Australia is proud to be investing in partner-led initiatives that support students to continue in secondary education.
Today we celebrate the completion of a major education infrastructure project at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Goilala, Central Province, with a formal opening ceremony attended by representatives from the Papua New Guinea Government, the Catholic Church and Australian High Commission.
This initiative, supported by Australia through an Incentive Fund grant of PGK 11.4 million, emphasises Australia’s commitment to strengthening educational outcomes in Papua New Guinea.
The recently completed upgrades specifically target the needs of grades11 and 12 students, with renovations to existing administration buildings, staff housing, a girls’ dormitory with two new female ablution blocks, a school clinic, and rural technology buildings.
Fr. Brian, Chairman of the Sacred Heart Secondary School Board said that the upgrades are an investment in the future.
“These upgrades not only reflect our commitment to education but also our understanding of the critical need for a safe and conducive learning environment,” he said.
This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to foster a generation of learners equipped for success and to elevate Sacred Heart Secondary School to one of the top five performing educational institutions in Central Province.
Beyond the school walls, the project has made a lasting impact on the community as well. Previous support has revitalised the local hydropower station and water supply, ensuring reliable electricity and water access for the school and the surrounding area.
This initiative represents the second Incentive Fund grant awarded to the school commemorating 25 years of partnership between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia. The first grant in 2005 laid the groundwork for developing school facilities and establishing sustainable water and electricity sources.
The Incentive Fund is governed by a Board of five prominent Papua New Guinean directors, alongside senior representatives of Papua New Guinea’s Department of National Planning and Monitoring and the Australian High Commission
With a total investment of PGK406 million (AUD150 million), the current phase builds on more than two decades of partnership with 80 projects that have delivered community led projects in every province of Papua New Guinea.
The official cutting of the ribbon to signify the opening of the new and refurbished building of the school's infrastructure upgrade.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100