Posted on January 24, 2019
Among the top-20 schools for grade 12 and grade 10 are five schools that received grants through the PNG-Australia Partnership’s Incentive Fund program to improve education quality and facilities. These are Marianville Secondary School in NCD, Mercy Secondary School in East Sepik Province, Notre Dame Secondary School in Western Highlands Province, Kerowagi Secondary School in Simbu Province and Sacred Heart Secondary School in Milne Bay Province.
Former Deputy Principal of Notre Dame Secondary School, Mr John Kumie, credits the Australian-funded infrastructure for the students outstanding results, “Academic achievement is very high because of the good infrastructure and buildings, we are currently one of the top schools in PNG.”
This also shows the Australian Government’s strong commitment to supporting girls’ education, given that Marianville, Mercy and Notre Dame are three of the four girls’ schools in PNG supported by the Incentive Fund. This demonstrates the impact improved infrastructure and learning resources can have on girls’ education.
Principal of Marianville Secondary School, Sr Angela Taylor, commented on the high volume of teacher applicants, “Publicity after funding from the Incentive Fund grant showed the school has changed and really is the best. Teachers all over the country wanted to come and teach at Marianville and there was an overwhelming number of applications from teachers.”