The Department of Education has congratulated Jiwaka Province for achieving 100% retention rate in both Grade 9 and 11 this year. The current National Education (NEP) Plan target is that by 2029 all children should complete 13 years of uninterrupted education or training and that major identified barriers are gradually removed. According to the NEP 2020-2029, there is now no institutional barrier, such as a public examination, in place to stop any child who has entered the preparatory grade from completing grade 8. “The national examinations will be phased out over time however, a standards monitoring test will be given to help monitor the progress of students, or lack thereof, so teachers can also improve or adjust their teaching,” Dr. Kombra explained. Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra said Jiwaka Province has expanded its secondary school sector which has resulted in this achievement. “On behalf of the Minister for Education, Hon. Jimmy Uguro, MP, I congratulate Jiwaka Province for this important milestone. I also call on other provinces to do likewise so that we can improve the quality of education attained by our people,” the Secretary said. He also congratulated Western Highlands, Enga, Hela, Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Central, and East New Britain for close to achieving 100% retention rates in Grades 8 to 9 and 10 to 11. Meanwhile, Dr. Kombra also congratulated all the other provinces for close to achieving 100% retention rate in basic education but challenged them to do more for secondary education. “I appeal to all our political leaders and other development partners and stakeholders to assist provinces to build more infrastructures to accommodate the increased number of students in the next 10 years. The more infrastructure developed will also reduce class sizes and improve teaching and learning standards,” Dr. Kombra said.