A $100 million loan, about K392 million, from the World Bank is set to improve education in Papua New Guinea.
It has been reported that the Department of Treasury has submitted a request for concessional lending from the International Development Association (IDA).
Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra reportedly says that this initiative will help boost educational outcomes and will work closely with the Department of Education.
Recognizing the importance of quality education, the government has outlined a project aligned with the Ministry of Education’s focus areas for 2025 to 2029.
Dr. Kombra emphasized the commitment to create a multi-year plan aimed at improving primary school learning across the country.
The proposed project will likely include building infrastructure, purchasing teaching materials, training teachers, improving education management, and expanding early childhood education programs. The World Bank financing will support national efforts to meet these educational needs.
The World Bank will also help build the capacity of the Department of Education, focusing on procurement and environmental safeguards. This support is essential since the Department has not managed a World Bank project in years.
Dr. Kombra reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the World Bank to create a detailed project proposal, including a budget and implementation plan that meets Papua New Guinea’s educational goals.
A steering committee, chaired by Dr. Kombra, will oversee the project and include key officials from the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Kombra has called for cooperation among all officers involved in the project to ensure its successful implementation and compliance with the World Bank’s requirements.