Fode centre’s 150 students ready for class

ONE hundred and 50 students are ready to launch into the academic year, pursuing their second chance at education at the Motu Koita flexible open and distance education (Fode) centre in Hanuabada, Port Moresby.
Motu Koita Assembly chairman Dadi Toka Jnr last week opened the academic year and welcomed students to the centre’s second year of operations.
The centre now offers opportunities to those studying grade 9 as full correspondence students in addition to registration of students from grades 10 to 12.
Operated by international development organisation Kokoda Track Foundation, it is nationally recognised by the PNG national Fode office and is supported by the Motu Koita Assembly, Kina Bank and Black Swan International.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Motu Koita Assembly will again be providing K100,000 to the centre (this year),” Toka said.
“Positions in the Fode programme are highly sought after and they support students on many important pathways – into teaching, health work, law, business and many other careers.
“We are proud to be a part of this partnership with Kokoda Track Foundation and Kina Bank.”
Lawrence Sioa is a new student at the centre.
As family circumstances prevented him from completing his schooling to date, Sioa is one of the many students taking this opportunity to complete his studies and pursue his goal of working in the electrical trade.
“Thank you Kokoda Track Foundation for the opportunity to allow me to study here,” he said.
“I am very happy.”