Prime Minister James Marape says that quality education is the most important legacy he hopes to leave behind for the children of his Tari-Pori District and the Hela Province.

Speaking at the official handover of three new staff houses at the Hope Institute in Tari, the Prime Minister emphasized that wealth and material possessions are temporary, but education has the power to shape the future.

“Our plan and aim are to give hope to the children,” Prime Minister Marape said. “They must feel that they are valued and that they can continue to learn and improve their lives through the formal education system.”

Prime Minister Marape thanked Hela Governor Philip Undialu and the Hela Provincial Government for supporting Hope Institute, which he described as a "second-chance school" for students who have completed Grades 8, 10, and 12 but did not continue to secondary or tertiary studies.

He noted the school had previously been situated on swampy ground, but thanks to recent intervention, the land has been drained and upgraded to allow for proper infrastructure development.

“The decision by Governor Undialu and his education division is highly valued and appreciated,” the Prime Minister said. “Thank you for giving us the three staff houses to accommodate our hard-working teachers who are shaping the next generation of good citizens.”

The Prime Minister explained that the school’s original buildings had been damaged by a major earthquake. Progress on new infrastructure was also delayed by landownership issues, which have now been resolved. The land is under state ownership, managed by the Tari-Pori District and the Hope Institute administration.

With development issues cleared, the Prime Minister confirmed that construction will now begin on new classrooms and additional staff housing, including a four-in-one double classroom funded by the provincial government.

Given the school’s location on reclaimed swamp, all future buildings will feature reinforced concrete foundations to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Marape also revealed plans to upgrade Hope Institute into a university-level institution by establishing Hope Polytechnic College, which will cater to Grade 10 and 12 graduates in the region.

“Dreams start small, and already there is a big ray of hope at Hope Institute,” the Prime Minister said. “That is my dream for Tari-Pori and Hela Province—to give hope to our children.”

Prime Minister Marape also emphasized the importance of discipline, good behaviour, and role modelling in schools.

“We want our schools to be non-betel-nut and smoke-free,” he said. “Teachers and staff must be role models—no smoking, no drinking, no betel nut. Our students must be well-mannered, God-fearing and respectful of the law.”

The three newly opened staff houses were built by the Hela Provincial Government, with each valued at over K700,000. These prefabricated homes are fully equipped with solar power, gas stoves, washing machines, and white goods, ensuring 24-hour electricity, even during blackouts.

They are part of a broader rollout of 50 prefabricated houses procured by the provincial government for essential service workers, with three allocated specifically for Hope Institute staff.

Chairman of the Hope Institute School Board, Pastor John Marape, expressed appreciation for the new developments and thanked the provincial and national governments for their intervention.

“I thank God for the wisdom He has given to our leaders to look into this school,” Pastor Marape said.

He added that teachers have endured many years of hardship and called for an additional 20 staff houses to cater for the entire teaching team.

Governor Philip Undialu reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to building the promised four-in-one classroom and providing a vehicle for the school’s administrative needs.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Marape restated his vision to turn the Hope Institute into a fully-fledged education hub where students can complete their learning journey — from early childhood to tertiary education — within the district.

“We want to turn this swamp into a place of learning and transformation—a university one day. From elementary to Grade 12 and onwards to tertiary education, students can complete their entire journey here in Tari at a lower cost to families.”

He also encouraged families to consider technical and vocational training as a viable path to success.

“As a former Education Minister, I want our young people to learn trade skills. When Hope Polytechnic is built, enroll and learn. Turn your skills into livelihoods.”

Marape highlighted the achievements of Hope Institute’s FODE (Flexible Open and Distance Education) students, many of whom have gone on to attend national colleges, universities, and secure employment overseas.

“We do not want any child to be left behind. Here at Hope Institute, we give them a second chance and a bright future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Together with the Hela Provincial Government, we will make Hope Institute, Hope Polytechnic and one day Hope University a living symbol of our people’s resilience, faith and determination.”