Porebada community in Hiri Local Level Government, Central province all came together and celebrated 70 years anniversary of education journey and success, from 08th-10th September 2026, Commemorating Porebada primary school's 70th platinum Jubilee anniversary.

For those who have passed through, it was moment to reflect on their journey, that they pronounced their first English word in class, collecting shells and folding their fingers to do math, learning environment, culture, positive ethics, Christian faith and adapting to a new education standard that has shaped their dreams and future years on.

The school was formally administered by the Australian colonial administration in 1956, after it was previously under the London Missionary society. Over the years it has transitioned through several reforms. 

1947- 1956, it was a London Missionary Society school. 1957-1978 it became an area school. From 1979- 1995 was a community school. From 1996- 2026 it became a Primary school.

Porebada Primary school has travelled through time and has now reached 70 years of providing preparatory and primary education to the community. It is indeed one of the few schools that was established after World War II, during its infant stages by the London Missionary Society, now the United Church of Papua New Guinea, then the Australian colonial administration. It was later taken over by the Education department after PNG got its independence in 1975. 

Few of the indigenous inhabitant of the area through their wisdom and a generous heart gave this prime land away to the Church then the Australian Government for a school to be established. That was the decision that has transformed the Porebada community to embrace school and learning, in parallel with their culture and Christian Faith.

The teaching of love, hope, forgiveness and faith has shaped the Motuan way of life and believe. Education was later introduced as a catalyst of change in behavior, attitude, respect, dedication, and sacrifice. It became a bridge to learning that leverage civilization, interaction and connectivity with the outside world.

The 70th Anniversary event attracted the entire Porebada Community, the nearby motu communities, parents' guardians, former teachers and students as well as other dignitaries.

Dignitaries who attended the event include Keith Iduhu, Deputy Opposition leader, and Member for Hiri Koiari, Mr Haoda Rogea, Hiri LLG President. Councillors from Hiri LLG. Gau Parko, Porebada East, Maba Morea, Porebada West. Guba Kevau, Boera Ward 13, Gunia Ova, Papa Ward 14, Tai Doko, Bogi Kampa Ward 15. Billy Tai, Rearea Ward 16. Kaia Podi, Kido Ward 17, Tau Dair, Gaire ward, Rocky Ulato Douveri, Barakau. Hiri SPA Chairman, Porebada Hiri SPA representative Kauna Kin Gau, PNG GAS Resource Ltd Porebada representative Peter Vagi, 

Pastors of the Porebada 5 Congregation of the United Church, The Church of Christ Pastor, PNG Exxon Mobil delegates, Mr. Gau Eguta, Archie Iviaba, Allan Kealaua, Joanne Tokunai, Gari Morea, and Executive Chairman of the State Negotiation Team, Mr. Dairi Morea Vele.

Former students who have passed through the school in the last seven decades made the occasion more electrifying by presenting items with their previous classmates. The groups then presented several gifts to the school administration received by the headmaster Jack Mario.

Member for Hiri – Koiari and Deputy Opposition leader Keith Iduhu officiated the ceremony and urged the community to believe in the future of education as the foundation of student progress and prosperity in life. 

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Porebada Primary school is the definition of that truth.” “For 70 years, the strength of the school has not just been its classroom, but the unwavering community built around it."

Mr. Iduhu highlighted that the generation of parents and dedicated teachers who poured their love and support into the institution as brought this school this far.

“For 70 years Porebada Primary School has played an integral part of our community fabric, continuity, nurturing, shaping and guiding future generation.”  

“At this milestone, I want to reflect on the importance of a strong foundation in education. The vital work of our primary school in early childhood learning and literacy outcomes cannot be overstated." 

Mr. Iduhu said during these early years the bedrock of lifelong learning was established, and this was a priority that the Hiri-Koiari District Development Authority takes very seriously.  

Various cultural performances were done by both the elementary and primary students, and the celebration was filled with emotions, laughter and euphorbia as the young students and teachers of Porebada Primary school rewrite their names into the school history.

Meanwhile, the school headmaster Mr. Jack Mario, Board Chairman Mr. Taumaku Baru and events chairman Mr. Busina Pune has expressed their gratitude of appreciation to all the participants, sponsors, parents, students, teachers and the organising committees for a successful hosting of the Porebada primary school 70th platinum Jubilee Anniversary.