GAULIM TEACHERS COLLEGE CAMPUS OPENED IN DARU
BY KENNY ROMANUS, in Western Province
In a joint initiative by the South Fly District and the United Church Assembly Education Services, a significant boost to teacher training in South Fly District was marked on Friday, February 27, with the official opening of the Gaulim Teachers College Daru Campus in Daru, Western Province.
The campus operates under the registration of the existing Gaulim Teachers College and is accredited by the National Department of Education.
Constructed at a cost of K21.7 million by New Century Construction Company, the campus features a modern six-in-one classroom block, separate dormitories for male and female students (accommodating 40 each), a fully equipped kitchen, and a mess facility.
The college plans to engage five lecturers, while a board and appointed manager will oversee its operations.
Eighty-four students from South Fly and parts of Delta Fly have been offered places to undertake a Diploma in Primary Teaching. So far, 39 students have completed registration, with the process continuing next week. Entry into the program was strictly merit-based, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.8.
The project was fully financed by the SFDDA under the leadership of South Fly MP and Minister for Livestock, Sekie Agisa, alongside his board.
Annual tuition is K12,617, with the SFDDA covering 75 percent (K9,475) of the cost. Parents are responsible for the remaining 25 percent (K3,142), with an upfront payment of over K1,000 required before registration. Additionally, 16 students are being supported through the Sustainable Development Program (SDP), each receiving K6,000 in sponsorship assistance.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister Agisa, Western Provincial Education Advisor Charlie Buia, and United Church leaders including Bishop Saika Aragu.
Minister Agisa said the institution was established to address the ongoing teacher shortage in the district, which has contributed to school closures. He commended the United Church for taking on the responsibility of managing the campus.
Bishop Aragu thanked the Fly River Provincial Government, SFDDA, church leaders, and stakeholders for their collective support in making the project a reality.
Mr Buia highlighted the transformative power of education, stating that the college will help strengthen knowledge and skills across the district. He noted that South Fly currently has 151 teaching positions, which the new campus is expected to help fill.
Western Province now has three teacher training institutions: Gaulim Teachers College Daru Campus in South Fly, Balimo Teachers College in Delta Fly, and St Montfort Kiunga Teachers College in North Fly. Provincial leaders say expanding teacher training remains key to ensuring quality education for every child.
