ST. MONFORT KIUNGA TEACHERS’ COLLEGE INSTALLS MANAGEMENT, READY TO TAKE IN STUDENTS NEXT YEAR
The St. Monfort Kiunga Teachers College in North Fly District and Western Province was officially opened last week and is expected to enroll its first intake next year.
Residents of Kiunga turned out in large numbers to witness the official installation of the college management staff and the announcement of the 2026 academic program.
The college will be run by the St. Gabriel Brothers under the Catholic Diocese of Daru-Kiunga.
College Project Manager Kevin Joseph said the installation of administrative staff, the opening of new facilities, and the preparations for the 2026 program represent a great achievement for the province.
“As work kicks off, the inspection team will visit the college to assess whether it meets national standards. We need to complete certain checklist items before the college can be fully registered,” he said.
He added that the college plans to enroll 40 students for its inaugural intake in 2026. Applications will be accepted manually. Grade 12 school leavers and FODE upgraders with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.8 are encouraged to apply.
Western Provincial Education Advisor Charlie Buia described education as “a big industry,” worth more than major companies.
“When we invest in education, we invest in people who will lead this nation. One student trained here will go on to educate many others,” he said.
He stated that the division will work closely with the college management. A key first step is establishing the Board of Governors, as mandated by DHERST. He also encouraged the college to participate in in-service training under the current education reforms.
North Fly MP James Donald announced that the PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) will fund 12 new staff houses for the college. He thanked SDP, FRPG, and other partners for their contributions.
He said that by the end of next year, the college is expected to have full boarding facilities.
Donald also shared his aim to eventually upgrade the college to an institute and later to a university.
“I want you to produce teachers with innovation, ethics, standards, and the intelligence to take this country into the next 50 years,” he said.
