MORE than 160,000 students and almost 2,000 schools across the country have been reached by a major distribution of educational resources under a partnership between the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments.
The initiative has delivered more than 207,000 student books and nearly 13,000 teacher guides to some of the most remote communities in Papua New Guinea.
Timed to coincide with World Book and Copyright Day, the Partnerships for Improving Education programme aims to provide essential materials to elementary schools in Sandaun, Central, Enga, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
These books are intended to ensure that both students and teachers in isolated areas have the necessary tools to support effective teaching and learning.
Educators have welcomed the arrival of the resources, noting that many schools have struggled to obtain basic classroom materials.
Margaret Manda, teacher-in-charge at Kaipu Elementary School in remote Kompiam, Enga, said her school had long faced challenges accessing student books and teacher guides.
Manda said she was grateful for the support, noting the value of having student and teacher resources available.
In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, teachers reported that the new materials are already improving student engagement.
Jacinta Simea, teacher-in-charge at Voniskopo Elementary School, said the student books and picture dictionaries were age-appropriate and made learning to read more engaging and enjoyable.
On World Book Day, the two governments encouraged communities to make reading a regular part of children’s lives at home and at school to nurture a life-long love of learning.
