BY GINNAH MINI
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) approved up to US$12.8 million to support Papua New Guinea in implementing the sector reform priority actions.
The PNG Government has partnered with GPE, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and UNICEF to support the Standard Based Curriculum under the National Education Plan 2020-2029.
Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the grant would support national priorities and strengthens the ability to implement the 1-6-6 reform effectively.
He added that the Government was investing in teachers, improving curriculum delivery and strengthening planning systems so that every child in PNG had the opportunity to learn and succeed.
Deputy Secretary for Policy and Provincial Services, Sabati Mero, said this was a commitment to achieve quality education for all as enshrined in the National Education Plan.
“We have a five year textbook roll out plan to ensure that every school receives the Standard Based Curriculum they need,” Mr Mero said.
“We are also upgrading our education management information system and this will give us a clear picture of every school so that we can identify who is struggling and send resources exactly where they are needed most.”
Acting Representative for UNICEF PNG, Vikas Singh, said that quality education began with strong systems.
“When we strengthen teacher capacity, improve learning materials, and use data to guide decisions, we create the conditions for children to thrive,” he said.
“This grant is about building an education system that sustains progress, protects investments, and brings partners together across sectors to deliver lasting results for every child.”
The grant is an investment that aims to ensure that children not only attend school but also learn, develop foundational skills, and complete their education in safe and supportive environments.