Digicel builds classroom for school

CHILDREN attending Tigibi Elementary School, in Southern Highlands, have a new double classroom – thanks to the Digicel Foundation.
The launch last Thursday marked the foundation’s 31st elementary school double classroom launched so far nationwide.
This is the first elementary school classroom project to be funded in Southern Highlands by the foundation.
To date, two primary school classroom projects have already been constructed by the foundation in the province.
The steel kit structure double classroom cost K85,000 and includes office space, 20 new double benches, black boards, a water tank and two pit toilets.
Situated about 300km outside Mendi town, the school was established in 2004 and is run by the Catholic church.
There are more than 200 students enrolled at Tigibi Primary School and it has five teachers for its five classes.
The school has one bush material and two semi-permanent classrooms, with just iron sheeting for the roof, a bamboo wall and bare ground.
Due to the lack of classroom space the Elementary Prep and Elementary 1 classes are forced to sit outside in the open, at times.
School principal Thomas Andama said it was a historic day for them.
“We have been using bush material classrooms until today.
“This is our first permanent double classroom.
“Our teachers and students can’t wait to start the new school year in their brand new classrooms.
“Digicel PNG Foundation’s funding of this permanent double classroom is a timely donation for the school, our students and teachers and the community. We can’t thank you enough.”
Foundation senior programme manager Beatrice Mahuru said they tried to target and support communities like Tigibi.
“We are delighted to support their achievements and commitment through the provision of better resources and school structures such as these double classrooms,” she said.