STUDENTS at Karakara Junior High School in Daru are one step closer to accessing improved learning facilities following the arrival of building materials for a new six-in-one classroom in Daru. The delivery, which included 422 bags of cement, was transported by the MV Islander, a marine transport service supported under the PNG-Australia Partnership.
The new classroom was identified as a priority by the District Development Authority to help the school respond to increasing enrolments and overcrowding learning spaces.
Karakara Junior High School currently caters for more than 600 students, with some classrooms accommodating up to 40 students, placing pressure on existing facilities. Once completed, the new six-in-one classroom will provide space for more than 200 students and create safer, more conducive learning conditions.
The voyage also delivered medical supplies for local health facilities including the Daru General Hospital and the Mabudawan Health Centre, as well as eyeglasses and other equipment for the Western Province Partnership and the Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership. Additional building materials for Karakara Junior High School are expected to arrive on the MV Islanders next scheduled voyage.
South Fly District Division of Education Superintendent, Mr Petrus Ruhi, welcomed the support.
“Transporting building materials to Daru is difficult and costly, so having the MV Islander support this delivery is greatly appreciated. South Fly continues to face infrastructure challenges that affect education outcomes, and we are grateful to have the PNG-Aus Partnership working with local leaders to address priorities identified in our district.’’
Daru resident, Tony Charlie, whose children attend Karakara Junior High School, welcomed the delivery and the positive impact it will have on local students.
“For parents, this support gives us hope that our children will have a better learning environment today and stronger opportunities for the future.”
Australia, through the PNG–Australia Partnership is proud to support locally led development initiatives that improve access to quality education, essential services, and infrastructure, creating better opportunities for communities across Papua New Guinea.