Foundation helps students upgrade marks for tertiary levels

THE Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) has been helping students who have left school upgrade their marks to qualify for tertiary level courses.
It targets rural communities in Central, Western and Oro.
The foundation is an international non-government organisation providing flexible open and distance education (FODE) at the Balimo College and Kokoda College.
Kokoda College principal Enosh Ben said students needed to deal with challenges.
“More than 50 per cent of our students come from families of single parents, or have lost both parents,” he said.
“We have single mothers, new mothers and people who travel long distances.
“Some students from Kanga have to walk up to seven hours, then hold their tablets up above their heads to cross rivers.
“Others crossed the Owen Stanley Ranges, sleep under tree along the way, just so they can access an education.”
A girl named Joyce from Launumu village in Central attends the Kokoda College with 124 others.
A boy named Jason from Togoa village in Western attends the Balimo College with 104 others. Both Joyce and Jason came last week to sit for the national grade 10 examinations.
Joyce said she was nervous but excited to finally sit for her FODE exams.
“I have been teaching for eight years.
“With the new Government requirements, it is important that I upgrade my schooling so that I can upgrade my teaching qualifications.
“I am excited to sit for my exams.”