Action week focuses on education

THE Global Action Week (GAW) to advocate the Government on the significance and progress of education for all (EFA) will be launched in Port Moresby today.
It will run from today until Sunday.
The week-long programme would include school debates, TV panel discussions and talks to institutions and sports depending on the availability and adequacy of funding.
A steering committee has been formed to coordinate and facilitate GAW activities.
Committee chairman Joachim Orapa has invited the public in NCD, governments agencies and provincial divisions of education to launch the GAW in their respective localities.
Mr Orapa urged the public to rally the Government to spend more money on education and not riot or protest.
The committee would ensure the GAW is peaceful and trouble-free.
“The Government, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations need to work together to improve and advance the education system.
“Education is the fundamental catalyse for societal development and human capacity building, and one of the medium development goals (MDGs) to help alleviate poverty and support the marginalised genders,” Mr Orapa said.
The committee is also appealing and advocating the Government to:
*Invest in future spending of 20% on education;
*Abolish fees preventing many children going to school;
*Provide professional teachers for quality education;
*Allow children to attend school and not work; and
*Give every child and person the right to education irrespective of race, gender disability and background.