HOBE PRIMARY NEEDS INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT 1-6-6 PROGRAM

By Sharon AGAVI

HOBE Primary School, a locally-run school located in the Ward 2 of North Ambenob LLG in Madang Province, is facing significant challenges in providing proper facilities for the 1-6-6 education system next year.

Head Teacher George Omirei is calling for government support to formally recognize and register the school as a government institution so that it can get the support it needs.

In an interview with Kalang News, Omirei explained that the school was established in 2014 by local residents dedicated to their children’s education.

Although efforts have been made to obtain official registration as a government institution, delays related to teacher qualifications and lacking infrastructure have hindered this process. However, he remains optimistic that the school will be registered by next year and will be able to offer educational services.

Currently, Hobe Primary School employs eight teachers, three of whom are certified and five are locals with educational backgrounds capable of teaching Grades 1-5 with plans to introduce Grade 6 next year, in line with the new education system as currently, the school offers classes only up to Grade 5.

These volunteer teachers are paid by the locals through selling betelnut for 11 years up to today.

“They are paid K150.00 termly for 11 years through the sale of betelnut, ” said Mr. Omirei.

This year, the school has seen a significant increase in enrolment, with 247 students attending, compared to 90 students last year with the school serving 17 local villages in wards 15, 16, 18, and 19 of South Ambenob LLG as well.

Omirei noted that many children in the area initially enrolled but later withdrew due to the lack of proper learning materials and infrastructure.

“There is no water supply; students and staff rely on dug wells. Also, the school does not have permanent buildings, with classes held in bamboo and semi-constructed classrooms,” said Mr. Omirei.

Despite these challenges, Omirei commended his students for their resilience and eagerness to learn, with many demonstrating strong academic performance.

The community continues to look for support and solutions to improve educational infrastructure, aiming to provide a better learning environment for the children of Hobe village and surrounding areas.

He thanked the Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa for presenting a cheque of K50, 000 a couple of weeks ago to help the school with its operation.