THE second and final day of the 2024 Teacher Expo came to a close with a strong message of support for the country’s educators.
In a closing speech, Samson Wangihomie, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, praised the collaborative efforts of the Teaching Service Commission, the National Department of Education, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, and the Australian High Commission in organizing the event.
“This Teacher Expo, the first of its kind for the PNG education sector, represents a proactive step to attract more people to teaching as a career and to encourage our early grade teachers to upgrade their qualifications,” Wangihomie remarked.
He highlighted the growing importance of education in a rapidly expanding population and emphasized the need for quality education at all levels—primary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational.
The theme of the Expo, ‘Teaching is a Noble Profession,’ captured the central message of the event: the critical role of teachers in shaping future generations.
Throughout the Expo, discussions centered on encouraging early grade teachers to upgrade their qualifications through the newly launched Diploma in Teaching Primary program, which is expected to enhance the quality of primary education and open up new career paths for educators.
“Scholarships supporting this diploma are an investment not only in individuals, but in the future of Papua New Guinea,” Wangihomie stated.
He acknowledged the organizations and businesses that have already provided scholarship support and called on more stakeholders to contribute to these opportunities.
In addition to a focus on professional development, the Expo highlighted inclusivity in education, particularly through the recently launched Gender Equity in Schools Policy and the Inclusive Education Policy.
“We aim to see schools, teachers, and communities better equipped to welcome all children and youth, including those with disabilities,” Wangihomie said.
The Expo also provided school leavers with valuable insights into career pathways and the vital role teachers play in communities.
“I hope this Expo has shown school leavers the many opportunities available in teaching and the impact they can have on their society,” said Wangihomie.
In his final remarks, the Chairman thanked all organizations, businesses, programs, and educational institutions involved in making the event a success.
“Our teachers deserve the support of all education stakeholders, the private sector, and their communities,” said the
Chairman.
” With this support, they will be better equipped to provide the highest quality education to students across Papua New Guinea.”
