Elementary school gets K24,000

THE New Zealand government, through  NZAID, donated K24,000 for the completion of a classroom at the 2-Mile Elementary School in Lae, Morobe province, on Tuesday.
The school is facing an acute shortage of space, with only one room catering to 200 pupils and a growing population.
Parents have been contributing to help the school complete the construction of the second classroom.
Young elementary school children braved the scorching sun on Tuesday to welcome New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Rebecca Lineham who presented the cheque to the school.
In her address, she emphasised the importance of education and the many opportunities life offers if students worked  hard to achieve their dreams.
School board chairman Waesa Soten extended the school’s appreciation to the New Zealand High Commission for the assistance.
“The funding will enable the completion of the classroom, connection of water, electricity, fencing and construction of an ablution block,” he said.
Other projects planned included three new classrooms, a staff office, library and six houses for teachers.
School headmaster James Lalo said the school had been facing financial problems since its establishment in 2001.
“The funding from the New Zealand government is timely and marks the beginning of a new era for the school,” he said.