The newly established Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centre called the Trinity Centre of Excellence located in the districts headquarter of Kurakakaul, Rabaul district in East New Britain province, successfully completed their pioneer grade 10 national FODE examinations yesterday.

A total of 146 grade 10 students sat for their exams starting on Monday October 20th, 2025, with the English paper in the morning session and Social Science in the afternoon.

On Tuesday, the students sat for their Maths and Business Studies exams; Wednesday saw them completing Personal Development and Science and ended the exam week with Written Expression in the morning session and Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the afternoon.

East New Britain Provincial FODE Coordinator Ms. Delma Polong who was present to supervise and oversee the exams, said that these are the pioneer grade 10 FODE students.

“Rabaul district, we are so fortunate that we have a FODE centre right at our doorstep.”

“This is our lifeline to accessing a second chance in education and pathway to further secondary, tertiary, and even employment opportunities.”

She said that of the 146 grade 10s, about 112 students sat for the Maths exam and added that this subject has always seen a lot of students upgrading around our FODE centres in the province.

Meantime, the Rabaul District Education Coordinator Mr. Markus Tipepe, said that students who will pass the selection cut off mark will be selected to continue grade 11 in our formal system schools and those who score below can continue year 11 here at the FODE Trinity Centre of Excellence.

The Education Coordinator further thanked the Rabaul District Administration for their continuous support in the operations of the new FODE centre, stating that they are seeing an increase of students coming in from other districts of Kokopo and Gazelle.

He suggested if the administration can look into expanding to cater for the growing population.

On the other hand, Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, commended the Education sector and said that the administration will continue to support the FODE centre and further encouraged students that such institutions should not be seen as set backs but a bridge to better pathways and opportunities.