College awards grade 12 certificates to 115 Fode students

BALIMO College in a remote Middle Fly village in Western recently awarded grade 12 certificates to 115 students who completed the flexible open and distance education (Fode) programme.
The college is being supported by the PNG Sustainable Development Programme (SDP) education initiative managed by the Kokoda Track Foundation for the third year.
SDP manager Judy Aoae said they wanted to see their programmes benefit the people of Western.
“We work with our partners to empower the community to take ownership and do what we are capable of doing to improve our lives,” she said.
“The students have committed themselves to work hard and achieve certificates that qualify their entry into higher education institutions in the country, including the Balimo College teacher training programme.”
The Kokoda Track Foundation head of education, Martha
Bentley, said the grade 12 students could pursue tertiary studies in teaching and other professions.
She thanked the SDP for creating education opportunities in Western.
Grandmother Mudato Somona said receiving a grade 12 certificate was the best achievement of her life.
“Don’t let your age hold you back (from furthering your education).”
Somona inspired staff and students with her commitment to the college and volunteering for the past two years.
The college operates two centres in Morehead and Kiunga and is registered under the Department of Education.
Now into its third year of operation, Balimo College offers a second chance of education for those who drop out of the education system to upgrade their exam marks.