Life PNG Care to spend over K100,000 on children’s education

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
Life PNG Care will enrol 250 street children in primary and secondary schools in the National Capital District this year, director Collin Pake said yesterday.
“It will cost over K100,000 to cover all their education expenses such as school project fees for transfers, boarding and lodging fees, uniforms, shoes, school stationery, bus fares, lunches and other education-related expenses for the whole year,” he said.
“This amount excludes the costs associated with child maintenance for the 45 residential children residing at Life PNG Care’s family home centre at Gerehu.”
Pake said the funding was under their Strongim Pikinini Education Programme (SPEP).
“This is an increase from 2017, 2016 and 2015. Life PNG Care has successfully enrolled 108 orphans and other vulnerable out-of-school street children in 2017, 75 in 2016 and 45 in 2015 since the inception of SPEP in 2015.
“However, the number has significantly grown and we need support from government, business houses and individuals who want to be part of this life-changing programme.”
Pake said the children had great potential and when given the right opportunity they would realise that potential rather than just looking for the means to survive on the streets of Port Moresby or other major centres of Papua New Guinea. “I believe there are over one million children in PNG who are out of school.
“Neglected children never enter schools despite expressing interest in education.
“These children are often at high risk of being embroiled in a life of substance abuse and anti-social behaviour.”
Anyone willing to be part of what Life Care PNG is doing can contact them on 7347 6302 or by email [email protected].
To learn more about Life PNG Care visit www.lifepngcare.org