EDUCATIONIST STRIVES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

By Sharon AGAVI

Kenneth Kalai, a passionate educationist hailing from Sumkar and Bogia districts of Madang, shared his motivating journey in the field of education.

With 28 years of experience in teaching, starting as a primary school teacher, he then progressed to become a head teacher and currently serves as a Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Officer, in Madang.

Mr. Kalai dedicated his academic achievements to his late mother who never had the privilege to education, with a late father, who was a primary teacher.

Kalai said his parents instilled in him the importance and value of education.

Graduating with a Diploma in Primary Teaching in 1994 from St. Pauls Vunakanau Teachers College in Rabaul, he continued his educational journey by completing a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies in Education at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2021. He graduated recently this year (2025) at Divine Word University with a Master of Educational Leadership.

Kalai dedicated his success to his late son, who was a bright light in his life, adding that when he feels like losing hope, he memorizes his son’s motto “never give up, learn to sacrifice” to keep him going.

This has been the drive and determination to excel in his career, aiming for a positive impact in the education system in Madang Province.

“Despite the challenges faced, Papua New Guinea is making strides in education, producing professionals in various fields of engineers, pilots, scientists and more”, he said.

He left primary teaching and joined the Teaching Service Commission in 2023 as a Senior Professional Assistant.

As an educationist, Mr. Kalai highlighted a few challenges facing the education system in Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the need for improved teaching and learning support services and better welfare and employment conditions for teachers.

“The teachers and educators play crucial roles in building the nation and we should be treated with respect and support from the government and every other citizen.”

He also pointed out that changes in the education curriculum should be properly negotiated with stakeholders like parents, school administrators and citizens before implementation to ensure effective outcomes.

With a long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. to enhance his knowledge and skills, Mr. Kalai aims to support future leaders effectively and contribute to the advancement of the education sector in Papua New Guinea.

Kalai’s advice to new educators is to serve with dedication and integrity, setting positive examples for future generations.

Notably, Mr Kalai shared to this newsroom that the successful transition of all his grade 8 students at the then Sagalau Demonstration Primary school (now Sagalau Primary) to high schools in 1998 was one of his academic highlights that he was very proud of.