The National Department of Education alongside UNICEF and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will be taking lead in launching the Smarter, Safer Schools (3S) Program in Central Province which will be facilitated by the Central Provincial Government.

The launch will take place tomorrow, Wednesday March 4th, 2026, at Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Koiari, Central province.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Assistant Secretary for Aid Program Coordination at the National Department of Education, Matsu Kumain, thanked the government, development partners and education officers for their continued support in driving human resource development in the country.

“Education is everybody’s business."

“Whatever we do, we are investing in the human resource development of our country.”

He acknowledged the government as the primary driver of education investment, while also recognizing the critical role of development partners as well as private sector support.

Kumain said the department’s greatest desire is to see strategic investments like the 3S Program directly improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

“Very simple programs like this help us tick off the smart indicators at the implementation level."

“When we implement a program like this at the school level, we tick the boxes at the province and department level, and eventually at the national level.”

He added that while national visions such as long-term development goals are important, practical programs implemented at school level are critical to achieving those targets.

Meanwhile, Provincial Education Advisor for Central, Marybrenda Kasokason said the province is determined to reposition itself as a leader in Papua New Guinea’s education sector after years of being overlooked for major national education events.

Despite its proximity to the National Capital District, Central Province has missed out on hosting significant launches in the past.

However, in 2025, the province successfully launched National Book Week, with activities beginning in Abao District and concluding in Kairuku District.

“We want to put Central Province on the map. We may have been sleeping, but we are awake now."