Early childhood learning programme launched

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Morobe government’s early childhood learning programme (ECLP) was launched last Thursday in Kabwum.
It was jointly launched by Governor Ginson Saonu and deputy administrator (social services) Robin Bazzinuc at Uruwa Primary School in the Yus local level government.
Saonu said education was an important priority for his government because it wanted to holistically develop the human resource of Morobe.
“In the rural areas, Uruwa you are the first school to implement the government’s education reform programme,” he said.
“In Lae, we have also chosen another school to trial the programme.
“Once successful, it will be rolled out to all parts of the province.”
Eighteen elementary schools took part in the programme, showcasing some of the things they were doing under the ECLP.
Students and teachers staged plays and dances, recited poems and sang songs.
Morobe education reform programme director Haring Qoreka said ECLP was part of Morobe government’s greater agenda to reform the province’s education system.
He said the ultimate aim was to ensure all children were enrolled and there were no dropouts.
“The ECLP is complementing the National Education Department’s 1-6-6 system,” Qoreka said.
“The ECLP is targeting children between the ages of two and five.
“We see that children who come through the ECLP have performed better than those who enroll straight at elementary schools.”