Barola turns over a new leaf

National, Normal
Source:

Story and picture by ZACHERY PER

PEOPLE of seven villages living along the then notorious Barola section Eastern Highlands province of Highlands Highway have decided to invest in developing human resources as part of transforming their lives.
The people yesterday contributed cash to assist Barola Primary School to develop basic school infrastructure which marked the opening of two new teacher’s houses, a double classroom and new perimeter fencing for the school.
Barola community leader Shubert Kamunda said they were no longer the old Barola involved in criminal activities along the highway.
“We, the new Barola, have decided to invest in education for our children by helping to rebuild Barola Primary School to one day see sons and daughters of Barola excel in life.
“We are no longer rascals here, I assure you this school will one day compete with the rest of Kainantu, Eastern Highlands and PNG,”he said.
School board chairman Ezo Hone reiterated that Barola carried a bad name in PNG as breeding ground for criminals.
“Barola is no longer a rehabilitation centre for future generation, and, therefore, we invest in school to develop young generation of Barola to be industrious citizens.”
Provincial education adviser Conrad Esoke, who was the guest speaker, committed to take up a proposal the school had given him to relevant political and administrations in the province to facilitate external funding for more infrastructural development in the school.
He commended the parents and teachers for making personal financial contribution to improve the school and invest more in education.
The parents and the school contributed a total of K6,452 and were presented to the school’s head teacher, Dan Kwalam.