Official: Infrastructure affects students’ learning

INFRASTRUCTURE development for Morobe schools must be looked after so that students can benefit from them and attain skills and knowledge to help develop PNG, an official says.
Morobe deputy administrator for social services Robin Bazzinuc made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of European Union (EU) funded infrastructure at the Umi Technical Vocational Centre in Markham on Monday.
“The infrastructure development from the EU cost more than K3 million is a gift and a blessing,” he told students, instructors and the local community who attended the inauguration.
“There are many young people who are kicked out of the formal education system, however, institutions like this give them hope.
“Four workshops, two teacher’s houses and two ablution blocks is a big help to this school and the province.
“Students will now be able to equip themselves to find jobs.”
EU Ambassador to PNG Ioannis Giorkarakis-Argyropoulos said infrastructure development was one part of support to the Government plan to develop the education sector, particularly in vocational training.
“We have a big programme where we try to support the Government with infrastructure, training of teachers and upgrading the skills of the Education Department,” he said.
“This is the last intervention we financed under the 10th EU development fund.
“I am pleased that progress has been made in our development cooperation under the 11th EU development fund; we have a an ambitious programme under way and this is not the end.”
Giorkarakis-Argyropoulos said the impact of such investment on the people and communities was more important than money.
“The most important thing is value for money, what the will people get out of this effort.”