The Government's newly approved K11 billion education reform programme aims to transform the country's education sector, with a strong focus on infrastructure, teacher welfare, and addressing critical shortages in the teaching workforce.

Prime Minister James Marape stated that a significant portion of the funding will be directed towards building modern classrooms for both primary and secondary schools, expanding learning spaces to accommodate rising enrolment numbers, and constructing teachers' houses, particularly in rural and remote areas.

He emphasized the importance of improving teacher working conditions, professional training, and overall welfare to enhance education standards across the nation.

“I have said clearly that teachers must be among the highest-paid public servants in our country.”

Additionally, the government will focus on addressing teacher shortages by recruiting new graduates, especially those from the University of Papua New Guinea and PNG University of Technology.

Specialists in fields like mathematics, science, engineering, agriculture, commerce, tourism, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) will be engaged under newly approved Public Service Commission contract arrangements, allowing for quicker deployment to schools facing staffing shortages.

Provincial governments and district administrations are being urged to assist with providing teacher accommodation, particularly in fast-growing or remote communities.