VALUE of the Month, a newly introduced curriculum, has reached 5,679 students across 18 schools in the country under the partnership with the Education Department and PNG Tribal Foundation since January.
A value-integrated curriculum is being introduced in classrooms to promote positive character development among students following a memorandum of understanding signed between Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra and the Senisim PNG Program under Tribal Foundation last year.
Manasseh Davey, National Coordinator for Education, Senisim PNG Program, confirmed 18 schools, including Popondetta Secondary, Popondetta Junior High, Martyrs Secondary, Kokoda Primary, and Tufi Junior High School in Oro Province.
In Eastern Highlands, these include Kassam Primary, EBC Tebega Primary, Obura High, Montana Primary, To’okena Primary School, and Yamue Primary School. In Western Province is St Gabriel’s Secondary School; Aitape Secondary in Sandaun; Hela Technical Secondary; Kundiawa Lutheran Day Secondary and Gom Kambua Primary in Simbu; Perigo Primary in Madang; and Waigani Christian Academy in Port Moresby.
PNG Tribal Foundation and the Guidance Office need support from the government, including provincial education divisions, to roll out the program to all schools across the provinces.
Monthly values from January to June taught in classrooms were Compassion, Punctuality, Teamwork, Humility, Courage, and Mindfulness, while the value Commitment will be introduced next month.
“We have received positive feedback and inspiring highlights from both teachers and students, especially from schools that have been actively sharing their progress and experiences in classroom learning.
“There are also challenges faced by guidance counsellors in the schools, with limited logistical support when travelling to schools in remote locations, and communication challenges when reporting to coordinators,” Mr Davey said.
He said teachers’ participation and cooperation are also a challenge due to the workload on their hands.
“We will continue implementing the Value of the Month Program while focusing on our next major priority of conducting stronger awareness and engagement activities across all provinces and schools throughout the country.
“Our goal is to ensure that more schools understand the purpose of the program and actively participate in promoting positive values among students.”