Kokoda Initiative supporting better education and health for communities
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, today joined communities in Sogeri to open new Elementary School facilities in Depo and Vesulogo.
The facilities include a double classroom, pit latrines and safe drinking water installations for the Elementary Schools in Depo and Vesulogo.
Ms Stokes said the facilities will provide a better and more enjoyable learning environment for over 100 students from both villages.
“The Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea work with communities all along the Kokoda Track, and with Provincial and Local-Level Governments, to improve health and education under the Kokoda Initiative.”
Ms Stokes thanked the Koiari Local-Level Government for its contribution to the construction and furnishing of the schools. In particular, she acknowledged the LLG’s contribution of K20,000 towards the construction of the two schools and a further K20,000 to procure chairs and desks for the schools.
The Kokoda Initiative is an arrangement between the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea to protect the natural, cultural and historic values of the Owen Stanley Ranges, the Brown River Catchment, and the Kokoda Track.
“In addition to protecting the region, Australia and Papua New Guinea are also committed to promoting the economic and social development, including in health and education, of the communities living in it.”
Ms Stokes congratulated the communities, Central Provincial Administration and the Koiari Local-Level Government for working tirelessly to build the schools.
The buildings were certified by the PNG Central Works Department.