Last Monday, 120 partially-trained Elementary Teachers from across the marine expanse of Milne Bay Province gathered in Esa’ala District to commence their final component of the SIU multi-grade training program.
In six week’s time these trainees will complete the training required to become fully certified, and as a result, eligible for full Government payroll. Some of these trainees have been waiting for over a decade.
The Milne Bay opening ceremony kicked off KTF’s Teach for Tomorrow programme for 2017 as a result of the National Department of Education (NDOE) extending the completion deadline to the end of 2017. The project is a strong partnership between KTF, NDOE, PNGEI and various Provincial Education Authorities who are working together to roll out the training of thousands of partially-trained Elementary Teachers across PNG.
The partnership began in 2016, where KTF and PNGEI completed the training of 330 teachers in Oro Province, 37 in Gulf Province and 168 in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in partnership with Provincial Governments and the ABG.
This year, KTF has returned to all three provinces to develop further professional development and mentoring courses with the provincial trainers who have now mapped out an annual learning plan for their teachers.
During the opening ceremony of the Milne Bay training, KTF CEO said “being a teacher was an honourable role – one of the most important roles within society.”
“Every week, I entrust the care of my two young daughters to their preschool teachers. I hope that these teachers will nurture, teach, develop, care for and love my most precious people in the entire world. Never underestimate the enormous impact you have on your students.”
The opening ceremony was also attended by Milne Bay Governor, Honourable Titus Philomen, who delivered an empowering speech to the teacher trainees.
“Teaching is one of the most noble and important professions in this country. You are educating the next generation of leaders. And you are taking vital services to the remote areas across this marine Province,” said Governor Philemon.
“Teach for Tomorrow Milne Bay would not be possible without the generosity and support from the Flight Centre Foundation, Member for Esa’Ala, the Honourable Davis Steven, and the Milne Bay Provincial Education Department. We thank them for their support,” states Dr Nelson.
KTF is currently working with other provincial education authorities to launch additional Teach for Tomorrow programs across PNG over the coming months.
