Students at Pileh Primary School in Huon District have moved into a new double classroom handed over to the school on Thursday 21st August. Australian Consulate-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said education must start with good facilities. “Children need safe places to learn. This classroom shows our commitment to supporting schools and communities,” he said. The school has 151 students, with 78 girls and 73 boys, but only a few teachers. Before the classroom was built, children often walked long distances to Markham Bridge Primary, sometimes giving up because of floods and rough tracks. Kanowski said the project was made possible through the AusAid program with funding also from the Morobe Provincial Government. He added that it is part of a bigger plan helping 35 schools with new desks and water tanks. Head teacher Yakam Lamu said the classroom is a big relief for the school. “We still need more houses for teachers and more classrooms, but today we are thankful. This gives our children hope,” he said.