Prime Minister James Marape attended the graduation of nearly 200 students at Kambubu Secondary School in the Sinivit LLG of Pomio District in East New Britain Province on Sunday, October 13.
Addressing the 100 grade 10s, 60 grade 12s and 26 Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) graduating students, he encouraged the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission to create new pathways for students, including expanding Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) services to help students improve their marks.
“I want Kambubu to pilot a school system that is unique and different.”
“You cannot only remain a high school provider, you must be a college that is serving our community,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He proposed that Kambubu transform into an agro-based community college where students who complete Grade 12, but cannot pursue further education, could gain life skills.
The Prime Minister also suggested that Sonoma Adventist College in the region be elevated to university status, complementing Kambubu’s proposed new role as a community college.
His vision aims to provide more educational and life opportunities to the youths of East New Britain and Papua New Guinea.
Kambubu Secondary School’s large land area and resources, according to Prime Minister Marape, could be key assets in building a successful rural-based college that serves the local community and helps students gain valuable skills.
He stressed the need for such innovative approaches in education to ensure students have multiple opportunities for success.