Posted on March 08, 2024
The all-girls Caritas Technical Secondary School in West New Britain Province is investing in second chances for girls to complete their education.
With the retention of girls a challenge in schools across PNG, Caritas Technical Secondary School has campaigned for the families of girls who dropped out of school to encourage their return to the classroom.
The campaign included radio announcements and SMS blasts, with enrolment and school start dates communicated to parents.
This year a total of 239 students were enrolled, that is thirty more students from the total number of 207 retained in 2023. Most of these students (65%) come from remote areas and border villages between the East and West New Britain provinces.
Caritas Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Coordinator, Mrs. Roslyn Koninda, explained the importance of a holistic approach to empowering girls.
“At Caritas, we are empowering women, not just academically by providing quality education, but by mentally and physically moulding them to be strong women who know their human rights,” Roslyn said.
Through a grant from Australia’s Incentive Fund program, a new dormitory is being built to accommodate more girls enrolling to continue their secondary education.
Caritas believes in creating a second chance for girls to go to school because when girls and women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead, the entire communities benefit.
The Incentive Fund supports projects that ensure that the benefits of projects extend to women, youth, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.