by Jacob Niru – EM TV, Port Moresby
A remote primary school in the Ialibu-Pangia electorate in Southern Highlands Province will be upgraded to a high school to cater to an increase in students.
Ponowi Primary School Principal, Siro Yoko believes that the proposed high school will reduce many difficulties faced by nearby secondary schools.
This was revealed by board, management and community leaders of Ponowi Primary School through its proposed five-year development plan presented recently. Papua New Guinea is undergoing major developments in infrastructure and its’ economy but human capital is a vital tool in driving change forward.
With construction underway for the government’s newly-proposed Western Pacific University in Ialibu, the surrounding schools are likely to change their status.
Ponowi Primary School is situated in one of the biggest local level governments (LLGs) in the Ialibu Pangia electorate, some 45 minutes from the main township. Ialibu has proposed a five-year development plan.
In its recent graduation, Principal Siro Yoko and board member Jim Pakawi revealed that Ponowi Primary School will be upgraded to a high school.
The Southern Highlands Provincial Government had promised to upgrade the primary school to Kewabi High School. Yoko said the school has been recognised as one of the pioneer schools in producing human capital in the Southern Highlands.
Meanwhile, the board, management and many communities surrounding the Siwi Utame LLG made special mention and greatly appreciated the commitments done by local MP and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in upgrading health, education and infrastructure in their locality.
They believe that the proposed Kewabi High School will be of great importance to him.
Jacob Niru is a UPNG Journalism student.
