By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV Port Moresby
Lack of political will to the states priority sectors, like Education, continues to downgrade the quality education it wants.
While schools struggle to deliver quality outcomes, infrastructure, resource materials and teacher incentives are set backs to the government’s objectives.
Laloki Secondary School, in Central Province, is just one of the many educational institutions, facing similar problems.
But Laloki’s story is slightly different because of its elevation into secondary level.
In 2014, the then Laloki High School became a secondary level, enrolling grades 11 and 12.
According to school Principal, Sutherland Yore, the school was not prepared for the change.
“The decision was made, but we were not prepared for the change, in terms of the necessary infrastructure. These infrastructures were not available to accommodate for this change. Teachers houses, students dormitories and classrooms,”
“Although the school met requirements, like 30 staff ceiling, problems were still faced.”
Currently, 14 of 30 teachers have been forced to live under make shift accommodation’s; from student’s dormitories, classrooms, dining hall, practical skills building and even an old tool house.
A senior teacher, Clement Nele is one of those who is leaving near the ablution block.
“It has become my home in the last four years and I am use to it,” he said.
Nele said even dormitories and classrooms have deteriorated.
Despite all these problems, Principal Mr Yore says it’s the passion that they remain loyal to their duties. And this has been reflected in student’s examination results.
What has lacked is political intervention from their Central Province parliamentarians.
“Politicians come and go, they just talk and do not really commit themselves in ensuring priorities like education are accounted for,”
With their share of TFF, funds, the school has used it to maintain classrooms.
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