Computer laboratories set for 20 WHP primary schools

COMPUTER laboratories are being set up in 20 primary schools in Western Highlands.
The facilities were sponsored by LiteHaus international, an Australian non-government organisation, in partnership with Sir Brian Bell foundation and Niunet.
LiteHaus founder and chief executive officer Jack Growden was at the presentation of 15 desktop computers, which would be connected to the internet, and a television to the St Paul’s Kuskomb Primary School in Tambul-Nebilyer on Thursday.
Growden said the school was one of 20 to benefit from LiteHaus’ digital infrastructure programme to set up e-learning labs .
“In today’s world, quality education cannot be completed without digital education,” he said.
“We are very passionate about bridging the digital divide and equipping the future leaders of Western Highlands with the tools to learn and the tools to dream.”
Growden said that the digital project was made possible with the support of Sir Brian Bell Foundation which, over the last five years, had continuously supported efforts to achieve better education outcomes for Papua New Guinea.
He said each computer lab would be equipped with 15 desktop computers, an LCD screen and a “Niunet box”, providing extensive and free digital learning materials for between 15,000 and 18,000 students. Niunet chief executive officer and founder David Valentine said providing students with extra-curricular digital learning materials would inspire them to learn, work and play a major role in nation-building in the future.
“The project was well received by the schools and community leaders in the Mt Hagen too,” he added.
LiteHaus local facilitator and Kopi tribe councillor Peter Raim said digital learning would go a long way in creating a better future for the students.
“This is very positive news for our community as we continue to face the challenges of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic,” he said.
Meanwhile, Western Highlands superintendent of elementary and primary schools Tom Korowa, who attended the presentation of computers to St Paul’s Primary School, urged parents to invest more in their children’s education.
“Such investments are crucial and important in ensuring their children’s future and career,” he added.