By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
Balob Teachers College in Lae will soon begin offering Bachelor’s degrees in Education.
The Deputy Principal, Jack Hawap, says this is to cater for the increasing demand for more teachers with higher qualifications.
The college is owned by the Lutheran church, and currently Balob students graduate with Diplomas in Primary Teaching.
The institution has been offering certificates from 1965 to 2001.
In 2002, the institute went into offering Diploma programs of three years consisting of six semesters.
Because of the shortage of teachers, the education department suggested that the college offer a trimester program over two years.
In 2014 the college reverted to the three-year Diploma Program.
The college came up with the idea to establish the Lutheran Institute of Higher Learning earlier this year.
This institute will include all Lutheran institutions such as Martin Luther Seminary, Madang Lutheran School of Nursing and Balob Teachers College.
These colleges will become campuses of the higher learning institute, offering degrees in theology, health and education.
Hawap says the school will need support from the provincial government and other stakeholders in funding more facilities for the college to cater for students.
He said students who wish to progress to a degree program can do so once the program is in place next year.
