As the 2024 academic years officially ended as of last week and the festive season kicking in, Minster of Education, Lucas Dekena, highlighted some of the achievements that were made during this year in the education sector as well as the commitment, vision and challenges that were faced throughout the year. Minister Dekena extended his warmest wishes to the students, teachers, parents, education administrators and all stakeholders in the education sector and especially the general education sub-sector. In terms of the vision and commitment, the education sector has been guided by the ‘National Education Plan 2020-2029.’ “Our vision espoused in the NEP is clear: an education system that is affordable for parents and Government, that appreciates Christian and traditional values, and that prepares literate, skilled, and healthy citizens, each educated and trained to their fullest potential, to contribute to the economic and social development of the nation.” “This vision remains at the heart of every policy and initiative we have pursued this year as it has been in the past.” In being so, Minister Dekena, highlighted some of the key government policy achievements made including;

1. Government’s Free Tuition and Project Fees Policy

This year, the government has provided K638.9 million in tuition fees for Terms one to four. In addition, the government has covered project fees, totaling K160 million. This has significantly eased the financial burden on families, allowing more children to attend school. This reflects the commitment to ‘leave no child behind’ and building a brighter future for Papua New Guinea. The education sector has achieved an enrolment of 2.4 million this year and graduated 120, 000 grade eight, 77,000 grade tens and 32,000 grade twelves.        2. Transformation of Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) The transformation of FODE has been another milestone this year, with student enrolment growing from 33,000 in 2020 to 82,000 today. This sector provides a second chance for many young Papua New Guineans to complete their education and achieve their aspirations. The trust and interest in FODE are remarkable with exceptional support from many leaders including the Prime Minister. In a landmark decision, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) has included FODE students in the online selection system for tertiary education starting in 2024. This integration ensures that FODE students have equal opportunities to pursue higher education, marking another step toward inclusivity in the education system. 3. National Schools of Excellence (NSOE) and STEM Curriculum The establishment of National Schools of Excellence and the introduction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050. This initiative aims to produce top-tier human capital to drive research, innovation, and economic growth into the future. There is enough evidence to support our top-notch students to be selected for top universities abroad. This year, 165 STEM students were selected to study in the United States, India, Fiji, and China, following the success of the inaugural cohort of 43 in 2023. These young leaders are the embodiment of our aspirations for a smarter, more innovative Papua New Guinea. 4. Early Childhood Education (ECE) ECE has gained momentum as the education system has transitioned to the 1-6-6 structure. A PNG model for ECE is being developed, focusing on integrating four to five-year-olds into pre-formal education. Districts and churches continue to play pivotal roles in this space, with the establishment of an ECE unit to streamline efforts. In 2024, formalized standards in curriculum have been made including one subject called God, Bible and Me, teacher standards and operating standards. Minister Dekena stated that they will start ten ECE centers as model centers in 2025 and increase in the years ahead. 5. Access and the 1-6-6 Structure No child should be left behind. The shift to a 1-6-6 structure is underway, ensuring thirteen years of universal education starting from prep through to grade twelve. This reform includes the introduction of ECE (Kindergarten 1 and 2), who transit to Primary Schools that offer Preparatory, and Grade one to six. He also stated that they are also moving Grade seven and eight into secondary school environments. The challenges of infrastructure and teacher recruitment remain, but collaboration between national, provincial, and local governments has enabled the creation of Junior High Schools and the transformation of Elementary classes into primary school settings. He stated that everyone must collaborate to have all children enter school and remain until Grade twelve. He encouraged everyone to work towards giving every child up to grade twelve education: with only one entry and one exit. 6. Phasing Out Grade 8 and 10 Selections (National Exams) Every child has a right to education and to do away with the concept of using examinations as a tool to select students to continue their education and deny others and give them labels like “drop out” and “unfit”, “low IQ” and so on. Naturally, there are also slow learners who then progress very fast at a later age too. Therefore, the education system must be inclusive and not discriminatory. To correct the misconception and confusion, Minister Dekena said that they will change the headline to phasing out of Grade eight and ten selections. As part of the strategy, examinations would be used for assessment of learning at appropriate grade levels. In line with their commitment to inclusivity and giving every citizen the right to a full general education, Minister Dekena stated that they plan to phase out Grade eight selections for Grade nine starting in 2025. While some provinces face infrastructure challenges, he encouraged readiness at all levels to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy. He also urged provinces and districts to use the 20% education component of PSIP and DSIP to support this policy. In addition, he assured that the examinations and assessment of learning at the classroom level, school level, national level, regional level and international level will always remain as part of the education process. The Department is only doing away with using examinations to terminate young children’s education in Grade eight starting next year and this will be followed with grade ten examinations in a few years’ time. 7. Teachers Professional Development Teachers remain the backbone of the education system. Upgrading programs and quality assurance measures have ensured that educators are equipped to meet the demands of the restructured system. Additionally, teachers received a 3% pay rise, and those on upgraded levels are now being paid accordingly. These efforts demonstrate our appreciation for the invaluable role that teachers play in nation-building. Upgrading the qualifications of 17, 000 elementary teachers to diploma level will now start, so they can teach at a primary school. The education sector has launched the training this year and training will commence in 2025. Meanwhile, whilst looking ahead to 2025, Minister Dekena made mention that the coming year promises to be transformative and as they prepare for the new year and now eagerly anticipate hosting the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers where they will welcome all regional partners to Port Moresby to discuss shared education priorities. “This momentous occasion will further cement Papua New Guinea’s leadership role in Pacific education development. The conference is schedule to take place from March 18th-20th.” “We have completed four regional consultations on PNG Education Transformation Vision (ETV) 2075.” The PNGETV 2075 is a holistic 50-year education strategic roadmap that will spread over five decades of continuous planning, management, implementation, and evaluation through short-term plans such as the MTDP IV, NEP, Annual Plans and agency plans, provincial plans, district plans, LLG plans, ward plans and SLIP. The department is planning to have this policy launched as part of the fifty-year Independence celebration of PNG. In addition, he made mention that they will also pilot the Accelerated Christian Education System in selected NCD primary schools. The ACE curriculum develops a system that integrates academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and it’s highly suitable for the education system. There are currently 180 private schools in PNG offering the ACE system. “In the NCD pilot, we will study the system and look at its adoption or adaption if we see children build their lives on biblical principles, learn to read after twenty weeks, attain academic excellence with strong Christian character-building, focused on self-paced, mastery-based learning, and learn well with confidence and do well in their personal and educational growth.” “Our work continues to be guided by our commitment to equity, quality, and access, ensuring every child in the country receives an education that empowers them to thrive.” Furthermore, he reiterated the achievements and the unity that has driven success. He expressed that teachers are the pillars of this nation, shaping the minds of future leaders. “As for parents your support has been invaluable and for you students, you are the reason for our relentless pursuit for excellence.” “May this festive season bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to every home across Papua New Guinea. Let us work together in 2025 to ensure that no child is left behind and that every citizen is empowered to reach their full potential.” “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!”