As the world celebrated the ‘Global Day of Parents’, we are proud to celebrate the parents, teachers and schools who work to improve Papua New Guinea`s childrens education.
In Central and Sandaun provinces, parents, teachers, and school board members are responding by taking an active role in supporting schools and improving children’s learning.
This follows recent three-day workshops held in Port Moresby and Vanimo, where sessions focused on the National Department of Education’s new Parents and Citizens (P&C) Handbook.
Workshops were delivered with support from the Australian Government funded Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program.
Ruatoka Primary School P&C representative Philip Solomon said participants learned more about their roles on school boards, ways to improve student behaviour and attendance, and how to bring communities together to support schools. Mr Solomon said the training is already making a difference.
“Once parents understand how the P&C works, they see how their involvement directly supports teaching and learning,” Mr Solomon said.
“That awareness quickly turns into action. Parents begin taking ownership, joining discussions, and sharing ideas to improve their school.”
More parents are now getting involved in school decision-making, supporting teachers, and helping drive school development.
There is also growing awareness about identifying and supporting children with disabilities.
Sogeri Primary School Head Teacher Chris Manggin said his school is using the P&C to promote inclusive education.
“Parents and teachers are learning from each other about how best to support students with disabilities,” he said. “Through the P&C, we are raising awareness and encouraging parents to bring their children forward for assessment and support,” Mr Manggin said.
At Gabagaba Primary School, P&C representative Vaporo Rei-Kondolo said she called a meeting as soon as she returned from the workshop to share what she had learned.
“This renewed understanding is changing what we see every day in schools,” she said.
“Parents are helping improve student behaviour, making sure children come to school ready to learn, and supporting safe and clean school environments.”
Mrs Kondolo said parents are now more aware of their important role and are stepping up to support their schools — from helping repair classrooms to ensuring children arrive in clean uniforms, with nutritious meals and their homework completed.
END
30 parents, head teachers, and school board leaders from Central Province who are working together to strengthen school governance and support better learning outcomes for children in a 3-day PNG-Australia supported training on Parents and Citizen Handbook in Port Moresby.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100