friday 29th November.