NEW AUSTRALIAN-FUNDED LIBRARY AND ECE CENTRE OPENS AT SONOMA ADVENTIST COLLEGE
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald AM has officially opened a new library and Early Childhood Education Centre at Sonoma Adventist College in East New Britain.
The PGK13.7 million project is funded by Australia with more than PGK1 million in co-contribution from the College. High Commissioner McDonald was joined by Minister for Higher Education Hon Kinoka Feo, East New Britain Governor Hon Michael Marum, DNPM Secretary Mr Koney Samuel, church leaders and the Sonoma community.
The new library will improve access to resources, research materials and study spaces for students across the College. The Early Childhood Education Centre will give ECE students hands-on experience and expand access to early learning for local families.
Sonoma Adventist College is one of only two institutions in PNG authorized to offer a degree in early childhood education. The College enrolls about 15 students each year.
The new Centre is expected to accommodate 20 to 30 children annually from across East New Britain, including Kokopo. It will also support women to continue studies or work while their children access early learning.
Minister Feo said the facilities will strengthen education and training, particularly for future early childhood educators. Governor Marum thanked Australia for its continued partnership in East New Britain.
High Commissioner McDonald said strong education outcomes depend on well-trained teachers and quality resources.
Principal Roboam Kakap said the facilities will improve education quality and community services.
The project is delivered through the Incentive Fund, a PNG-Australia partnership that has supported 90 infrastructure projects across all provinces over 25 years.
