Concern over kids not in school

**Teachers, students, Madang division of education staff and the public at the launch of the academic year in Madang town last Friday – Nationalpics by SYLVESTER WEMURU**

Many school-aged children are not in school, Education secretary Dr Uke Kombra says.
He made this statement based on information collected by the Department of Education.

**Traditionally dressed students waiting to welcome guests in Madang recently.**

Dr Kombra gave example of Madang stating that about 86 per cent of students are in school.
“Where is the other percentage?” he said during the opening of the academic year at Tusbab Secondary in Madang last Friday.

**Education Minister Jimmy Uguro (left) opening the academic year at Tusbab Secondary School in Madang last Friday. Beside Uguro is Education secretary Dr Uke Kombra.**

“It is now our duty, the teachers, parents and the Government to make sure that every school-aged child must be in school.”
He said when a child was six years old, he or she should be in school and must be in school until they complete their education.

From left: Education secretary Dr Uke Kombra, Education Minister Jimmy Uguro, Teaching Services Commission commissioner Samson Wangihomie and director Libraries and Archives Kasi Kakaito at the launching of the academic year at Tusbab Secondary School in Madang last Friday.

Education Minister Jimmy Uguro who was also at the opening of the academic year, urged teachers to be innovative in their profession.

Girls from the Idodo cultural group presenting a report compiled by the Madang education division to Madang acting education director John Sikara in Madang last Friday. Sikara presented the report to Education Minister Jimmy Uguro.

He said teachers who grew up in urban areas would be posted to the rural areas to experience the challenges faced by students there.
Uguro said teachers who grew up in rural areas would be posted to urban areas.