The Minister for Education, Lukas Dekena, has outlined the government’s 2025 Academic Year Plan and its commitment to ensuring quality education for all students in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Minister Dekena, when speaking at the Dedication Service for Education today in Port Moresby city, emphasized that education remains a fundamental right for all children and a powerful tool for the country’s development. “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our people,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work towards ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Recognizing the challenges faced by educators, the Minister confirmed that efforts are being made to improve teacher welfare. He highlighted the importance of providing resources, such as free airfares, teachers leave allowance and improving the quality of teaching through ongoing training and support for teachers. One of the major announcements in the Minister’s speech was the phased elimination of the Grade 8 and Grade 10 selection processes. “Beginning this year, five provinces will pilot this initiative, with the goal of extending access to education for all students up to Grade 12 by 2027. This initiative will ensure that more students stay in school and continue their academic journeys without being hindered by examination-based selection,” the Minister explained. To accommodate students who may not follow the traditional academic route, Minister Dekena highlighted the importance of alternative education pathways, such as vocational training and the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program. These programs will provide opportunities for students who drop out of the formal education system to continue learning and developing practical skills. In line with the government’s commitment to integrating Christian values into education, the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum will be piloted in selected schools within the National Capital District in 2025. The curriculum is designed to embed Christian principles into the learning environment, shaping students to become law-abiding and God-fearing citizens. Minister Dekena also revealed the long-term Education Transformation Mission 2075, which will be officially launched during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in September 2025. The mission will focus on transforming the education system by embedding Christian values, enhancing the quality of education, and producing a generation of well-rounded citizens committed to the country’s growth and development. As the ceremony concluded, Minister Dekena called on all education stakeholders to remain dedicated to the mission of delivering quality education and ensuring that no child is left behind. “Together, we can restore the future of our children,” he stated, reinforcing the collective responsibility to commit to the education sector and help create a brighter future for PNG. The event ended with a pledge of dedication from all attendees, symbolizing their collective resolve to support the Ministry’s initiatives and make the vision of quality education a reality for every child in the country.