Parents, teachers and school board members in Central and Sandaun provinces are taking a more active role in supporting schools and improving student learning following recent training workshops on the National Department of Education's new Parents and Citizens (P&C) Handbook.

The three-day workshops, held in Port Moresby and Vanimo, were delivered with support from the Australian Government-funded Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program.

Participants learned about their responsibilities on school boards, strategies to improve student attendance and behaviour, and ways communities can support education.

Ruatoka Primary School P&C representative Philip Solomon said the training had increased parents' understanding of how their involvement directly contributes to teaching and learning outcomes.

“That awareness quickly turns into action. Parents begin taking ownership, joining discussions, and sharing ideas to improve their school.”

Sogeri Primary School Head Teacher Chris Manggin said the P&C was also helping promote inclusive education, with parents and teachers working together to identify and support children with disabilities.

“Through the P&C, we are raising awareness and encouraging parents to bring their children forward for assessment and support,”

At Gabagaba Primary School, P&C representative Vaporo Rei-Kondolo said parents are becoming more engaged in school activities and development initiatives.

She said parents are helping maintain school facilities, encouraging good student behaviour, and ensuring children come to school prepared to learn.

“This renewed understanding is changing what we see every day in schools.”

This was part of the celebrations of ‘Global Day of Parents’