PNG Governor-General praises Marianville’s 60 years of girls’ education excellence

PNG Governor-General praises Marianville’s 60 years of girls’ education excellence/File Photos

Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae has hailed Marianville Secondary School for its long-standing contribution to girls’ education, urging students to stay focused despite mounting national challenges.
Addressing students, staff and invited guests during the school’s 60th anniversary cultural celebrations in Bomana, Sir Bob said the occasion reflected both academic achievement and the country’s diverse cultural identity.

He said he was privileged to officiate at the event, describing the cultural performances as a reminder of Papua New Guinea’s heritage and its role in shaping future generations.
The Governor-General recounted the school’s beginnings in 1966 under the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, led by Sr. Catherine O’Sullivan, with just 20 girls enrolled from Central Province. He noted that the institution has since grown to accommodate more than 1,000 students this year.
He commended Marianville for maintaining strong academic results, consistently ranking among the nation’s top-performing secondary schools.
“In a mostly male-dominated society, I am proud to see our girls excelling in education and proving that women are capable of achieving great outcomes academically and in their careers,” he said.
Sir Bob also acknowledged the impact of former students, many of whom now hold influential positions across sectors such as education, health, business and government.
However, he warned that the country continues to face pressures from the rising cost of living, law and order concerns and global economic instability, all of which are affecting families and students.
Encouraging resilience, he urged students and parents to remain committed to education, highlighting the importance of discipline and strong character.
He also welcomed the school’s ambition to expand into an academy and eventually establish a university for girls, saying it would mark a new chapter for education in the country.
“I encourage the school to pursue its vision, and I look forward to seeing it become a reality,” he said.
“Continue to show God’s love in all that you do,” he said.

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