Empowering Quality Teaching: Strengthening Integral Human Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Division

In June and July 2025, we launched a two-week training workshop under the theme "Empowering Quality Teaching: Strengthening Integral Human Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Division." Held at Romen Grammar School Hall, the workshop brought together 28 passionate teachers to build their capacity in inclusive, child-centred education, transforming not only classrooms but communities.

This initiative was more than just a training—it was a movement rooted in hope, equity, and transformation. It aimed to bridge the gap many of our early childhood and elementary teachers face: a lack of formal training in Inclusive Education and Integral Human Development (IHD).

Too many children, especially those with special needs, are left behind due to stigma, limited resources, and untrained educators. In some villages, teachers operate out of makeshift shelters, with over 50 children packed into tiny spaces. Yet these educators carry on—teaching with heart, even without pay or supplies.

Our goal was clear: equip teachers with inclusive strategies, promote child protection, and raise awareness on the value of early childhood education. The support of Romen Grammar School—a role model institution in East New Britain—was instrumental. Their leadership, generosity, and belief in holistic education created the space for this transformation to begin.

The workshop was divided into two parts: theoretical and practical training. Week one focused on teaching life skills, inclusive practices, child development, and disability awareness. Week two emphasized blackboard techniques, child protection, and early childhood. Each day brought renewed purpose and real tools for classrooms with limited resources.

The workshop concluded with a Mini House Graduation Ceremony, where each teacher received a Certificate of Accomplishment—jointly issued by Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) and Romen Grammar School. The ceremony was filled with cultural dances, songs, and proud families. The presence of the Raluana LLG President and donation of food supplies was a touching gesture of local support.

After the workshop, Jimaima was one of the selected 10 dedicated participants to attend the Solomon Islands Summit. She began a fundraising drive, visited their schools, and documented their realities. What she witnessed—tiny shelters, teachers with no pay, students with disabilities learning alongside peers—was powerful. It fueled her passion even more.

She is a university student at UPNG, but she doesn’t want to just earn a degree but to feel like she deserves it. She wants to use these years to uplift communities, support struggling teachers, and amplify the voices of grassroots educators. With privilege comes responsibility. Her goal is simple: bring change where it’s needed most.

Thanks to everyone who stood beside this mission—Romen Grammar School, PAYA, community leaders, and every teacher who showed up. This is only the beginning. One step. One school. One heart at a time.