The Australian National University (ANU) and The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) are collaborating to address economic and social issues in Papua New Guinea through the monthly ANU-UPNG Seminar Series.
In a recent seminar, Loretta Dilu, a strategic management tutor at UPNG, presented her master's research on the challenges of electricity access in Port Moresby’s 8-mile settlement. Dilu's findings shed light on the complexities of infrastructure and land tenure, financial constraints, safety concerns, and the impact of electricity shortages on businesses and education. Seven young Papua New Guineans who are part of Air Niugini’s National Pilot Cadet Program left Port Moresby over the weekend to commence their initial 18 months pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide, in South Australia.
Stephen Nialir, Vincent Yandawai, Shirley Ambang, Edward Bare, Emmanuel Kukyuwa, Thaddeus Kobal and Wari Willie were selected after successfully passing rigorous and thorough selection criteria. Over 3,000 young men and women from around PNG, applied to secure a spot in Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program in December last year. Those shortlisted went through an intensive selection process which included academic ability, internal aptitude tests and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top performing candidates were selected. An education pathway initiative in Port Moresby is poised to place 15 students into jobs starting next month, following their completion of a six-month empowerment program. This initiative, managed by the international development organization Cufa and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, commenced in January and attracted more than 300 participants.
Susan Verani, the program’s lead trainer, explained that the program was aimed at young people in Port Moresby, particularly those who had recently finished their formal education. Its objective was to facilitate their entry into the workforce and offer support to those who had dropped out of the education system. The program specifically targeted individuals who graduated or left Grade 10 and Grade 12 within the past year and had struggled to secure employment. Among the selected students, three are living with disabilities. PNG Education Minister Lucas Dekena has announced that specialized technical or trade courses for National Certificates (NC) 1 and NC2 must be introduced in at least 50 percent of high schools and secondary schools. Speaking at the 33rd Senior Education Officers’ Conference in Vanimo, West Sepik, Dekena acknowledged that Papua New Guinea's education system has struggled to keep pace with sector growth. He noted that students, teachers, and school environments are often unprepared for effective learning and teaching.
![]() Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa addressed the teachers of Madang province at the Holy Spirit Primary School Hall, responding to their petition and urging them to continue teaching. The teachers had submitted a petition to the Governor's office, listing nine key issues requiring action. Governor Pariwa, who was in Port Moresby at the time presenting a separate petition from the doctors and nurses of Modilon General Hospital, could not receive the teachers' petition in person. SHARDA University in India is offering a 50 percent scholarship discount to Papua New Guinean students looking to pursue tertiary education. Speaking at an education expo held at the Indian High Commission in Port Moresby earlier this month, Manu Aggarwal, assistant director for international relations at Sharda University, announced the unprecedented scholarship offer.
On Friday, July 12, 2024, eleven fourth-year students from the Australian National University’s (ANU) Pacific Affairs Department, along with three academic staff members, visited the Divine Word University (DWU) Madang Campus. The visit, organized by the DWU Partnerships Office, aimed to provide a comprehensive educational and cultural experience for the visitors.
The event began with each ANU student being paired with a DWU student to promote effective communication and participation. The ANU delegation received a traditional welcome from Mrs. Josepha Wailoni, Vice President of the Madang Campus. A delegation of senior education officials from Papua New Guinea recently visited Good to Great Schools Australia as part of a learning exchange program.
Good to Great Schools Australia, an Indigenous-owned member organization, has been successful in partnering with schools in Indigenous communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. The opening of the “American Space” at Divine Word University’s Friendship Library has been lauded as a historic and significant achievement for the United States and Papua New Guinea.
DWU President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs underscored the importance of this milestone in enhancing educational and cultural relations between the two nations. "The American Space is more than just a library expansion; it is a testament to our shared commitment to education," he stated. "It serves as a hub for learning exchange and collaboration, providing access to a wealth of resources about American culture, history, and endless opportunities." A recent study has shown that while the Government’s Tuition Fee Free (TFF) policy has alleviated financial burdens for families, it has also contributed to a decline in the quality of education in Enga Province.
The findings, published in the National Research Institute's Spotlight Vol. 17, Issue 11, titled “Assessing Quality of Education in Enga Province, PNG: Factors Impacting Students’ Learning Experience,” were compiled by research officer Hafford Norea. The study identifies the challenges and consequences of the TFF policy and provides recommendations for improving education quality in the province. |
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