K100m EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST LEARNING IN PNG

BY SHARON AGAVI

THE Governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia, in partnership with UNICEF launched the Smarter Safer Schools (3S) Programme, a K100m partnership to strengthen education reform and boost learning in 600 schools across six provinces.

Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter officiated the launching at the Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Central province today.

The 4-year, K100 million programme aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy, school safety, and education quality.

Deputy Secretary Policy and Provincial Services of the National Department of Education, Sabati Mero speaking on behalf of the Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra says when children do not acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills, it limits future employment opportunities, weakens productivity and slows national growth.

Minister-Counsellor, Subnational, Governance and Human Capital at the Australian High Commission, Madeleine Moss says the Smarter Safer Schools programme, announced at the October 2025 Australia–PNG Ministerial Forum, is a practical demonstration of the priority of the two governments, place
on safe, resilient, high-quality schooling for every child in PNG.

Speaking also at the launch was the Acting Representative of UNICEF Papua New Guinea, Vikas Singh, who says every child has the right to quality education and by realizing that right requires strong policies, capable institutions and sustained investment in the systems that support teachers and schools.

The 3S programme will be implemented in Central, Morobe, Western Highlands, East Sepik, East New Britain and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville