Teachers at Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Central Province are demonstrating strong, locally led approaches to improving early learning, with a recent visit highlighting the impact of their work in the classroom and across the school community.
Education officials from the Central Provincial Division of Education, alongside representatives from the Australian High Commission visited the school to observe teaching and learning in action.
At the centre of the visit were the school’s teachers, who showcased engaging lessons in Grade 1 Mathematics and Grade 2 English. Using Bilum Books and a growing classroom library, teachers guided students through reading, listening and group activities that reflected confident teaching practice and strong student participation.
Australia High Commission Minister-Counsellor Madeleine Moss acknowledged the efforts of teachers and school leadership in driving these improvements.
“It is clear that teachers at Iobuna Kouba are creating positive and inclusive classrooms where students are actively engaged in learning,” Minister-Counsellor Moss said.
The visit reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between schools, provincial education authorities and partners to strengthen foundational learning across Central Province.
Teachers also demonstrated how they are implementing Papua New Guinea’s 1-6-6 education reform, with Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 now integrated into the primary school structure. Their efforts are helping build solid foundations in literacy and numeracy at the early years level.
Head Teacher Joseph Buka welcomed the visit as recognition of the school’s efforts and the role of teachers in delivering quality education. The school’s progress is driven by the commitment of its teachers to improving outcomes for all students.
“Our teachers are working hard to make learning active and inclusive for every child,” Mr Buka said. “We are seeing students becoming more confident in reading, speaking and working together.”
“We appreciate the support we receive, especially as enrolment continues to grow, but it is our teachers who are making the difference every day in the classroom,” he said.
The school has also taken practical steps to improve the learning environment, using the Achieving Quality Education for All (AQEFA) grant funding managed through Australia’s Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program. They were able to construct fencing, install water tanks, build footpaths and refurbish classrooms. These improvements, led by the school community, are supporting better attendance, safety and classroom conditions.
Through the Aus-PNG partnership, teachers in the province have been supported with in-service training and access to teaching and learning resources, complementing the work already being led by schools like Iobuna Kouba Primary to improve enrolment, attendance and student achievement.
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Australian High Commission representative taking part in a Reading Lesson with Grade 2 students of Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Hiri District, Central Province.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100