Bougainville’s students will gain new opportunities to learn about respect, safety, and justice through a pioneering partnership between schools and the law and justice sector. The program will help young people understand their rights and responsibilities, encourage positive behavior, and create safer schools, and an investment in Bougainville’s future.
The Bougainville Law and Justice School Partnership Pilot will run for six months across high schools, secondary schools and TVET institutions. Teachers, school leaders and law and justice officials met recently in Buka to design activities including practical learning and sports-based activities.
Australia is proud to support Bougainville’s locally led efforts to create safer, more informed, and resilient communities.
Led by the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville Education Office and the Bougainville Department of Justice and Legal Services, with support from the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Program, the pilot builds previous youth-focused initiatives and responds to Bougainville’s priorities for safe, informed, and resilient communities.
Education Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville, Joyceanne Pinoko, said the partnership is timely.
“By working with schools, we are preparing our young people to understand their role in building peaceful, safe communities. Students can become advocates in their families and villages, helping shape a better Bougainville for the future,” she said.
Autonomous Bougainville Government Deputy Secretary for Justice and Legal Services, Julianne Sapaka, said that empowering students today will lead to a better tomorrow.
“This partnership strengthens the connection between our justice sector and our schools, ensuring young people have the knowledge and confidence to make positive decisions. By empowering students today, we are investing in a safer, stronger Bougainville for the future,” she said.
Australia remains committed to working with partners to strengthen education, justice, and community safety.
ENDS
Group Photo from the Pilot Launch, bringing together teachers, justice sector representatives, and project partners.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100