OCTOBER 25TH 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says his “most-satisfying” achievement for his Tari-Pori District is seeing his people being given a second chance in life for further education.
He said this at the Hope Institute in Tari this morning (Monday October 25th 2021) when giving a pep talk to Grade 10 and 12 Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) students – many of them married men and women – before they sat for their final examinations.
“This is our long term solution to moving youths away from tribal conflicts and restlessness into usefulness, and my district has started that journey since 2014,” PM Marape said.
“I also thank Hela Governor, Hon. Philip Undialu, for his partnership with the Hope Institute.”
The students – 200 Grade 12s and 120 Grade 10s – are from all parts of Hela and have made use of this institution founded by PM Marape in 2017 to further their education.
Last year, 16 students completed Grade 12 at Hope Institute, with one now studying at Pacific Adventist University outside Port Moresby while the rest are at various institutions.
The women, some with grown-up children, are pursuing higher education after many years.
One is Ruth Pagu, a widowed mother of eight who was educated only up to Grade 9 in 1989, and is doing her Grade 12 examinations.
Among the men is a former school mate of the Prime Minister, Jackson Pama, who is sitting for his Grade 12 final examinations.
PM Marape said in the face of many exciting new infrastructure developments, in Tari and Hela as a whole, “there is no greater joy for me than seeing you all matriculating into Grade 10 and Grade 12, and looking to education as your path in life”.
“I’m totally satisfied. This gives me joy as your local Member here in Tari that we have invested well,” he said.
“The FODE system gives a chance to those of you who have left school to continue education and find your path in life.”
PM Marape said the Hope Institute would help its graduates to pursue further education both in Papua New Guinea and overseas, including training in running small business.
He announced that the institute would as from next year offer technical training to produce skilled tradesmen and women for both Hela and PNG.
“Education has endless rewards,” PM Marape said.
“Those who persevere, and focus on life, will be a better person: More enlightened, more informed to make better decisions in your own life.
“I want to congratulate the mothers who are back in school.
“Half of the students here today are female, including married women, whose husbands allowed them to come back to school.
“An educated wife is a better wife to look after family, children, and assist the husband and community.
“I also see fathers here who are doing Grade 10, 11 or 12.
“It joys my heart to see people valuing the second chance education we have established in Hela.
“As you come out of exams, go back to society, and be agents of hope in our society – in Koroba-Kopiago, Margarima and Tari-Pori.
“Advocate for education, good health and peace in our society.”
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