Teachers’ welfare has been recognized as a major priority during the week-long 34th Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) held in Popondetta, Northern Province, from September 22 to 26.
The conference brought together more than 100 senior education officers, provincial advisors, and development partners under the theme “Accessible Education Pathways for All.”
Among the major outcomes, the conference endorsed initiatives to make teaching a more prestigious and attractive career, with teacher welfare identified as a top priority.
Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said discussions led to key resolutions aimed at strengthening the teaching profession, improving student learning pathways, and modernizing the education system to ensure inclusivity and quality across all levels.
Housing will become a mandatory requirement for school registration, and teacher licensing will be introduced to maintain professional standards.
The integration of the E-RODSS system with the Alesco payroll by 2026 will also streamline salary and benefits management.
To enhance education accessibility, provinces will be required to establish Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) centres in every Local Level Government area, supported by secondary and vocational institutions.
The SEOC reaffirmed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a vital pathway, with a National TVET Strategic Management Plan to be developed and launched later this year.
The conference also resolved that training programs be aligned with labour market demands through stronger engagement with industry partners.
Dr. Kombra confirmed that elementary schools will be phased out, with Prep to Grade 2 classes integrated into primary schools and teachers will undergo retraining to meet new curriculum requirements.
Selections into Grades 9 and 11 will be gradually phased out between 2025 and 2027 to ensure all students complete 13 years of basic education.
Early Childhood Education will also be rolled out in all registered schools as part of the National Education Plan.
In promoting inclusion, the SEOC endorsed the establishment of special education institutions, compulsory hearing and sight tests for preparatory students, and nationwide awareness on inclusive education policies.
Technology was another major focus, with provinces committing to support digital learning through the Learning Management System (LMS).
The Teaching Service Commission will introduce ICT teaching positions, and the Government will pursue cheaper internet access, including through Starlink connectivity.
Dr. Kombra highlighted the importance of partnerships, citing collaborations with UNESCO, the Kokoda Track Foundation, and Save the Children.
The University of Goroka will also continue aligning its STEM curriculum content and strengthening teacher training standards.
Minister for Education Lucas Dekena commended the outcomes of the conference, saying they reaffirm the government’s commitment to accessible and inclusive education.
“The resolutions of the 34th SEOC reaffirm our collective commitment to ensure accessible, quality, and inclusive education for every Papua New Guinean child. These decisions set the foundation for reforms in teacher professionalism, student pathways, and education delivery across all levels,” Minister Dekena said.
Minister Dekena also congratulated the Northern Provincial Government and the people of Northern Province for their successful hosting of the event.
He acknowledged the leadership of Governor Garry Juffa, whose administration coordinated the conference, the first to be held in the province in 50 years.
“This conference has been an outstanding success, and I commend Northern Province for its dedication in ensuring that SEOC 2025 delivered meaningful outcomes for education in our country,” Dekena said.
Governor Juffa thanked the Department of Education for entrusting Northern Province with the responsibility and proposed that future SEOCs include the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform to help follow through on recommendations at the national level.
“The Parliamentary Committee is ready to support the Department’s efforts to ensure SEOC resolutions are advanced not only in Cabinet but also in Parliament,” Governor Juffa said.
The 35th Senior Education Officers Conference will be hosted by the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in 2026.
