KERAVAT NSoE SCHOOL NAME REMAINS UNCHANGED; SECRETARY KOMBRA

THE Department of Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra has clarified to the public that the official name of the Kerevat National School of Excellence remains unchanged.

The secretary made this clarification following public misconceptions surrounding the plaque recently unveiled during the official opening of modern infrastructure at the Kerevat National School of Excellence in East New Britain Province last week.

Keravat National School of Excellence commissioned the newly constructed 16-classroom block as the James Marape Legacy Campus, the Dr Uke Kombra Auditorium and a monument amongst the recent infrastructural development of the school.

Dr Kombra states, the department of Education has noted concerns and commentary across social media and public forums suggesting that the historic institution itself has been renamed, and assures all former students, landowners, the people of East New Britain, and the nation that the name Kerevat National School of Excellence remains unchanged, and its rich history and legacy remain entirely intact.

“Kerevat is an iconic institution with a proud, historic legacy deeply rooted in Papua New Guinea’s educational history. That name and identity have not been altered in any way,” stated Dr. Kombra.

To set the record straight:

1. The official name of the institution remains Kerevat National School of Excellence.
2. The newly unveiled plaque dedicated to the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, MP, specifically names the newly constructed 16-classroom block as the James Marape Legacy Campus.
3. The decision to dedicate and name the new classroom block was made independently by the Governing Council of Kerevat NSoE. This gesture was made to acknowledge Prime Minister Marape’s role in conceptualizing the National Schools of Excellence (NSoE) initiative and his contributions as a former Education Minister in securing the initial funding that made the 16-classroom project possible.
4. The naming applies strictly to the modern infrastructure facility within the campus grounds and does not erase or override the decades of historical achievements of Kerevat’s pioneers.

“We acknowledge and respect the deep passion and pride that the alumni, local leaders, and citizens of East New Britain hold for Kerevat,” Dr. Kombra added. “We encourage the public to view these modern developments as an enhancement to the school’s facilities, designed to support quality education and STEM learning for future generations, while honoring the institution’s enduring identity.”

The Department of Education remains committed to transparency and maintaining the integrity and proud heritage of all national educational institutions.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the School Governing Council, Dr Livingston Tavul also shared similar sentiments, noting the concerns raised by community members, local leaders and alumni regarding the stakeholder consultation prior to the unveiling ceremony.

The Governing council will undertake measures such as stakeholder dialogue, review of Naming Conventions, Focus on students outcome as it reaffirms its commitment to serving the best interest of the students , protecting the rich heritage of Keravat NSoE and maintaining transparency in all governance.