Jiwaka Province is preparing to welcome its first all-girls school- the Gobo Girls School of Excellence (GGSOE), in time for the 2026 academic year to start.

The school aims to provide specialized science education for young women, marking a major step forward in the province’s educational landscape.

Twenty (20) teacher positions were approved already by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) under the Secondary Salary Structure and now awaiting the school board to finalize the staffing structure.

These positions will prioritize science specialists to deliver quality learning at Gobo Girls School of Excellence.

Secondary Inspector for Jiwaka, Ms. Kaul Tumun, highlighted that Gobo Girls School of Excellence will increase the province’s secondary and high schools from 25 to 26.

She confirmed the selection of the best science teachers has been approved and emphasized the importance of advertising the positions within the province to attract top candidates.

Ms. Tapu recommended balancing the curriculum with a focus on science while maintaining necessary humanities or social science subjects to ensure students qualify for Grade 11 and 12 exams.

She also noted a current gap in leadership, with only two Heads of Departments (HODs) in place. The board will request TSC approval to create three additional HOD positions. She stressed the importance of having experienced teachers for the school’s launch.

The inaugural intake will include an estimated 150 students, all selected from Jiwaka Province.

Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi has pledged resources to support the school’s operations, including chairs, desks, a tipper truck, food, stationery, and temporary accommodations in the completed Headmaster’s house. Additional teacher accommodations will be constructed in due course.

Financially, the school is supported through a combination of government funding, business partners, and donors, totaling more than K5 million. Minister Goi has also offered personal financial assistance to kickstart operations while awaiting Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funds.

Headmaster Johnmar Cudal expressed confidence in the school’s imminent opening, emphasizing a focus on monitoring student performance to meet parental expectations.

“Our priority is to ensure high-quality teaching and track students’ results closely as we begin this important journey,” he said.

With its specialized science curriculum and dedicated staff, Gobo Girls School of Excellence represents a significant milestone for girls’ education in Jiwaka, offering young women opportunities to excel academically and pursue future careers in science and technology.