Quality Education: Secretary Recounts Achievements | Papua New Guinea Education Department

INTRODUCTION

On behalf of the Department of Education, I send Christmas Greetings to all our students and their families, teachers and school administrators and our important stakeholders like the development partners, churches, Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and service providers who supported us in our efforts to provide quality education and training for our children in Papua New Guinea.

I acknowledge the minister for education Hon. Joseph Yopyyopy for his elevation during the change of government and taking up the challenge with the Ministry as a political head. He has served humbly for the past 6 to 7 months with patience and with a spirit of servanthood.

We acknowledge the services of all the officers who passed on this year while providing vital services in their capacities and being committed to the education sector.

Also, at this juncture, we recognize and salute the retirees who will leave the Education Department for their commitment, dedication and tireless effort for their roles and responsibilities in the development of the education sector.

This year a total of eighteen (18) officers will be retiring while the second batch of retirees will leave next year (2020).

Our vision is to provide quality education and training to every citizen in the country. This year we have aspired and advocated our overarching theme to ‘Christian and Values Education for a Better Future.’

We exist to serve the parents, teachers, students and schools so that every Papua New Guineans is given a fair opportunity in education to achieve a better future.

On behalf of the Minister and the Office of the Secretary, I like to acknowledge and thank everyone for contributing to the long-term vision that is to improve the quality of education to every citizen for a better future.

We as public servants are here to serve our people in good and bad times, in rough and calm times, in happy and sad times. We survive to serve our people.

I’m grateful and satisfied that with the guidance of GOD Almighty and the leadership of the Minister, Top Management, line managers, staff and with the partner organizations, development partners and of course the spouses and children with your support and perseverance, we have all worked hard to make this year a success.

We have achieved a lot in terms of policy development and implementation as we remain resilient and strong despite the challenges.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019

Let me highlight some of the accomplishments made this year.

First, the development and implementation of Standard Based Curriculum which we started in 2015. I am pleasured to announce that by 2020 we will complete the whole cycle of the SBC.

This year the officers have worked tirelessly with the leadership of Mr Walipe Wingi, ‘Mrs Annemaria Kona and Mr Steven Tandale for ensuring that the Secondary school curriculum is completed. We thank CDD for your patience and hard work for the completion of this important task despite the challenges faced.

All the curriculum materials that are developed is PNG made. It is something we all must be proud off for the children in the country.

Secondly, we acknowledge that work put in by the Policy & Planning Division for spearheading the ‘1-6-6 school structure’ and completion of the next ‘10-year Education Plan’.

Also, the completion of the ‘Corporate Plan’ which the Minister launched and the implementation of the ‘School Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP).’

Thirdly, to the Guidance and Counselling Division and the leadership for the development of the ‘Scout Policy’ and the ‘Behaviour Management Policy.’

Credits go to the Research & Revaluation Division, Policy & Planning Division, and Guidance Division and other line divisions that contributed enormously to develop the ‘Early Childhood Policy.’ The policy will be launched by the Minister before the end of the year.

Another milestone policy that was developed for the Secondary sector is the ‘National Schools of Excellence Policy.’ The policy is already approved by the National Executive Council and will be launched soon.

TVET Sector also has finalized and updated the ‘Technical Secondary Schools Policy.’ The National Examinations held this year was a success with no major problems.

The Finance Division must be thanked for commitments, despite the pressure in sorting all our claims. They worked tirelessly to ensure our tasks flow smoothly.

I personally acknowledge the commitment everyone in the department has put in. Next year all the divisions will have increases in their recurrent budgets. For example, the Curriculum Development Division’s budget will increase to cater for development, publishing and distributions of school materials.

Likewise, the Guidance Division will ensure that inspectors visit schools throughout the country.

In Tuition Fee Free (TFF) we have almost dispatched K600 million except for the last K100 million that is being held back to be released in early 2020. The TFF team in the department and the provinces must be acknowledged for making sure schools get their allocations.

This year we have decentralized the TFF functions to the provinces. We had successfully given the functions to 5 provinces namely New Ireland, East New Britain, Milne Bay, Morobe and Enga. These provinces were able to ensure all their schools received their funds.

The Department will be passing on the functions to other provinces in the country who are ready to take on the responsibilities.

Lastly, the Department has really embraced the advancement of technology. This year we have developed the ‘Document Management System Application.’ We are now converting all our hard copies of documents to e-copies so all our documents can be accessed by the press of the computer button.

We have also developed and launched “My Payslip Application’ The public servants and teachers can now access their current payslips online. ‘My PNG School Application’ is another intervention that is now been implemented and rolled out with officers from headquarter visiting provinces to impart the use of the system.

With the NID project, we have almost 30,000 teachers registered and working closely with the NID office to ensure all the remaining teachers are recorded. In 2020 all teachers will be required to attach their photos and NID numbers when submitting their resumption forms.

As many teachers have not yet received their NID this will take time however, photos will be a requirement on the forms next year.

CONCLUSION

I would like to conclude by once again acknowledge and thank the many long-serving officers and teachers who retire this year for your commitment and dedication to the education sector and wish you well in your future endeavours.

The onus is now on us to embrace the Government’s education developmental agendas to convalesce education for the betterment of the children of PNG into the future.

As we head into the New Year, I wish for all of us to share the same spirit of togetherness, ownership and teamwork to further enhance education to meet our overall goal of providing quality education and training for all.

Christmas is the time where families get together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ joyously and peacefully.

Therefore, I wish you all a blessed and safe festive celebration and a prosperous happy new year 2020. May GOD Almighty continue to bless Papua New Guinea.

DR. UKE KOMBRA

PhD SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION

BSP Graduate Development Program For Final Year University Students

Developing our young people to be the next generation of leaders in our chosen markets is part of our vision to be the leading bank in the South Pacifi­c Region. 

BSP Graduate Development Program For Final Year University Students

What BSP days about the Graduate Development Program

''Developing our young people to be the next generation of leaders at BSP is part of our Vision to be the 'Leading financial services provider' in the Pacific.''

How to apply for 2022 BSP Graduate Development Program

The BSP Graduate Development Program is aligned with this vision and provides an opportunity for aspiring graduates to work for BSP, and simultaneously achieve their career goals.

Applications are now open for the BSP 2023 Graduate Development Program.

Student Qualifying

This program is open to Papua New Guinean citizens in their ­final year of study at a local or overseas university in the following disciplines:

• Banking & Finance 
• Sales & Marketing
• Accounting
• Business Management
• Economics
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Law

Documents Required

• A cover letter (outlining why you wish to be in the graduate program)
• Current CV
• Current academic transcripts
• Two (2) written references with contactable referees

Apply for BSP Graduate Development Program

Forward your application to:

The Manager Recruitment | Human Resources Email: graduates@bsp.com.pg

You can also apply at http://www.bsp.com.pg/Careers/

Company Description

Bank of South Pacific Limited (BSP) is a modern and energetic bank with the largest branch, rural and electronic banking networks in 

• Papua New Guinea, 
• Fiji, 
• Solomon Islands, 
• Cook Islands, 
• Samoa, 
• Tonga, 
• Vanuatu and 
• Cambodia. 

BSP is committed to providing the highest level of service combined with market-leading financial solutions to our corporate and retail customers.

As one of the South Pacific's biggest companies, BSP provides jobs for over 4,000 employees. BSP is also one of the region's largest employers of trainees and apprentices.

Bank of South Pacific Limited (BSP)
Company Website: www.bsp.com.pg

SP Brewery Graduate Management Development Program - Business, IT, HR and Sciences

South Pacific Brewery (SPB) has been operating in PNG for over 60 years and has developed a large number of PNG’sleading professionals in the market. 

With a vision to ‘Prepare for the Future’, SPB is seeking to hire graduates with a passion and attitude to win in their careers and in their lives and build a future for themselves.

The Graduate Development Program

Over an 18-month period, commencing early 2023, the successful candidates will:

• Work on real projects that will help build and develop the skills, abilities and mindset needed to be real winners and leaders within SPB
• Be exposed to real-time best practices and state-of-the-art facilities in our breweries
• Be connected to a global learning network through HEINEKEN
• Be mentored and coached by our best managers and supervisors in Papua New Guinea

Job Requirements

Criteria

The SPB Graduate Development Program targets talented Papua New Guinean citizens that anticipate completing their undergraduate studies in 2022. 

Candidates with some work experience and females are encouraged to apply. Prospective graduates who believe they have what it takes and are from the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:

• Business
• Finance
• Accounting
• Human Resource
• Economics
• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation)
• Chemistry
• Food Technology
• Computer Science/ Information Technology

To apply visit SP Brewery job board.

Email the following documents to: recruitment@ccpacific.com

• Your updated CV with phone and email contacts
• Scanned copies of your University academic transcript
• Scanned copy of your Grade 12 HSC certificate and

A Covering letter outlining why you want to be part of the SPB team, and a paragraph describing where you plan to be in 5 years' time.

Apply Now 

Location

Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea

See the other graduate development programs and Internships ⇦.

Exxonmobil PNG Graduate Management Development Program Info

ExxonMobil PNG Limited is looking for students and recent graduates who are eager to explore management development job opportunities with us. 

[Note: Reposting this from Exxonmobil PNG Facebook sponsored ad. Final year uni students may be interested in this graduate development program.]

Example opportunities include assignments in Finance and Accounting, Public and Government Affairs, Information Technology, Human Resources and Procurement.  The positions will be based in our Port Moresby Headquarters.

Image: Facebook/Exxonmobil PNG

Program Overview

ExxonMobil offers a cross-functional development program that exposes candidates to a number of short assignments in different departments and disciplines in their first 2-3 years of employment.  

Candidates will be offered assignments that develop leadership capabilities as well as a variety of technical skills.  

We are looking for candidates that are excited about a broad career and the opportunity to learn from assignments that go well beyond their academic background.

Requirements

• Graduate Opportunity: Bachelor’s degree within the last 3 years or about to receive a bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines;

Business Management, Finance & Accounting, Economics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Human Resources, Journalism, Public Policy, Law, Logistics or a similar social science degree.

• Excellent academic performance

• Exceptional leadership qualities

• Strong communication skills

• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Flexibility and the capacity to thrive in a changing business environment

• Experience utilizing technology (including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

For questions regarding the application only, please submit to RecruitingANZ@exxonmobil.com. 

Please do not submit the application through the mail. We accept online applications on the career website only. The application close date is around July.

Company info

ExxonMobil PNG Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation and operator of the PNG LNG Project, an integrated development that includes gas production and processing facilities in the Southern Highlands, Hela, Gulf, Central and Western Provinces. 

The Project commenced production in the middle of 2014 and supplies liquefied natural gas to customers in Asia.

ExxonMobil PNG Limited is committed to developing Papua New Guinea and creating long-lasting employment opportunities that contribute to the success of the Project and the nation as a whole. 

The Company regards its global and long-term approach to hiring with competitive remuneration and career development as the foundation of its future success as a company.

UNDP: Graduate Development Program - Intern

Are you in your final year of studies or a recent graduate? Here is an internship program that will set you up for a job in the environment and conservation sector.

UNDP is looking for interns to join the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) Project team.

Field of studies includes business management, agriculture, economics, environment and geography, sustainable development, climate and disaster resilience. Attach the following documents in your application:

- CV
- copy or academic transcript
- letter of interest or motivational letter
- Reference letter from a tertiary institution

Email applications to registry.pg@undp.org or hand deliver at UNDP Country Office, Level 14, Kina Bank Haus, Port Moresby.

ExxonMobile PNG: Intern & Graduate Engineering Recruitment Program

ExxonMobil PNG Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation and Operator of the PNG LNG Project, an integrated development that included gas production and processing facilities in the Southern Highlands, Hela, Gulf, Central and Western Provinces.

The Project commenced production in the middle of 2014 and supplies liquefied natural gas to customers in Asia.

ExxonMobil PNG Ltd is looking for students and Graduates who are eager to explore related job opportunities with us in the below programs.

The positions will be based in Port Moresby Headquarters, LNG Plant Site or Hides Gas Conditioning Plant.

Intern & Graduate Engineering Recruitment Program

Job Opportunities include positions in 

• process surveillance, 
• electrical power systems, 
• instrumentation and controls, 
• computer networks and systems, 
• civil, geotechnical, machinery, mechanical integrity and pipelines.

ExxonMobil PNG Job Requirements

Graduate Opportunity: About to receive or have received a bachelor's degree in Engineering within the last three years. Students and graduates of all engineering disciplines are invited to apply.

To find more information and apply online, please go to https://jobs.exxonmobil.com/

• Type 'PG' under search by location
• Click the job title
• Click on 'Apply now' button and 
• Choose 'Apply Now'
• Register your email address and remember your password for future login.

Please follow the steps until you reach the page where there is 'Submit' button, click 'Submit'

Please do not submit application through the mail.

Next Gen Graduate Trainee Program Nestle PNG - Job Opportunity

This opportunity has closed. However if you want to show your interest, email: joyce.karoto@pg.nestle.com with a subject title: Next Gen Graduate program.

We're seeking smart graduates, with a credit average, who share our vision as the leading nutrition, health and wellness company in the world.

We welcome achievers who are excited to take on new challenges and share their ideas. On-the-job training, development and exposure to real projects will give you the opportunity to work with great people while earning a competitive salary and access to industry benefits. 

“Be part of a market leading multi-national of fast moving consumer goods and kick start your career with an employer of choice” 

Our Graduate Trainee program might be perfect for you. It’s developed to recognise young talent, and it’s your chance to get hands-on experience.

These rotational positions present excellent training opportunities, potentially leading to a permanent role after a structured 2-year program, and could result in a longer-term career throughout our global company.

Next Gen Graduate Trainee Program Nestle PNG - Job Opportunity

3 Sales Graduate Trainee 2 Supply Chain

Graduate Trainee Job Requirements:

Relevant tertiary Business qualifications are essential. Of high importance will be your initiative, results-focus and excellent written & oral communication skills, whilst experience using the Microsoft Office suite is also key. Exposure to the fast-moving consumer goods industry will be highly advantageous. 

Nestle will provide you:

• Exceptional potential for growth
• On-going training and development
• Financial support for Salary, housing, transport and medical.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading organisation whilst gaining invaluable work experience.

Interested?

To apply, email: joyce.karoto@pg.nestle.com with a subject title: Next Gen Graduate program.

PwC Graduate Development Program - University Graduates Opportunities

PwC - the company 

Across 157 countries, PwC combines business acumen and industry know-how to provide a market-leading array of professional services. We’re not just about technical expertise; our industry teams comprise a broad range of skills and experience to advise and grow businesses both locally and globally and support the community in which we live.

If you're looking for professional development, challenging opportunities, access to inspiring leadership and first-class mentoring and training, then a graduate career at PwC is for you. PwC provides a supportive work environment to help you create a career of value.

Graduate development opportunity 

You’ll enjoy a variety of experiences, develop an enormous range of skills, and build relationships that will stay with you throughout your career. The diversity of our clients’ needs provides opportunities to work on projects which will challenge and excite you.

Join us and you can expect to work with some of the biggest and fastest-growing companies in Papua New Guinea.

Opportunity 

Access a vast range of internal and external work and project opportunities, with the option to change your career direction as your experience with PwC evolves. You will be working to world-class standards and methodologies and have access to global resources, expertise and capabilities.

How can my career progress?

At PwC we’re constantly looking to develop and challenge our people. Our review and performance development process is designed to guide you through your career at the pace that works best for you. In addition, you can benefit from some great programmes designed to give you flexibility in your career choices.

The PwC environment is such that coaching managers and partners welcome the opportunity to discuss your career goals. They can then help you find the opportunity that's right for you! 

If you’re interested in overseas opportunities, our exceptional global mobility programme will support you in your application for an overseas secondment to ensure you find an opportunity which suits your development needs.

WEBSITE: PwC Graduate Development Program - Opportunity for University Graduates

PJV's Graduate Development Program Bachelor's Degree Opportunities

At the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV), the single most important reason for the operation's success has been its people. We recognize that our people have not only been the major element of PJV's success but are also its future and that future could include you.

PJV's Graduate Development Program is open to individuals in the disciplines of :

• Engineering: Mining, Geotechnical, Electrical and Mechanical
• Applied Science/ Chemistry
• Metallurgy / Mineral Processing
• Surveying
• Geology
• Commercial and Finance

PJV's professional development program COMPASS is Barrick Gold's flagship program for the training and development of new graduates and promotes a sound and professional path in career development.

This program is designed to provide new graduates or employees entering the industry with a development program that provides both a solid foundation of technical and or/professional knowledge and skills coupled with leadership skill development.

The Compass program enables graduates and professionals to learn and acquire necessary skills, knowledge and tools to become experts and business leaders of the future. Employees learn on the job interacting with site experts, global networks and resources. Our employees engaged in the Compass program have progressed to becoming very skilled, resourceful and technical leaders in their fields both in Porgera and elsewhere in the world.

A two-year fixed-term employment contract is offered to successful graduates/employees to PJV with Health and Medical cover, annual leave after 12 months of service and residential Fly-In-Fly-Out status.

PJV offers you an opportunity to work for a reputable organization with a global footprint complemented by a dynamic work environment, experiencing both open pit and underground mining operations.

The minimum qualification requirement into  PJV's graduate program is a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The program is targeted to PNG citizens. Those with two years of professional work experience after completing studies can also apply for the PJV graduate program.

WEBSITE: Graduate Development Program Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) PNG Students Job

DHL Graduate Development Opportunities and On-the-job training

DHL provides students and graduates with various opportunities to join exciting projects, master demanding challenges and assume responsibility - the right way to launch your career.

As part of your professional development, we provide plenty of opportunities to develop your role and gain knowledge and experience. We'll also ensure we reward your hard work at a competitive rate.

Certified is the Group-wide, global initiative focusing on employee engagement and cultural change to drive service excellence and quality. This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to delight the Customer.

Furthermore, we provide divisional leadership programs and functional training curricula across all our business units to cater to specific development needs. 

Some of the different training and development opportunities provided cover for example different relevant operational knowledge and skills training, health and safety training, language courses or soft skills training.

On-the-job training, which is important for you to gain skills, knowledge and certification to support you in responding better to the demands of your job, is also provided.

Exciting internships and graduate programs give you the perfect start at DHL and prepare you for these challenges and your future career.

WEBSITE: DHL PNG Jobs - Graduate Development Program for New University Graduates

Steamships Trading Company Graduate Development Program

Steamships Trading Company is one of PNG’s biggest multiindustrial companies to date. 

Our continual growth remains positive, pioneering sustainable progress in PNG into the 21st century. We lead a diversely, skilled and agile workforce of over 2500 employees; the energy source of our business success. 

Our Graduate Development Program aims to attract, develop and retain our future business leaders with mindsets of innovation and valour. We value mindsets built with honesty, excellence, respect,  customer focus and sustainability and are in search of team players looking to build a career with such values. 

We have been in the business for over 100 years, and are still in search of something new- Maybe it's You.

How it Works

According to Professor D. A. Kolb, 'knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it'. 

Here at Steamships Trading Company, we provide the right exposure and opportunities to assist your professional development.  In our program, you have four twelve-month rotations in any of the following industries: 

• Logistics and Transport, 
• Manufacturing
• Property and Hotels
• Corporate HR, Finance and Affairs. 

During each rotation, graduates are challenged to balance multiple projects and daily department taskings; with minimum supervision and time. Each rotation is also complemented with structured classroom sessions led by experienced trainers for soft skill development and depending on the systems your project might involve, we'll also equip you with the right training for that too. 

You get to grasp your experience and build your legacy as you dream it to be- You choose your own story. 

Help and Support

You know that nervous feeling when you enter a room full of strangers for the first time and you've got to work with them - we know that feeling too. 

Our Graduate Development Program offers lots of support.  We have an online sharing platform set up specifically to connect you with our GDP alumni and other graduates who are still on the program. We also have quarterly Meet & Greet events so you can link in person and meet other established young leaders outside of the company and grow your professional network. 

Every rotation, you are also presented with opportunities to have direct one-on-one meetings and coaching from our senior top-level managers including the General Managers, Finance and HR  Managers across the business. 

As long as you are in the Graduate Development Program, you will be connected to us. If you have any questions throughout the program, our Corporate HR and Finance Departments will always be just a phone call away.

WEBSITE: Steamships Trading Company Graduate Development Jobs Information

ExxonMobil Graduate Development Program 2024: Engineering, Science and Management Development

ExxonMobil PNG offers challenging career opportunities to a number of Papua New Guinean graduates with engineering degrees and other professional backgrounds such as accounting and business, law, IT and science.

If you are interested to find out about the recent opportunities with ExxonMobil PNG, Contact: NES Global Talent (Matt Smith/Patrick Scully/Martha Hermann) on  +675 321 5817 or emails- Patrick.scully@nesgt.com- Martha.herman@nesgt.com - portmoresby@nesgt.com

Our annual graduate program provides exciting career opportunities, including a one-year graduate induction program, site visits, personal effectiveness and technical training and provides significant responsibility early in their careers. 

Graduates gain valuable insight through mentors and working with industry experts with decades of experience and have the opportunity to build a global network of colleagues. 

Successful applicants to our graduate program gain experience in a number of areas such as production operations technical support, safety, health and environment. 

Graduates who worked with us during construction have either transitioned into production roles or moved onto other construction projects in PNG or internationally.

Our most recent graduates are establishing rewarding careers within our production operations.

ExxonMobil PNG is currently recruiting for graduates and interns programs in Engineering, Science and Management Development disciplines.

We offer employment opportunities as either direct permanent employment with ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) or through our contract agencies.

Permanent employment opportunities with EMPNG in technical and professional areas are posted on this page when available. Check this page regularly for opportunities.

Graduate, trainee, intern and student opportunities

ExxonMobil PNG is recruiting for graduates and interns programs in Engineering, Science and Management Development disciplines. Please use the links below for more detail about our recruitment programs including eligibility criteria and the online application process. Please do not send applications by email or mail. 

Contract employment 

Contract employment is mainly conducted through the following recruitment agencies. We encourage you to contact agencies directly for contract employment opportunities.

Airswift*

Liam Dutton / Rita George 

+675 3203095

+617 30032600

liam.dutton@airswift.com

rpng@airswift.com

Brunel International South East Asia PTE LTD*

Amanda Koivi / John Wilshere

+675 321 9405

recruitmentpng@brunel.net

Placements (PNG) Limited*

Douglas Crook / Ellen Li / Jasmine Harrison 

+675 321 3600 

+617 3832 3377

doug@placementspng.com.pg

info@placementsinternational.com.au

info@placementspng.com.pg

NES Global Talent

Matt Smith/Patrick Scully/Martha Hermann 

+675 321 5817

Patrick.scully@nesgt.com

Martha.herman@nesgt.com 

portmoresby@nesgt.com

*Agencies that have been afforded concessions by PNG Department of Labour and Industrial Relations and PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services departments to allow for express processing of PNG work permits and visas.

WEBSITE: ExxonMobil PNG Graduate Program Information  

A Year In Review: Education and Politics in Papua New Guinea

Every year has been a challenging year for our country, both in education and politics. The political policies on education and how the government is 'setting the course' for the future of young men and women is one area of concern.

The O'Neill-Dion led government's efforts to improve education was, in fact, promoted by the tuition fee free (TFF) policy. Perhaps many people have seen it to be of 'some' double standard. On one hand is aimed to skew parents opinions. On the other, meet the millennium development goals (MDGs). 

The balance between a good government policy on education and one of preserving the interest of government of the day can only determined by the results. 

The government and education leaders should be commended for 'a few' good work they have done in 2015. But, they must be reminded that what they are doing must for the best interest of the country - young people first. 

The new year must bring blessing to our people. This can happen through a good education system, which is the one thing that matters the most. Many parents will agree that not just mass education, but a proper education is the best thing for their children.

A proper education can only be a proper education WHEN policy makers, including well-off parents, START sending their children to a - any - public school in the country. Also, an education system that outsiders would be tempted to send their kids to. This should happen sooner rather than later in our public schools.

One area needed much attention is vocational and technical training colleges. Strengthening manpower and infrastructure development at universities, vocational centres, technical colleges, institutes, seminaries and other  colleges  has to  come first. Focusing on Grades 8, 10 and 12 drop-outs was second to increasing retentions of students at primary and secondary schools this year. This must reverse to cater for the large number of students passing out.

One positive the country can take from here is the implementation the 12/13 recommendations of Ganim's report. Despite government accepting the recommendations in principle, there is more needed to be done in areas of teachers' appointment, salary, leave fares, retrenchment and other benefits. Government must remain true to its promise of funding to make the recommendations of the report come to fruition. 

It is time to leave politics out of education. K605 million allocation for the TFF has not been paid in full to schools. The government paid TFF money in quarterly instalments. TFF funds must be paid in wholesome rather than in parts so that school can continue without the need to remind government to pay up. Last quarter of 2015 - the last payment - was not done on time. 

Some schools prematurely closed for 2015 Christmas holiday, like Lae Secondary School. This must not happen in 2016.

I'll end here by summering the five changes that have been happening (planned to have happened) this year:

1) Policy change - Ganim report and its 12/13 recommendations have been accepted by NEC. Funds promised (and budgeted, if any)  must be released for this to happen. 

2) Curriculum Change - Standard Based Education replaced the controversial outcome based curriculum - change that came after the controversial OB curriculum (1993). A welcome change, but more awareness is required to freshen teachers' skills and ability to deliver revised Standard Based Curriculum. 

3) Structural Change (2-6-6) - this change was hinted to have taken effect in 2016. This change is not necessary, if it goes ahead. It would only complicate the whole system. We are likely to see secondary schools taking in grades 7 and 8.

4)  Phasing-out examinations at grade 8 and grade 10. Again, this change ( if it happens) is unnecessary. The education department would do well if it strengthens the examination processes. Reconsiders function of Measurement Service Division (MSD). Makes examinations at grade 8, 10 and 12  tough and secure. It is better to play it safe then taking a risk. Phasing-out exam is highly risky. There is no proof that letting students through without examinations is a better change.

5) Restructuring school of excellence (the national high schools). There is no clear plan. Little is known about what to do with the national high schools at this stage.

My one wish for next year (as far as educating young people is concerned) is to see the government giving prominence to developing vocational training and technical education, as well as other colleges and institutes in the country. It is time to FOCUS on Grades 8, 10 and 12 school leavers, time to give them a second chance.