By Theckla Gunga – EM TV, Port Moresby
Grade eight students from two primary schools in Port Moresby fear most of them will miss out on selections for grade nine in 2016.
Their fear follows the reality of the lack of spaces available for grade nine scholars in high or secondary schools.
“We want our government to build vocational or technical centres so grade eight students who do not make it to grade nine can get an education from the those educational centres,” a Hagara student said.
The students raised these concerns during the celebrations of the 2015 International Youth Day, in Port Moresby this morning.
The narrow climb in the education ladder and the limited job opportunities in the professional environment has causing these students to panic.
“Even though we want to go on to grade nine, we cannot”, another Hagara students said. He added that the education system does not allow because of limited spaces.
Not all grade eight students in Papua New Guinea will secure a placing in grade nine, and students from the Hagara and Tokarara Primary Schools say that vocational and technical centres are an education avenue the government must invest in.
The limited space within the education system has been an annual concern for many parents and guardians.
In the discussions today, the students highlighted three areas where they feel the government should invest in.
These, they say, will minimise the unemployment rate and widen the education opportunities in higher educational levels.
So far, a number of provinces have created educational programs that have helped students pursue educational opportunities and career paths.
But the truth is, at the end of term four in December, thousands of grade eight students in PNG will not get an opportunity to go to grade nine.
However, they can pursue a career in vocational and technical centres.
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