Thirty-nine teachers from Taurama Primary School visited the Melanesian Haus Exhibition booth in Waigani, Port Moresby, for the first time on Friday, October 9, to learn more about Papua New Guinea’s political and administrative history.

The educational tour formed part of the school’s activities for International Teachers’ Day, observed on October 5, and aimed to strengthen teachers’ knowledge of the country’s national identity and governance history.

Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, commended the initiative, saying teachers who understand the nation’s history are better equipped to pass that knowledge on to students.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for educators to connect with the people, events and institutions that have shaped PNG’s development.

Led by Head Teacher Marilyn Komeng, the tour involved 39 of the school’s 42 teachers, who explored historical artefacts, cultural displays and timelines documenting the country’s journey from pre-independence to the present day.

The exhibition also features portraits of PNG’s past and present prime ministers, chief secretaries and governors-general, alongside political memorabilia and cultural artefacts representing the country’s provinces.

Ms. Komeng said the experience gave teachers valuable first-hand knowledge that would help them deliver more engaging and informative lessons in the classroom.

She also thanked Mr. Pomaleu for establishing a Special Events Committee within the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council to coordinate and support educational visits.

Mr. Pomaleu encouraged other schools to consider similar tours, highlighting the role of informed teachers in educating future generations about the country’s history and development.

Ms. Komeng said stronger partnerships between schools and government institutions were important for teachers’ professional development and would help prepare them for future educational visits.