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. Dekena emphasized that the solution lies in increasing investment in cost-effective interventions proven to enhance student learning over the next five years, from 2025 to 2029. He urged education policymakers and implementers to focus on refining the vocational curriculum at the secondary school level. “We need to concentrate on offering one relevant trade or vocational course per school competently, so that Grade 12 students graduate with both an academic and vocational qualification, along with financial literacy,” he stated.
He underscored the importance of financial literacy for all students and addressed the challenge of a large youth population without vocational qualifications. Dekena called for immediate action to address these issues, highlighting that while the general education sector does not provide employment, there is a responsibility to ensure that every Grade 12 graduate is equipped with essential skills for life. He also urged continued reforms in the Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) program to include more students and announced that FODE students will be integrated into the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) online selection system this year. The conference, themed “Transform Teaching and Learning to Achieve a Quality Education for All,” gathered education leaders to discuss achievements, challenges, and solutions. Dekena supported the tradition of bringing together policymakers and implementers annually and addressed two major issues: the delayed achievement of universal access to education and concerns about education quality in Papua New Guinea. He assured attendees that he would support ongoing reforms, including the transition to a standards-based curriculum, improvements in examination and certification systems, restructuring schools to a 1-6-6 format, and expanding digital transformation and STEM initiatives. Dekena committed to providing leadership and working collaboratively with stakeholders to improve education in PNG. Additionally, Dekena expressed a desire to elevate the teaching profession, encouraging high-achieving Grade 12 students to consider teaching careers and advocating for permanent housing for teachers in every school and community. He emphasized that teachers' performance and commitment must remain high in return. Also read Comments are closed.
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