Telefomin High School in the West Sepik Province will for the first time have its Grade 11 intake next year. This is a major achievement for the School and a relief for parents and guardians, given the fact that they now can cut down the cost of sending their children to schools.
Most students are forced to attend schools in the provincial capital Vanimo, which to date is a very costly exercise.
Telefomin District has several primary schools, two high schools and only one recognised Vocational Centre in Telefomin. Those who pass out from the Primary schools continue on to Telefomin and Oksapmin High Schools and the Vocational. Although in the same District, these schools are located far apart, separated by high mountains and the difficult terrain doesn’t make it easy.
Many parents and guardians are forced to send their children to schools outside of Telefomin, in search of better educational opportunities. It was only until recently that the Provincial Education Board approved the intake of Grade 11’s at Telefomin High School.
But that is also subject to a further approval by the National Education Board. However, if approved, it will lift the financial burden faced by the people.
So far, K1.5 million from the DSIP Education Sector Component has been spent on tuition fees for all students from Telefomin attending schools back in the District and outside of Telefomin. The Local MP Solan Mirisim said only K2 million was allocated for the Education Sector. He further urged school boards to allocate funds for infrastructure.
K200, 000 from the District Education Sector was equally allocated to Telefomin and Oksapmin High Schools. This will see ongoing maintenance at Telefomin to cater for the new Grade 11 intakes while further improvements are to be made at Oksapmin.
Nearby, mining giant Ok Tedi Mining Limited has also assisted through its Tax Credit Scheme with on-going maintenance at Telefomin High School with further support from the District.
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