The New Ireland Education Chief Executive Officer, Mr Apelis Benson has said that funding of education services has been a real challenge in the education sector in the province. “I am having difficulties securing allocated funds to subsidise activities such as training, inspections, examinations, refurbishment of schools, rations support for secondary school and even consistency in disbursement of Government Tuition Fee Subsidy.” “I therefore, ask all leaders to manage funds well and only fund activities that are relevant.” “Thank you to those leaders who are always supporting the Government deliver their responsibilities." Apelis said that funding for Provincial In-service training week for teachers are still pending and they have had to postpone the PIST to a later date. He said that there will be a formal circular sent out by week 3 to confirm dates as well as possible change of assessment and term dates. He thanked all teachers for their patience and reminded them that teaching and learning must be the core business of every teacher saying attendance and punctuality is important. He asked that all heads of schools for Grades 8, 10 and 12 must submit their budgets for the national examination as soon as possible and that includes the marking of the written expression exams as well. He added that Monday 24th July 2023 is a public holiday and schools will observe this public holiday and resume the next day.