Despite the delays in Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding, Lae Secondary School has continued to build new infrastructure under the leadership of principal Christopher Raymond and the governing council, with the support of parents.
Building new infrastructure for Lae Secondary School has been an area of priority for the school’s management.
Over the past few years, the school has built several new buildings, including the library, teacher’s houses, classroom blocks, and the most recent, a multi-purpose school hall and an ablution block.
This is against the backdrop of the governments common delays with TFF funding.
School Principal, Christopher Raymond, attributed this success to the schools supportive governing council and parents.
“What I must do, and what I present to the governing council is all for the good of our school… Whatever the school needs and what I have actually presented to the governing council has been approved…one project has proved successful and led to the next.”
Chairman of the school’s governing council, Stephen Mesa, is one of the longest serving council members.
He said the focus of the governing council has been to support the principals vision in improving the school’s infrastructure, and the quality of education; this is because the council believes the principal should be allowed to perform his duties knowing what is best for the students and teachers.
“Allow the principal to do his work… We just support him. We can question him on the expenditure if he goes out, then he explains that; but if the results are there, no need. That is the essence of this school.”
On Friday, the school opened their new multi-purpose hall officiated by Lae MP, John Rosso, who commended Mr. Raymond, the governing council, and parents for their continued efforts in improving the school’s infrastructure.
“It’s managing what little money you have properly, and that goes with the board they have, it’s a very strong board… The board supports the principal very strongly and they ensure that every penny is accounted for and they spend it on worthwhile projects every year.”
The new hall costs over three million kina. Whilst most of the work has been done, it is yet to be fully completed. It will be used by the school’s grade 10’s and 12’s in this years National Examinations.
By Lucy Kopana – EMTV News, Lae
