Improving the Provision of Basic Education Services in Papua New Guinea
Supporting the AVIAMP-PIKUS Elementary School
Aviamp–Pikus Elementary School in Anglimp South Waghi, Jiwaka Province, was established in January 2022. The idea to start this school was initiated by a small PIKUS Community back in 2019 with their leader Mr Peter Gene and the Mengemp community chairman Mr Peter Maltu. Mr Gene had decided to give his customary land to the local community to build a primary school by 2022.
With the support from the community, young people from the PNG Rural Development Inc have stepped in to assist them, in an effort to become registered with the Education Department. Student numbers have grown to a total of 36, with two volunteer teachers. There is a great need to improve the literacy and numeracy level in the community, which has a population of around 300 people. There are some schools nearby but these are located many kilometres away and off from the National Highway. Children struggle to access them and often face issues with accessibility including dangerous roads.
“This school was initiated so that the children can start their early education as most of their parents are not educated parents”, as one parent said. “This is the only hope and we know that the number of students attending will increase every term, as it is the only school in our community.”
The two volunteers Mrs Francis (Left) and Mrs Chris with their Phonics class in front of their newly built classroom using local materials.
Papua New Guinea Rural Development Inc is leading the way in the urgent need to reform the educational system to achieve universal basic education in PNG. Even after 47 years of Independence, PNG has been struggling to educate an estimated 3 million primary aged children and faces numerous challenges in providing Education For All (EFA). This study was conducted in four primary schools of Buma Yong area of the Lae District in Morobe Province, PNG. The study revealed that the quality of education has been deteriorating over the past few decades. Many schools in PNG do not have classrooms, teachers, and basic facilities. As a result, the children are losing interest in going to school. Children have dropped out of school so they can assist their families in the household and agricultural activities. It also reveals that the dropout rate of girls is more than that of the boys due to the gender disparity in the country. The study recommended that budgetary allocations should be increased so as to improve the infrastructural facilities and encourage the children to attend primary school and thus achieve the Millennium Development Goal/Education for All in PNG.
Papua New Guinea Rural Development Inc is now seeking support to reach out to any help and donors who will donate learning materials as well construction equipment to build their permanent classrooms. This organisation is a not-for-profit that relies on unpaid volunteers to support their fellow Papua New Guineans.
Email : pngruraldevelopmentinc@gmail.com
Whatsapp : +675 72502890
Website: https://pngrd.org/
Written by Mr John EZEKIEL
Director of Operations for PNG RURAL DEVELOPMENT INC
