In some welcome news to start of the New Year, Porgera Secondary School in Enga Province, will restart classes this year.
Deputy Principal Amos Amail said this but not before maintenance on destroyed properties is done.
“After 3 consecutive meetings that were held in the provincial capital, yes we have been advised to start again this year.”
Mr. Amail has stated that although they have been asked to restart school this year, the school administration is urging the Local Level Government to have patience while they look for ways to rebuild structures lost during the attacks last year.
“We can’t restart school next month because really we need to carry out major maintenance on the school before we can move on to normal classes.”
Mr.Amail says that maintenance and renovation is a major need before school starts.
While the school is waiting for confirmation on whether classes will be restarting next month or at a later date, they are also waiting on the Provincial Education Board to approve a teachers posting list to confirm for the academic year.
Many teachers and students were left in shock as they watched their school burn in the tribal fight that had occurred due to an ongoing land dispute, one that has been raging for years.
Amail says there are 37 ancillary staff positions that have already been taken, they are now waiting for the posting list from the PED.
Mr. Amail is optimistic that the posting will be sent out this week.
Many teachers fled the school due to the tribal fights that occurred during the National General Elections, losing homes and belongings in the process.