K100,000 commitment to early learning

 NATIONAL Capital District Commission has pledged an annual grant of K100,000 to the Digicel PNG Foundation to support the early childhood learning programme. 

Digicel PNG Foundation partnered with NCDC since 2011 to help fund and increase access to early childhood learning for children in settlements around Port Moresby.

Last Thursday, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the K100,000 investment was to support the work of the foundation with early childhood development and learning in NCD as basic but essential operational support to 13 informal CLC pre-schools.

“This is a small but important step to greatly enhance the sustainability of the community learning centres (CLCs) pre-school operations,” he said.

The funds would support Digicel foundation’s 13 existing CLCs pre-school teacher 

salaries and school subsidies 

for text books. 

These CLCs are currently providing early childhood education for close to 3,000 young children living in different settlements around Port Moresby. 

Digicel Foundation senior programme manager Beatrice Mahuru said the foundation recognised the importance of working in partnership with government to ensure the sustainability of community projects in PNG. 

“In that vein, we are delighted that Parkop and NCDC have once again partnered with us to fund regular teacher allowances and annual school subsidies. 

“Access to early education is vital for the development of the next generation and an area the Digicel Foundation recognises and supports.”

Digicel Foundation currently has funded 200 community-based projects covering 22 provinces and put K18.75 million back into marginalised communities which has directly impacted more than 150,000 people.