PONOWI Primary School in the Ialibu-Pangia District is privileged to welcome six final-year teacher trainees from the University of Goroka (UOG), who arrived at the school on Monday to begin their teaching practice.
Students, teachers, and parents warmly welcomed the trainees during the school’s morning assembly. The group comprises one female trainee from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and five male trainees from the Highlands Region.
The trainees are:
- Jepet Nepol (BA/Ed – Accounting)
- Andrew Mendel (BA/Ed – English)
- Ham Rosie (GDT – Business Studies)
- Damean Salu (B.Ed – History)
- Naiyo Konia (B.Ed – History)
- Imailyne Kuri (B.Ed – History)
Ponowi Primary School Headmaster, Mr. Siro Yoko, formally introduced the trainee teachers to the students, staff, and parents. He explained the purpose of their placement at the school and encouraged everyone to treat the trainees with respect and support them throughout their stay.
The trainees will spend six weeks at the school as part of the practical teaching component required to complete their academic programs before graduation.
The school administration has assigned the trainees to various classes according to their respective fields of study at the University of Goroka.
According to school records, this is the first time Ponowi Primary School has hosted teacher trainees from the University of Goroka. The school administration and the local community have assured the trainees of their safety and pledged their full support during the teaching practice.
Ponowi Primary School is a Level 8 school with 30 teaching staff and a student population of approximately 750. It is one of the district’s rapidly growing schools, with several new infrastructure developments currently underway.