A big test for govt, MP says

 Lack of infrastructure to meet an increasing number of children enrolling in schools is a major challenge for the Government, Environment and Conservation Minister John Pundari said.

Pundari said that during the opening of the Vesulogo and Depo Elementary School facilities in Central.

It was funded by the Australian Government under the Kokoda Initiative and was opened last Friday.

He said with the free fee policy there was an increase in the number of  children in school. 

 “With the free education policy, we have an influx of children in schools. But lack of infrastructure, especially in the rural communities of this country, is a concern,” he said. 

He said it was a huge challenge for the Government. Pundari said the population growth rate in the country was another factor.

“How many children do you want to see in one desk in a classroom? 

“What sort of population do we have? Is it just growing the population? Is the Government able to meet the needs of the population as it is growing? 

“We’ve got to do the right thing. The future we give to the children will give us a better tomorrow.” 

Pundari said an important population policy was launched last week which focused on ensuring quality life. He thanked the Australian Government for the new classroom facilities for the Koiari children.