86 graduate as pioneer teachers

By SALLY TIWARI
THE Sacred Heart Teachers College in Port Moresby saw its first batch of graduates pass out yesterday.
The 86 pioneer graduates, who are mostly from the rural areas in the Southern region, with a few from Momase and New Guinea Islands, were awarded scholarships by the European Union to undergo two years of primary teacher training.
The teachers upon graduation are then required to go back to their villages and teach in the rural areas.
Brother Bernard Cooper of the Sacred Heart Teachers College thanked the EU for funding the teachers’ school fees saying they are expected to reach more than 3,000 students in the rural areas.
Cooper said the teachers were well-equipped as qualified teachers.
He, however, challenged the Education Department to review some of its policies to suit the changing times and conditions of the country.
Chairman of the governing council Fr Paul Jennings said more should be done for those who were already rich in terms of education.