By DALCY LULUA
THE Valupai Secondary School in the Talasea district was officially opened recently, marking a significant milestone for the district in education sector.
This is the first secondary school delivered in Talasea District of Weste New Britian Province after 50 years.
The school set to carter for students from 3 Local Level Governments (LLGs) of the Talasea district – Bali Vitu, Talasea and Kimbe town.
From left to right: Governor for West New Britain Susindra Muthuvel, Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae John Rosso and Talasea Mp Freddie Kumai with other delegates.
Pic supplied.
The first grade 11 intake commence in January this year, operating alongside the Traditional Kimbe Secondary School.
Present to open the new school were Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, Talasea MP, Hon. Freddy Kumai, Provincial Governor Sasindra Muthuvel, Member for Nakanai Francis Maneke and other important delegates.
Valupai Primary School was established by the Catholic Missionaries in 1958 under the Arch Diocese of Rabau.
It was an Agency Primary School until 2022 when the school was elevated to a Junior High School.
When Kimbe Catholic Diocese was established in 2023, all institutions including health services and schools were returned to be managed under Kimbe Diocese.
Pic supplied
Member for Talasea Freddie Kumai said, “In 2023 after my victory as Talasea MP, the Talasea District Development Authority Board immediately resolved to elevate the school into a secondary in partnership with the Valupai Catholic Parish, and the Kimbe Diocese.
“The proposal was accepted by His Lordship Rev. Bishop John Bosco Auram to make available the Parish land and the Talasea District Development Authority Board to support the infrastructures,” he said.
Mr. Kumai further stated that an agreement was immediately pursued through the Division of Education in WNB to acquire the relevant requirements and formalities.
He said as a result the National Education Department approved the Secondary School status in 2024 by allocating 20 teaching positions in December.
Following the approval, the Talasea District Development Authority Board allocated K5.6 million to build infrastructures, which included: 2 x double storey 4 in classroom (8 classrooms); 1 x double storey administration office complex; 1 x principal’s house; 1x deputy principal’s house; 2 x duplex staff houses; ablution block for male and female; solar powered bore water supply; 1 x generator house; 1x 70 KVA generator installation; electricity poles and lines; and 1 x Isuze Dyna School Truck 3.5ton.
The local MP also highlighted that he is looking at improving the Unea High School in Bali Vitu Island to take in grade 11 to carter for children on the atolls.
“Currently we have other impact projects under construction, the Talasea District Hospital Bola, the Talasea District Headquarter, the Talasea Police Housing and the Rural Electrification programs.
“We anticipated to commission all these projects before 2027. I am pleased with the local contractor’s engagement. The standard of workmanship and the quality of service is exceptional,” said Mr Kumai.