In a sobering assessment of Papua New Guinea's education system, the World Bank has highlighted significant hurdles impeding the nation's development. The latest report, titled "Papua New Guinea Economic Update: Invest in Your Children," underscores critical deficiencies that threaten the country's future prosperity. A startling revelation from the report indicates that a staggering 72 per cent of ten-year-olds in Papua New Guinea struggle to comprehend age-appropriate texts, signaling a profound crisis in literacy and foundational education. The ramifications of this educational crisis extend beyond the immediate, with only 18 per cent of young adults aged 20 to 24 having completed secondary or tertiary education. Such statistics underscore a missed opportunity to harness the potential of Papua New Guinea's youthful population as a catalyst for economic growth.
Lars Sondergaard, the World Bank's lead economist for education in the Pacific, emphasized the urgent need for reform, asserting, "Papua New Guinea's most valuable asset is its people." He advocates for improved teaching standards and increased investment in education to unleash the country's potential. The report's Special Focus section emphasizes the critical importance of human capital development for sustainable economic growth. Urgent measures such as early education initiatives and investments in healthcare and nutrition are identified as essential steps to enhance learning outcomes and address childhood stunting. Furthermore, the report highlights the necessity of bolstering the teaching workforce, upgrading educational materials, and refining education policies and practices to achieve meaningful progress in the sector. Despite a projected economic rebound in 2024, fueled by the reopening of the Porgera gold mine, the World Bank warns that Papua New Guinea's growth trajectory remains below pre-pandemic levels. The report underscores the indispensable role of education in securing the country's long-term economic viability, urging greater investment in the sector. As Papua New Guinea grapples with these formidable challenges, the call for urgent action to revitalize its education system grows louder, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in shaping the nation's future. Comments are closed.
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