Senior teachers, lecturers, and guidance officers from higher education institutions across the country were formally introduced to the Senisim PNG Program during a pre-in-service training workshop held at Dixie Bungalow outside Port Moresby last Friday.
Facilitated by the PNG Tribal Foundation in partnership with the National Department of Education, the session formed part of a week-long pre-in-service training on the Smarter and Safer School Program in the National Capital District (NCD).
Senisim PNG Education National Coordinator Manasseh Davey explained that the Tribal Foundation was invited to introduce its core "Transformation Tables" and "Value of the Month" frameworks to educators and guidance officers. The initiative aligns directly with the national education plan, which seeks to positively shape student attitudes, behaviours, mindsets, and cultural values.
Education Department First Secretary of the Guidance and Counselling Division, Allan Jim, stated that the pre-in-service workshop was specifically designed to equip educators with a newly developed course titled Guidance and Counselling on Behaviour Management.
“We want to promote positive behaviour and minimise anti-social conduct among students in our classrooms,” Mr. Jim said. “We have trained these educators on the new course so they can return to their respective institutions and train fellow teachers to implement it effectively.”
University of Goroka Executive Dean Dr. Kainaro Kravia highlighted the critical role of values-based education in keeping tertiary students focused on their academic goals. He urged all guidance officers to take ownership of delivering values-based training in alignment with PNG Vision 2050.
“What can we do to help students, and what values can we help them understand?” Dr. Kravia asked. “These values help students understand why they are in school. Values-based training is an essential part of the education process—from primary and secondary schools right through to tertiary institutions.”
Jubilee Institute of Higher Education representative John Ugumbaia echoed these sentiments, noting that integrating moral values alongside the standard academic curriculum can contribute to broader national security and crime reduction.
“It is important to teach students good values alongside the education curriculum,” Mr. Ugumbaia said. “It helps them develop positive behaviours, attitudes, and mindsets, which can ultimately help reduce crime rates within our communities and across the nation.”
Oro Province Guidance Officer Amelia Asimba shared firsthand success stories from her province, noting that the program has already transformed student conduct and community engagement.
“The monthly values have changed many students in our province, and we have seen tremendous benefits from this program by the PNG Tribal Foundation,” Ms. Asimba said. “Many students have grasped the importance of values-based training, and it has positively impacted their local communities.”
University lecturers have pledged to work closely with PNG Tribal Foundation next year to introduce the program into universities.
Selected institutions includes Gaulim Techers College, Sonoma Adventist College, Kabaleo Teachers College, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Balob Teachers College, Maru Teachers College, Kaindi Teacher College, Holy Trinity Teachers College, University of Goroka, Pacific Adventist University, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Jubilee Institute of Higher Education and Secret Heart Teachers College took part in the weeklong pre in service.
Following the workshop, participating university and college lecturers pledged to work closely with the PNG Tribal Foundation next year to formally introduce the Senisim PNG Program across their campuses.