by Michelle Amba – EM TV, Port Moresby
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Deborah Stokes, joined communities in Sogeri last Friday to open new elementary school facilities.
The facilities include a double classroom, pit latrines and safe drinking water for schools in Depo and Vesulogo. Stokes said the facilities will provide a better learning environment for over 100 students from both villages.
“The governments of Australia and PNG work with communities along the Kokoda Track and with the provincial and local level government to improve health and education under the Kokoda Initiative.”
She said in addition to protecting the region, Australia and PNG are also committed to promoting economic and social development, including health and education, for the communities living in it.
Stokes congratulated the communities, Central provincial administration and Koiari local level government for working to build the schools.
The Kokoda Initiative is an arrangement between the two governments to protect the natural, cultural and historic values of the Owen Stanley Ranges and the Kokoda Track.
