by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
After the long Easter, students at Okiufa Primary School in Goroka will be able to enjoy their new classroom.
The newly built two storey classroom was jointly funded by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and the School Administration.
It will benefit over 1,000 students at the Okiufa Primary school. Okiufa Primary school is located on the outskirts of Goroka Town.
It was established in the early 1950’s during the Australian colonial era and is one of the pioneer schools in the province.
65 years later, a building has been added to this school. This building is testament of community and government partnership, given the fact that Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso contributed K200,000 from her PSIP while Okiufa School Administration provided the balance of over K300,000.
At the classroom opening, Eastern Highlands Governor and THE Party Member who is also a Member of the Opposition, Julie Soso, claimed that the government’s free education policy has forced schools to be overcrowded which has compromised quality education.
She says the free education policy must be complimented with more infrastructure including, more classrooms to cater for the increased demand.
Governor Soso also announced the construction of a new Goroka Urban High school next year. It will be funded by the American Embassy.
The Provincial government is currently negotiating with the Embassy to fine–tune the agreement.
