The next fifty (50) years of good progress in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be in the hands of the young generation who are now is school, and further advancements in the way education is being delivered is key to seeing them achieving this.

Prime Minister James Marape deliberated on this subject when giving his keynote address this morning at the Flag Raising ceremony on Independence Hill in Port Moresby city, marking PNG's 51st Independence Anniversary.

He said so much progress has been made in education in terms of lifting its standards over the years since independence in 1975. However, more needs to be done.

“Government will continue to invest in schools, colleges, universities, teacher training, classrooms, student accommodations and additional facilities,” said the prime minister.

"In fact, the biggest priority coming up in the next ten (10) years is quality education, wholesome education for our children. Earmarked 11billion kina just to make wholesome intervention in the education sector so that our future is secured by quality education to our children.” 

But he said what the National Government is doing in support for education, must be matched by discipline and personal efforts by all young people in schools

“Young people, do not wait on your parents, your member of parliament or your government to do everything for you. Use your youthful energy to learn, work and prepare yourself,” said Marape.

“Your generation will inherit this country. You must be ready to lead it; you must be ready to work in it. You must be ready work for our country.”

“If you’re in school, stay in school. Work and study hard, respect your parents and teachers. Attend classes, read books, use technologies to learn and not to destroy your mind. Do not waist your young life on alcohol, marijuana, pornography, tribal fighting or crime,” he urged the young people.

He said even those who are unable to continue their education after their final years, there is still opportunities out there provided by the government like FODE, where young people can continue to pursue their dreams.