The ExxonMobil PNG (EMPG) has donated a double story duplex classroom and an administration building to Porebada Primary School built in response to natural disaster.
Porebada Primary School Head Teacher Mr. Jack Mario said that they are truly grateful for the support from ExxonMobil PNG given the school lost a few of its classrooms and its administration building to a natural disaster in 2023.
Mr. Mario stated that Porebada Primary school has a total of 1, 400 students and 26 teaching staff and during the disaster the primary school lost two 4- in- 1 classroom buildings and the Admin Block.
“When we lost our buildings, we had to use makeshift buildings and in Porebada we usually face king tides so it was a struggle when there is high tide because we had to suspend classes due to sea water entering classroom which are built on the ground.
ExxonMobil PNG was the first people to respond to our need by sending in their team to assess the damage and negotiated with the Primary school for the project to commence and they have built high post buildings to avoid sea water entering classrooms during king tides.
ExxonMobil PNG started work in 2024 and it was completed towards the end of the year. The two buildings were handed over to school officially in December 2024 which we are currently using,” Mr. Mario said.
He added that ExxonMobil PNG has been very helpful in contributing positively by making sure that they take part in the students learning by carrying out a science ambassador program which has helped students.
“We are thankful to ExxonMobil PNG for the help they are providing, not just to Porebada village but all the impacted village.
As head teacher I am thankful because ExxonMobil has also built the house that I am living in and that has contributed positively to my work as well.
Without ExxonMobil PNG assistance, I am sure we will not have such buildings in the school for our students and staff to use, so we are truly thankful for their help,” Mr. Mario added.