The establishment of the Gobo Girls School of Excellence in Jiwaka Province, the first all-girls school of its kind in the Highlands region, took a major step forward following a recent board meeting.
This ambitious project, strongly supported by Minister Wake Goi, aims to provide specialized science education for young women.
Strategic Governance and Staffing
The meeting opened with a welcome for Ms. Joyce Tapu as the newest member of the board, bringing the total membership to 13, with 11 officials present. A critical item on the agenda was the staffing structure, with the board agreeing on 20 teacher positions. The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has already approved the establishment and validated these 20 positions under the Secondary Salary Structure, specifically to cater for science specialist learning. These positions are for the selection of the best science teachers who will teach at the School of Excellence.
Ms. Kaul Tumun, the Secondary Inspector for Jiwaka, detailed the local educational landscape, noting that Gobo’s opening will increase the total number of secondary and high schools in the province from 25 to 26. She confirmed that the appointment process for the 20 funded positions is underway, with the best science teachers identified and approved by the TSC Advisor. The board stressed the need for the staff community, along with the guidance officer, to advertise the positions selected within the province.
Ms. Joyce Tapu, the GES representative, provided input on the curriculum, advocating for the teaching of humanities or social science to ensure students qualify to sit for Grade 11 and 12 exams. She recommended a focus on teaching more science and less social science. Additionally, she highlighted a current gap in the leadership structure, noting that the school currently has only two Heads of Departments (HODs) and needs a total of five. A request will be made to the Teaching Service Commission to create three more HOD positions, and she emphasized the necessity of hiring experienced teachers for a starting school.
For the initial stage, Ms. Tumun suggested that some humanities teachers, business studies, history, and economics teachers will be placed together in one class. The vision is for the school to start as a ” Gobo Girls School of Excellence” “.
Facilities and Student Intake
The selection process for the inaugural intake has been completed within Jiwaka, with an estimated 150 students selected to attend. The board reiterated that the selection process focused only on Jiwaka students.
In terms of infrastructure and logistics, Minister Wake Goi has committed to supplying essential resources for the school:
●Resources to be supplied: Chairs and desks, a Tipper Truck, food, and stationery.
●Accommodations: The Head Master’s house, which has 13 rooms, is completed and ready to serve as initial accommodation until teachers’ houses can be constructed.
A key financial matter awaiting confirmation is the Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funds. Minister Goi has previously pledged his personal financial support to kickstart operations before the TFF funding becomes available.
Financial Contribution
The total amount given by the government, business partners, and donors to the project was also acknowledged during the meeting. The exact amount is:5million plus
Headmaster Johnmar Cudal congratulated the Minister on the progress and confirmed that the school will commence operations soon. He stated that the focus will be on manpower to monitor student performance through their results to satisfy parents.