There is a critical need for proper housing facilities for teachers to enhance the quality of education in the country. This has led to continuous efforts in this sector by Foreign Minister and Moresby-South MP, Justin Tkatchenko as a priority in his electorate, specifically for the Butuka Academy. He highlights that the success of future generations hinges on the quality of education provided, which is directly linked to the living and working conditions of educators. “If our teachers do not have the proper facilities and are not educated themselves at the highest level—how do we expect our future generation to progress into the future and be educated to the highest level?” Minister Tkatchenko questioned. He stressed that the quality of children’s education is deeply tied to the value and support given to teachers. “Facilities like this are all part of value-adding, enhancing, and supporting the quality of our children's education.” This statement was made on Friday, August 30th during the official handover ceremony of the keys to the new Butuka Academy Teachers Residence, a project that promises to significantly improve the living conditions of educators at the Academy. The ceremony was held with much fanfare and was attended by notable figures including NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to PNG, His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang. Minister Tkatchenko, who officiated the event, acknowledged the tremendous effort that went into completing the facility. He praised the contractor, CSCE Steel, for delivering the project in a mere three months—a feat he described as demonstrating “Shenzhen speed” or “China speed” in construction. "Usually something like this might take a year to build. We can't wait around; the children can't wait around. We need our children educated.” The newly completed Teachers Residences include six self-contained, one-bedroom units, which will now serve as homes for the Academy’s educators. The Butuka Academy project, a symbol of China-PNG friendship, was revitalized thanks to the intervention of Governor Parkop, who ensured that the fully funded Shenzhen City commitment was utilized to rebuild Butuka into a quality educational institution. Minister Tkatchenko did not shy away from giving credit where it was due, stating, “Butuka was never going to happen. It was through Governor Parkop’s intervention that this fully funded Shenzhen City commitment was utilized to rebuild Butuka to this current quality institute.” He further expressed his gratitude to Governor Parkop, saying, “Thank you so much, Governor, for your continuous dedication and support to education in Moresby South. Thank you for your trust and believing in us—look at what we've achieved.” Beyond the physical construction, the project also symbolizes a growing partnership between Papua New Guinea and China, particularly in the field of education. Minister Tkatchenko extended his appreciation to the Chinese Government and the City of Shenzhen for their ongoing commitment to the Butuka Academy and to education in PNG as a whole. He acknowledged Ambassador Xiaoguang and expressed his eagerness to continue strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Governor Parkop also spoke at the event, echoing the sentiment of gratitude towards the Chinese Government. "Again, we thank the Chinese Government for their heartfelt dedication to the education of our children." “We are doing everything that we can to put in place a good learning and teaching environment that can ensure the best and prepare our children for their life journey to a successful life." He also recognized the significance of the partnership with China, noting that it has exceeded expectations and led to significant milestones, such as the completion of the Teachers Residence. The ceremony concluded with Chairlady of the School Board, Lady Ni Cragnolini, expressing her appreciation for the efforts of both MPs and the Chinese and Shenzhen Governments. She highlighted the origins of the China-PNG partnership, which began less than 10 years ago, and praised the ongoing commitment to providing quality education through projects like the Butuka Academy. The successful completion of the Teachers Residence marks another step forward in the collaboration between Papua New Guinea and China, with a shared focus on enhancing education and providing the necessary support to those who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future—its teachers.