The division of education in Kimbe town in West New Britain (WNB) is working on plan a to improve teacher-student ratio in the province.
Provincial Education Executive Manager Mr Vincent Kalatia mentioned that teacher-student ratio is a big problem in schools like Kimbe Secondary, Hoskins Secondary, including schools in the town area.
The current ratio is about 1-to-50-studnet ratio which is not good.
Mr. Kalatia also mentioned that primary and junior high schools are also experiencing this problem and is even worse at this time.
All school inspectors in the province are currently based at Kimbe Secondary school to come up with a proper plan to sort out this issue.
Mr. Kalatia also urged all school headmasters to stop student enrolments without consulting his office.
The situation on hand has caused a shortage of classrooms, particularly in the urban area.
The headmasters have been advised not to accept any student transfers from other provinces unless there’s a full clearance.
Meanwhile, the President of the WNB Teachers Association, Mr. Mathew Michale, stated that teachers cannot receive additional pay to supplement their regular wages given the current overcrowding and high teacher-to-student ratios.
He emphasized that having more than 40 students in a class is too much for any teacher to manage.
Mr. Michale further mentioned that he plans to visit schools to assess the situation and ensure that teacher ratios and working conditions are being properly managed for their welfare.
He noted that this is an issue that all school boards should be addressing and regulating at this time.