Community connections came to the fore at last week’s celebration of the graduation of 120 grade 9 to 12 students at Kokoda College, a growing education hub in Oro Province operated by development organization KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation).
Through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), Kokoda College supports students from the greater Kokoda catchment who have been unable to complete mainstream schooling to finish their secondary education, or for students to upgrade their marks and pursue employment opportunities through this NDoE-endorsed pathway.
National FODE Principal Mr. Anthony Rayappan, who travelled to Kokoda for the graduation, emphasized in his address that Flexible Open Distance Education is not simply an alternative pathway, but a legitimate and rapidly growing education pathway helping students complete their secondary education.
Mr. Rayappan thanked KTF for its strong partnership and for delivering a program that is helping increasing numbers of student's access FODE and continue their education.
For students living in remote parts of Oro Province, FODE is critical in creating opportunities to pursue tertiary education in fields such as teaching and health- professions essential to strengthening local communities.
Gary Juffa MP, Governor of Oro Province and long-term advocate of education, shared with the gathering: “You invest in human resources, and they will come back and help you. We do not have much money as a province.”
“We just have ourselves, but what little we have we are going to do the best we can. Then, we will see the transformations that come along.”
“Sanap Strong, be confident, get out there, there are many opportunities for you to seize.”
Joining Governor Juffa and Mr. Rayappan, were a range of partners including Mr. Stanley Newena from the Kokoda Initiative, Dr. Karen Nyangara from the Commonwealth of Learning, and KTF’s CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson.
Prepared with great pride by the school community, the college campus was festooned with beautiful natural decorations to mark the special occasion.
This sense of pride filled the grounds as families gathered to recognize the achievements of students from across the province.
The Awala community opened the celebration with traditional dance, led in part by Sandy, who graduated from Grade 10 and received the Female Dux award.
Another graduate, Emmanuel, a Head Teacher upgrading his qualifications through a partnership with Oro Disabled Foundation, was honored by his students with an abundant offering of fruit and vegetables to thank the College for its support.
Newly elected officials from Koukou village also attended, expressing their commitment to encouraging disengaged youth to take advantage of these local education opportunities.
“The graduation is a powerful reminder that when education opportunities reach remote communities, extraordinary things happen,” said Dr. Genevieve Nelson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kokoda Track Foundation.
“These students have shown determination and resilience to complete their studies, and many will go on to become teachers, health workers and leaders who will strengthen their communities for years to come.”
KTF’s work in the region is inspired by the enduring bond forged between Papua New Guinea and Australia during the Kokoda Campaign of World War II.
Today, that spirit of partnership continues through development initiatives that expand access to education, health, and gender equality.
Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program and the Kokoda Initiative, alongside generous public and philanthropic supporters and the Papua New Guinea Government.
