Madina gets the golden touch

National

MORE than 500 students at New Ireland’s Madina Secondary School will have new facilities to start afresh in the new year.
Under Lihir’s tax credit scheme, Newcrest has transformed the school by renovating and building facilities at a cost of K12.25 million.
This makes the Madina Secondary Newcrest’s largest single education commitment so far in New Ireland under the tax scheme.
The girls’ government school now has four new classrooms, two new science laboratories, two new 48-student dormitories with well-appointed cubicles, study desks and mattresses, and new
ablution blocks with adequate shower and toilet facilities.
A new staff administration building and a modern library were also constructed as part of the upgrade.
“These new classrooms and science labs make me want to study hard and get good results,” said grade 9 student Jade Penias.
English and social science teacher Lesosome Atuja said the school was receiving the benefits of having a mine in New Ireland.
The school also now has two three-bedroom houses for the principal and the deputy principal and four two-bedroom houses for teachers.
The Lihir tax scheme team did extensive refurbishment with the existing ablution blocks, the mess and kitchen having new benches, dining tables, better ventilation system, with upgraded plumbing and electricity supplies.
The computer room now has eight new computers, two laptops and associated ports and cabling.
A power and water reticulation upgrade included the installation of a new 220 KVA weatherproof silent generator and a large water tank.
Renovation work was also done on 12 teachers’ houses the school administration section, home economics and expressive arts buildings. Existing classrooms were renovated and upgraded.
During the opening of the facilities last Thursday, Governor Sir Julius Chan acknowledged Newcrest’s commitment to work with the provincial government to upgrade community facilities.
“This is the biggest education infrastructure project undertaken in New Ireland,” he said.
This makes Madina Secondary School the best in New Ireland and PNG. You Madina girls are the queens of New Ireland. Thank you Newcrest for working with my government.”
Support manager Joe Daimol reiterated the company’s call for good governance and transparency in all activities and programmes and appealed to the school body and surrounding communities to look after the facilities.