High school drop-outs given second chance

THREE Western Highlands high school drop-outs have graduated from the Christian Integrated School (CIS).
The trio, Thomas Pengi, Melson Nikints and Peter Okun from Kinjipi Prandaka in the Dei district, were among 42 youths enrolled at the church-run school.
They were the only three pioneer students to graduate.
The school teaches phonetics, early childhood programmes, adult literacy and human development programmes, amongst others.
Students attend classes in morning or afternoon sessions.
The school enrols adults and children and is aimed at educating those in rural areas.
The three graduates have been selected for further training at the Multi Skills Training School in Lae, Morobe province, which has also been boosted by a K3,600 funding from Australian aid agency, AusAID.
Mr Okun said they plan on taking up the one-year training for trades and study before they start looking for jobs.
“I never knew that such opportunities for further education existed and challenged other school dropouts to continue with their education at the CIS.
“Those who had dropped out of high school or had ‘run away’ and are unemployed, it’s not the end of the world.
“Opportunities like further education exist,” he said.
He also called on the local MP, the Government and education department to fund such schools and students because it helped lift community standards.