Nearly 300 teachers and adult learners across the Namatanai District in New Ireland province have reached a major academic milestone, graduating last week through the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program delivered by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF). The series of ceremonies celebrated 293 students – the majority of whom are current classroom teachers – who completed grades nine to twelve while continuing to educate children in more than 114 schools across the region. KTF’s FODE program, now in its second year in Lihir, has expanded to Silom, Lamasong, and Warangansau, thanks to a collaborative effort between KTF, Newmont, the New Ireland Provincial Administration, and the New Ireland Division of Education. Around 88% of graduates are existing teachers who are upgrading their qualifications to align with the national 1-6-6 education reform, without leaving their teaching posts. Describing the event as “momentous,” New Ireland Division of Education School Inspector Godfrey Lutam, commended the graduates for their commitment to personal and professional growth. “Today marks a significant and historical era in the lives of this special cohort,” Lutam said. “They were not only teachers but also students, upgrading their grade 10 and 12 qualifications through FODE.” Among the graduates was Nancy Kandi, a full-time teacher and mother of four, who returned to study after a 20-year break. Kandi hopes to pursue early childhood education and was awarded the Grade 12 Dux for her academic excellence. “I love working with children and want to continue into early childhood training,” she said. “It was challenging at first, but with KTF’s flexible learning model and support, I found the confidence to succeed.” KTF CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson praised the graduates’ resilience and highlighted the program’s broader impact. “Our students have shown extraordinary dedication,” she said. “The teachers, especially, are leading the way in lifelong learning. We’re incredibly proud and deeply grateful to Newmont for their continued support.” Newmont’s Manager for Non-Process Infrastructure in Lihir, Michael Cotterell, also commended the graduates, reinforcing the company’s commitment to education. “Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming communities,” Cotterell said. “Newmont is proud to support initiatives like FODE that are laying the foundation for a stronger and more resilient future for New Ireland.” The graduation ceremony was attended by key education and government representatives, including New Ireland Provincial Administration CEO for Social Services Apelis Benson, Nimamar Division of Education Provincial Inspector Rogers Lulagarea, District Education Manager Josephine Warmanai, District Education Advisor Chris Orim, Newmont’s Government Relations Lead for Kavieng Mactil Bais, and KTF’s Head of Education Martha Bentley. The FODE initiative continues to offer a crucial pathway for teachers and adult learners in remote communities, strengthening the quality and accessibility of education throughout the province.