In marking this year’s International Day of Education this week, ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), the operator of the PNG LNG Project, emphasised the importance of investing in education to drive economic empowerment for all Papua New Guineans. Through partnerships with its stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, the company aimed to compliment policies implemented by national and provincial governments and also support school and teacher programs in an effort to build strong foundations for learning and development. ExxonMobile PNG’s partnership with Hides Gas Development Company Ltd (HGDC), Hela Provincial Government, Hela Education Services, and the Department of Education, led to the recent opening of a new science laboratory at the St. Pauls Komo Catholic Junior Day High School in Komo, Hela Province late last year. As a result, the school was elevated to becoming the first secondary school in Komo. Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG, Tera Shandro, spoke on the importance of education in communities. “Educational investments can transform lives, strengthen families and communities, and financially empower individuals.” “For these reasons they are a key pillar of our social investment strategy in PNG.” “The new Komo science laboratory will now provide opportunities that were previously unavailable for more than 400 students to learn in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).” “We believe this will not only enrich their studies but also open new career opportunities for them.” Komo LLG President and Hela Deputy Governor, Charles Haluya supported ExxonMobil PNG and other development partners in developing education in the country. The St. Pauls Komo Catholic Junior Day High School science lab is just the latest example of ExxonMobil PNG’s long-standing commitment to strengthening education in Papua New Guinea. Since LNG Production commenced in 2014, the company has invested more than K18 million in educational initiatives ranging from refurbishing and building classrooms and teacher housing, to teacher training, to the supply of books, sports equipment, and educational materials across its Project areas.