In 2022, there were about 63, 000 students enrolled to study at Flexible Open and Distance Education centers around Papua New Guinea.
FODE principal, Mr Anthony Rayappan said that this year, they have seen a 10% increase in enrolment.
“I am unable to give an actual figure as registrations are still on at this time.”
“Registration closes on the 1st of March, 2023.”
Mr Rayappan said that more and more people are now enrolling at FODE now that they know you can attain the same certificates as those that complete their education in normal schools.
“People that haven’t completed their formal education can do so through FODE.”
“FODE offers full time correspondence for students from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. Students who want to upgrade their marks for Grade 10 and Grade 12 can also do so at FODE centers.”
He said that initially students were asked to pay K100 registration fees however, as of the 20th of February, 2023 students register for free and for full correspondence students, they won’t be paying any fees.
“Their fees are included in the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy. A fee of K150 per subject is charged for students that wish to upgrade their marks.”
Mr Rayappan added that they will be piloting the new online Learning system for FODE starting with NCD and central next month for people that have access to smartphones and reliable internet service.
“Students that enrol for online learning will be able to receive their lessons, submit their work and have teacher-student interactions online. Fees for online learning will be same.”
“This will be rolled out for the rest of the provinces by next year.”