Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR090831 Caribou

Media release

1 September 2009

For immediate release

New Classrooms on the Kokoda Track

 

It’s a bird…no it’s a plane...hey, hang on…it’s a school…in a plane!

Last month school children in the remote and rugged region of Mt Kaiori, Central Province, stared wide-eyed as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Caribou crew unloaded the materials for their new classrooms.

The materials were provided under the PNG-Australia development program which has a strong focus on supporting schools at the provincial and community level.

Schools at Kagi, Manari and Efogi each received materials for a double classroom. In addition Efogi received materials for two teachers’ houses.

Melee and Nadinumu primary schools purchased their own building materials which were delivered by the Caribou. Each school community is now responsible for carrying out the construction on the new buildings.

Bill Costello, Head of AusAID in PNG said the new classrooms would mean more local kids get a better education.

“This is a great outcome for these communities, especially the school children. Under the PNG-Australia Partnership for Development we will continue a strong focus on improving education in PNG,” said Mr Costello.

The flight into Koiari was a training exercise for Caribou Flight Lieutenant, Natalie Pietrobon and her 5 person crew from Australia. RAAF crews regularly train in PNG’s challenging flying conditions and support the development program where possible.