K74,000 sustenance aid for B’ville school

GRADE 12 students attending Hujena Secondary School in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville do not have to worry about a shortage of food rations and concentrate on the national examinations this week, thanks to the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Member for North Bougainville Michael Ogio.
Mr Ogio came to their aid with his approved K74,800, assistance from his district funds last Friday to help keep the school operating till the end of the year.
He said the school was one of the biggest schools in the region and it catered  for students from the north, central and south Bougainville.
“I  am calling on my colleague MPs and ABG members to assist with funds to assist especially the boarding students.
They must be supported in anyway possible so that they can sit for their exams and complete the year on a satisfactory note,” he said.
He said although funds were scarce, it must not be used as an excuse to deny their children the future and their right to education.
“It has to be a shared responsibility and all leaders, both at the national and regional level, must take ownership and share the responsibility of looking after the schools in the region financially,” Mr Ogio said.
He also  announced funding of K500,000 for the only Seventh-Day Adventist run school, Devare High School, which would upgrade its status to secondary level  next year.
Mr Ogio announced the same amount of funding for Tinputz and Haku High Schools  if the education authorities and local leaders come up with the proper working plans to build the schools.