They are pioneers of the Bachelor of Primary Education upgrade program set up under a partnership between Newcrest’s School to Mine Campus (STMC) and the Divine Word University Faculty of Education.
Despite having full-time teaching jobs, the teachers were able to complete the program successfully through a flexible learning arrangement from April 2021 to September 2022 at the STMC in Lihir.
Head of Department of the Faculty of Education at Divine Word University, Kelaki Peter, congratulated the teachers on their achievement and said: “I foresee a great future and potential for the teachers on the island through this program and see the young generation on this island contribute meaningfully to the development of PNG.”
Anastasia Tukata from Londolovit village in Lihir expressed that the program helped build her confidence and improve her writing, thinking, and planning skills.
Ms Tukata, previously an assistant teacher at Newcrest-owned Lihir International School (LIS), commenced classroom teaching this year after completing the program and is the first Lihirian teacher at LIS. She is currently teaching Grade 4.
In a thank you note, the Lihirian teachers – Ms Tukata, Daisy Moab (Samo), Donald Tokpalum (Mazuz), and Andrea Kiapital Lamsing (Masahet island) – conveyed their deepest gratitude to STMC and Newcrest for opening doors to such programs on the island.
They applauded the support provided by STMC and Newcrest in paying 50% of their fees for each semester, providing quality facilities, and catering for the lecturers at the campus. They encouraged other Lihir teachers, especially in the field, to take up this program as well.
STMC Deputy Principal Kevin Collins said that the Bachelor of Primary Education (In-Service) Program run by STMC aims to up-skill teachers to improve teaching and learning in primary schools on Lihir. The teachers had access to STMC’s computer lab and were supported by STMC teachers throughout the semester to complete and submit the required assessments. The STMC through Newcrest supported the program by assisting Divine Word University lecturers to travel to the site, paying lecturer fees and travel expenses, and providing a venue.
