by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Students’ non-attendance in class is a big problem, and common in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea.
Malalaua High school, in Kerema District, registered less than 20 students yesterday, despite the beginning of the School registration week.
The poor turnout of students at schools in the district has affected the overall school performance in the country.
Malalua High School produces less than ten students each year to Secondary schools.
Like other schools in Gulf Province, students do not show interest in learning, says Head Mistress, Pauline Omohae.
There is a high absenteeism rate at the school, with students not attending classes, and for no good reason.
This year alone, 300 students were listed to complete their Grade 9 and 10 levels, at Malalaua High school.
Many of the students are from the National Capital District and Central Province. These are students who cannot meet the Provincial pass mark of 80.
Today is the last day of registration, before formal classes begin. However, for Malalua, only 18 students have registered so far.
Students may have their own reasons for not attending class. Additionally, water is a problem for the school. They get their water from a bore well.
The classrooms and the dormitories are also of low standard and the school has another issue of incomplete Government funded projects.
Despite all these, the school is planning to introduce its first Grade 11 level in 2018.
