The Department has also reminded schools to complete the required internal assessment submissions through the Online SIBs system.

Schools are expected to take note of the examination dates and ensure students and teachers are adequately prepared for each examination session.

The 2026 National Examinations will begin on Monday, October 5, with the Grade 10 examinations, followed by the Grade 12 examinations the following week.

headlines

• PNG Students Introduced to Indonesian Scholarships and Academic Pathways
• East New Britain Schools Suspend Classes as El Niño Worsens
• PNG Women Turn Classroom Skills Into Businesses
• Kerevat NSoE Unveils K3.8 Million Auditorium and Digital Education Projects in PNG

UPNG also maintained a presence at the exhibition, presenting information about its own programs and building contacts with Indonesian counterparts.

One of the key sessions featured UPNG alumna Stephanie Yakumbu, who returned to share her experience of completing postgraduate studies in Indonesia.

Ms Yakumbu finished her undergraduate studies at UPNG in 2022 before being awarded the Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship.

The scholarship enabled her to undertake a Master’s degree in Language and Literature Education at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, which she completed in August 2026.

Her presentation gave students an insight into the experience of studying in Indonesia and the opportunities available through government-supported scholarships.

Students were also encouraged to take advantage of free Bahasa Indonesia classes held at the Indonesian Embassy every Saturday.

The classes are open to UPNG students who want to improve their language skills and learn more about Indonesian culture.

The exhibition has also provided UPNG with an opportunity to deepen academic connections with Indonesian institutions while giving its students more information about international education pathways.

Headlines
​

• East New Britain Schools Suspend Classes as El Niño Worsens
• PNG Women Turn Classroom Skills Into Businesses
• Kerevat NSoE Unveils K3.8 Million Auditorium and Digital Education Projects in PNG
• Young PNG Artist Makes UPNG Exhibition Debut at 14

Schools across East New Britain have been directed to suspend classes following worsening El Niño conditions, with provincial education authorities introducing emergency measures to protect students and teachers from drought and flooding.

The provincial education board's directive, which took effect on September 28, allows different arrangements across districts, with schools in the Gazelle Peninsula facing an indefinite closure while those in Pomio will make decisions based on local conditions.

Provincial Education Adviser Pius Reva said the suspension would be implemented according to the severity of the situation in each district.

"For the Gazelle Peninsula, the suspension is indefinite. But in Pomio, head teachers and principals will make decisions on the ground depending on the circumstances," Reva said.

The decision follows disruptions to education caused by El Niño, with drought affecting communities in Gazelle and flooding creating difficulties for schools and students in Pomio.

In a circular signed by provincial education board chairman Levi Mano, the board said the measures were necessary to safeguard the welfare of students and school personnel in affected areas.

"The suspension and adjustment of school hours in the affected sectors and grades is therefore a protective, not merely a precautionary measure," Mano stated.

Under the new arrangements, early childhood education and primary school classes from Grades One to Six will remain suspended indefinitely, while examination classes in Grades Eight, 10 and 12 will continue until their national examinations are completed.

Students in Grades Seven, Nine and 11 will attend classes once a week, with school administrators required to consider alternative learning arrangements, including online teaching.

The directive also instructs school management to secure properties, protect institutional assets and freeze accounts associated with the suspended education sectors.

Mano urged students to continue completing lessons, assessments and other learning activities assigned by their schools while remaining at home during the suspension.

"Students must complete any lessons, assessment tasks and other educational activities given at school, and remain at home during this period," he said.

He called on parents to ensure their children comply with the directive and work closely with schools to maintain learning activities despite the disruptions.

Headlines

• PNG Women Turn Classroom Skills Into Businesses
• Kerevat NSoE Unveils K3.8 Million Auditorium and Digital Education Projects in PNG
• Young PNG Artist Makes UPNG Exhibition Debut at 14
• PNG Teachers Warned: Scammers Cashing In On Fake Job Promises
  

PNG's young entrepreneurs are getting an opportunity to test their business skills in the marketplace, with three final-year ITI students now operating their own ventures at Unity Mall in Port Moresby.
Sharlyn Bae, Magdaline Dapal and Mavis Omoa were selected from seven students who took part in interviews for an SME business on-the-job training programme developed through cooperation between ITI, Mama Bank and SMEC.
The three students will continue their studies while managing their respective enterprises.

Bae, who is studying for a Diploma in Business Accounting, owns Liijay Sweets, producing cakes and pastries.
Marketing Management student Dapal operates Maravut Sales, which specialises in arts and crafts, while Omoa, another Business Accounting student, runs Mavuai Collection.

ITI Chairman and Co-Founder Senthil Kumaran Sentheyval said the project was developed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical business experience.
The concept came from ITI's regular student pop-up markets, held every two months as a platform for students to sell their products and learn how customers respond to their businesses.
Mr Kumaran said the partnership with Mama Bank and SMEC would give participants access to business training and financial support.
He said ITI wanted the students to build enough experience and cash flow to eventually operate independently.
The initiative will also be extended to other students in future groups.
“If you give them the initial push, if they start having their cash flow, then they can rent their own space in the future and run their own businesses,” he said.

Mama Bank CEO Gunanidhi Das said the financial institution welcomed the chance to assist young women entering the SME sector.
He said the bank's support would include financial literacy, savings and loan facilities under its existing agreement with ITI.
According to Mr Das, the students could start with modest borrowing and gradually qualify for increased financing by establishing savings and a sound credit history.

He also reminded the entrepreneurs that careful financial management would be essential, including separating household funds from business earnings and reinvesting some profits.
SMEC Special Project Advisor Edward Kepa said the students had already received entrepreneurship training from the organisation in July.

The training was delivered under an internationally recognised programme focused on developing entrepreneurs and people capable of creating employment.
Mr Kepa said SMEC would remain involved by offering additional guidance as the students progressed.
Unity Supermarket Limited executive chairman Eric Haiara said the students should concentrate on maintaining reliable standards in their products, prices and trading hours.

He said customers needed consistency and that Unity Mall's approximately 100 small businesses offered an environment where new entrepreneurs could learn and grow.
The three businesses are being provided with space at the mall at a reduced rental rate. From the normal monthly charge of about K7,000, a 20 per cent reduction brings the cost down to K5,600, which ITI management will cover.

The students will balance their business commitments with their academic timetable. Their classes are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving other days for business operations.
Family members will also assist with sales when the students are attending classes.

The programme is aimed at giving PNG students a pathway into entrepreneurship rather than having to depend solely on formal employment once they complete their studies.

headlines

• Kerevat NSoE Unveils K3.8 Million Auditorium and Digital Education Projects in PNG
• Young PNG Artist Makes UPNG Exhibition Debut at 14
• PNG Teachers Warned: Scammers Cashing In On Fake Job Promises
• PNG Education Department launches GESI policy for public servants
  

Kerevat National School of Excellence has expanded its educational facilities with the commissioning of new classrooms, a K3.8 million auditorium and digital management infrastructure, as Papua New Guinea steps up efforts to modernise its education system.

Education Minister Francis Kikin Siune officially opened the facilities on Friday, September 25, 2026, in the presence of Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, provincial leaders, school representatives, students and members of the local community.

The ceremony showcased five major developments aimed at improving the school's learning environment, strengthening administrative systems and advancing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education.

Among the new facilities are two 12-in-1 classroom complexes incorporating 16 smart classrooms and a state-of-the-art multi-purpose auditorium, constructed at a cost of K3.8 million.

The other initiatives include a School Digital Management System, a comprehensive School Development Plan and Future Projects, and the establishment of the James Marape Legacy Campus.

Minister Siune praised the school's leadership and stakeholders for their efforts in delivering the projects and maximising available resources to improve educational outcomes.

The introduction of the digital management platform is expected to strengthen the handling of student information, school records and administrative functions, while supporting the integration of technology into everyday learning.

During the ceremony, the minister also unveiled a monument dedicated to the James Marape Legacy Campus, acknowledging the Prime Minister and the Marape-Rosso Government for advancing the National Schools of Excellence initiative and maintaining the STEM scholarship programme over the past four years.

Mr Marape was attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and was therefore absent from the commissioning.

The event's theme, "Excelling through Digital Empowerment and Innovation," reflected the government's push to equip schools with modern facilities and digital tools to meet the changing demands of education.

Minister Siune used the occasion to announce the planned introduction of the PNG Education Transformation Vision 2075, a 50-year national strategy intended to guide education reforms and strengthen the skills and capabilities of future graduates.

The proposed framework will prioritise analytical thinking, knowledge development, problem-solving, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, personal discipline and ethical values.

It is designed to prepare students to address complex domestic and international challenges, develop practical solutions, establish businesses, generate employment and contribute to public service.

The Department of Education has also launched EduNex, a centralised Learning Management System intended to bring together digital teaching materials, curriculum resources, lesson plans, student assessments and academic records.

Kerevat is one of seven National Schools of Excellence selected to participate in the EduNex pilot programme, with the platform to operate alongside its new digital management system.

Minister Siune said the National Schools of Excellence were expected to function as centres of innovation and advanced learning, particularly in STEM and STEAM disciplines.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to investing in school infrastructure, improving teacher training and expanding access to digital education throughout Papua New Guinea

headlines

• Young PNG Artist Makes UPNG Exhibition Debut at 14
• PNG Teachers Warned: Scammers Cashing In On Fake Job Promises
• PNG Education Department launches GESI policy for public servants
• ​PNG TSC Rejects Claims of Early Teachers’ Salary Increase
  

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The work of a 14-year-old Papua New Guinean schoolboy is on public display at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), giving the young artist his first opportunity to exhibit his paintings within a university setting.

Wanneli Sagata, who attends Waigani Primary School, has brought his drawings and paintings to the Sir Michael Somare Library as part of activities marking UPNG’s 51st Independence celebrations.

The Grade 8 student, whose family roots are in Eastern Highlands Province, began exploring art when he was in Grade 2. Since then, drawing and painting have developed into a strong interest for him.

Two of his works have been selected for the exhibition. One was inspired by his fascination with dinosaurs after reading a book, while the other presents an Asaro Mudman from his Eastern Highlands cultural background.

For Wanneli, painting the Mudman provided more than an artistic exercise. It gave him a way to present an element of his cultural identity and communicate the traditions of his province through visual art.

The young artist said having his work displayed at the university had given him fresh encouragement to pursue his interest.

“Seeing my artwork being showcased at the Michael Somare Library at the University has become a great motivation for me,” he said.

Wanneli now hopes to build on the experience by producing additional paintings and developing his skills so he can take part in future exhibitions.

The display is part of an effort by the Sir Michael Somare Library and UPNG Arts students to give young people a platform to express themselves through creative work.

It also provides an avenue for students and emerging artists to explore PNG’s diverse cultures, identities and stories through visual expression.

For the young Waigani Primary School student, his first university exhibition has become an opportunity to gain confidence, learn from others and show where he comes from through his artwork.

Headlines

• PNG Teachers Warned: Scammers Cashing In On Fake Job Promises
• PNG Education Department launches GESI policy for public servants
• ​PNG TSC Rejects Claims of Early Teachers’ Salary Increase
  

PAPUA New Guinea teachers are being warned to stay clear of scammers targeting them on social media, with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) revealing that fraudsters are cashing in on the promise of jobs.

TSC Acting Chairman Maini Ugaia said newly-graduated teachers and those posted in remote parts of the country were most at risk, with con artists demanding so-called "legal service fees" before promising to secure employment for victims.
Mr Ugaia was quick to set the record straight, stating that neither the TSC nor the Department of Education has ever imposed such charges. According to him, there is no policy, provision or process within either institution that involves a "legal service fee" or any related administrative payment.

Investigations by the Commission have traced much of the fraudulent activity to a Facebook account operating under the name Guina Robin. The account holder has reportedly been posing as a TSC officer, using the platform to lure unsuspecting teachers into handing over money. Mr Ugaia confirmed that no person by that name is on the payroll of either the TSC or the Department of Education.

The Commission has since told teachers to steer away from using Facebook and other social media platforms to handle anything related to their employment. Mr Ugaia pointed out that TSC officers are already based in every province specifically to help teachers with such matters in person.
Anyone with questions about appointments, postings or paperwork has been told to go directly to their provincial education office rather than rely on messages sent online.
Mr Ugaia did not mince words when addressing those behind the scam, telling them to stop the illegal operation immediately. He said the Commission was already working to track down the culprits and that police would eventually catch up with them.
He also called on the wider public and members of the teaching fraternity to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and report any scam attempts, whether to police or directly to the TSC head office.
"There is no such thing as a legal service fee or administrative charge within either the TSC or the Department of Education," Mr Ugaia said.

Headlines

• PNG Education Department launches GESI policy for public servants
• ​PNG TSC Rejects Claims of Early Teachers’ Salary Increase
• PM Marape Unveils K11 Billion Education Fund, Calls It Cornerstone of PNG's Future
  

PAPUA New Guinea's National Department of Education has introduced a new policy aimed at creating a fairer, safer and more inclusive workplace for its public servants.

The Public Service Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy 2026 was launched in Port Moresby today, marking a new step by the department to strengthen inclusive leadership and workplace practices across the education sector. The initiative was developed with support from the Australian Government.

The policy follows a broader public service push for government agencies to establish their own GESI frameworks and sets out measures to promote equal opportunity, accessibility and support for officers within the department.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the policy was intended to ensure both women and men had opportunities to contribute to the direction and development of the organisation.

He said promoting women's leadership should not be viewed as limiting opportunities for men, but rather as a way of drawing on the skills, knowledge and experience of the entire workforce.

“Women play an essential role in our community, as do men in their own right. The public service recognizes gender equality as a fundamental human right for all. It is a critical foundation for building strong, balanced, and effective education systems for Papua New Guinea,” Dr Kombra said.

National GESI Coordinator Claribel Waide said the policy was designed to benefit the department as a whole rather than focus on one section of the workforce.

She said greater participation by women in leadership would also create opportunities for men and women to work together more effectively in sharing responsibilities and making decisions.

“This is not just a policy for women. It is an opportunity for the whole department—men included—to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Gender equality benefits everyone. When we strengthen women’s leadership, we also open doors for men to collaborate more effectively, share responsibilities, and contribute to decision-making in new ways. Stronger women’s leadership means stronger institutions for all of us,” she said.

The policy is also aligned with Papua New Guinea's National Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy 2025–2035, which focuses on improving women's participation and leadership, strengthening safety and rights, and reducing barriers to participation.

The department said the approach recognises that lasting progress requires women and men to work together as partners in building an inclusive public service.

Headlines

• PNG TSC Rejects Claims of Early Teachers’ Salary Increase
• PM Marape Unveils K11 Billion Education Fund, Calls It Cornerstone of PNG's Future
• K130 million UOG upgrade opened as Marape puts education at heart of PNG's future
• PNG Physics Teacher to Undertake Education Program in USA
  

Mr Ugaia said the matter had been raised with the Department of Personnel Management, but approval from DPM was still required before any changes could be implemented.

He criticised recent public comments by the Papua New Guinea Teachers Association president, saying they were made before the process had been finalised.

“The statement circulated in the media is untrue and misleading.

“The PNGTA President is advised to withdraw these unauthorized claims immediately. Negotiations are a formal administrative process, and creating false expectations among our hard-working teachers disrupts the stability of our education sector,” he said.

According to the acting chairman, negotiations between the TSC and PNGTA must follow the established administrative procedures.

He said teachers should not depend on reports or announcements that have not been issued through official TSC channels.

Mr Ugaia said the commission remained the legal employer and the body responsible for teachers’ salaries, welfare and employment conditions.

He urged teachers to seek clarification from TSC headquarters or wait for authorised announcements from the commission.

The acting chairman also acknowledged the work of almost 70,000 teachers across the country during the academic year.

He encouraged them to maintain their commitment to students as schools enter the final term.

“The Commission extends its appreciation to our nearly 70,000 teachers nationwide for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our students throughout this academic year.

“As we enter the final term of the school calendar, we wish you all the very best and continued success in your classrooms,” Mr Ugaia said.

Headlines
​

• PM Marape Unveils K11 Billion Education Fund, Calls It Cornerstone of PNG's Future
• K130 million UOG upgrade opened as Marape puts education at heart of PNG's future
• PNG Physics Teacher to Undertake Education Program in USA
• PNG's Northern Province Launches 31st National Literacy Week

A decade-long funding package worth K11 billion has been committed by the Papua New Guinea government to overhaul and support the education sector, Prime Minister James Marape revealed this week.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony held at Independence Hill on Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister positioned education as one of the central pillars of his government's agenda for the next ten years.

According to Marape, the substantial funding envelope is intended to benefit schools, universities, teacher training institutions, classroom construction, student accommodation and other core facilities across the country.
The Prime Minister also addressed students who might not transition smoothly into further education, urging them to stay optimistic and explore alternative study options, including the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) pathway.
Vocational schools and technical training centres were also singled out by Marape as important options for young Papua New Guineans looking to build practical skills and secure employment.
Describing students as the nation's next generation of leaders, Marape stressed that this level of government investment needs to be matched by genuine commitment, discipline and hard work from learners and educators alike.

headlines

• K130 million UOG upgrade opened as Marape puts education at heart of PNG's future
• PNG Physics Teacher to Undertake Education Program in USA
• PNG's Northern Province Launches 31st National Literacy Week
• 70 Students Face Court Over PNG Capital Fight Chaos