The Australian Government’s Papua New Guinea Secondary Education Program (PNG SEP) has officially commenced.
Teachers, principals, board representatives, the National Department of Education (NDoE), the Australian High Commission, universities and education partners met to establish a shared vision for the program and shape its implementation.
The PNG SEP is a three-year Australian Government investment that will strengthen teaching and learning, build school leadership, create safer and more inclusive learning environments, and foster stronger education partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Deputy Principal of Kerevat National School of Excellence, Ms Pauline Suvi, said the program would help schools strengthen teaching and learning in practical ways.
“PNG SEP brings educators and partners together to improve classroom practice, strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics teaching and deliver better learning resources for students,” she said.
“This support will help schools provide quality lessons and improve learning outcomes for young Papua New Guineans,” she said.
A series of consultations during visits to participating schools confirmed that while each school faces unique opportunities and challenges, there is a shared commitment to strengthening classroom practice, expanding access to high-quality teaching and learning resources, building instructional leadership, improving student wellbeing and creating safer and more inclusive schools.
Chairman of the Governing Council at Sogeri National School of Excellence, Mr Gogobe Rueben Mairi, said PNG SEP would support stronger school leadership and safer, more inclusive learning environments.
“Australia has been a longstanding partner in supporting education in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“PNG SEP will help school leaders, teachers and students work together to strengthen school improvement, address practical infrastructure needs and create better conditions for learning.”
Implementation is already underway, with English textbook distribution and school-based professional learning commencing across participating schools. Additional activities, including digital learning initiatives, a strengthened postgraduate teacher upgrading pathway, targeted school infrastructure improvements and expanded partnerships with Papua New Guinean and Australian institutions, will progressively roll out over the coming months.
STEM teacher at Kopen National School of Excellence, Melveth Peakari, said PNG SEP would strengthen partnerships that help schools build capability over time.
“As a new National School of Excellence, Kopen needs strong partnerships to build our foundations, attract and support teachers and students, improve infrastructure and upskill our teachers,” he said.
Over the next three years, PNG SEP will invest in stronger schools, stronger leadership and stronger partnerships.
ENDS
Education partners at the PNG Secondary Education Program Inception Workshop in Port Moresby, marking the start of a new PNG–Australia partnership to strengthen secondary education and support better learning outcomes for students across Papua New Guinea.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100