Ministers launch PNG-Aust schools’ partnership programme

THE launch of the PNG-Australia partnership of secondary schools initiative is an important part of Australia’s commitment to engage more with the Pacific, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne says.
Payne and her PNG counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Soroi Eoe, Education Minister Joseph Yopyyopy and Australian Minister for International Development and Pacific Alex Hawk helped launch the initiative at the National Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday.
“It recognises the importance of young people in securing a prosperous future, particularly Papua New Guineans,” she said.
“We are going to be able to support 12 secondary schools in PNG to partner with 12 secondary schools in Australia directly reaching over 2,400 students in years nine and 11.
“This is an important engagement in young people in both of our countries and your Prime Minister James Marape has had the opportunity to visit a partner school in Australia, Cherrybrook.”
Payne said the programme would bring together students, teachers, school leaders through learning activities including collaborative projects and mentoring on the issues that would enable the youth to become leaders in the future.
“We have a focus on improving STEM (science, technology engineering and math) subjects and English as well as leadership development, particularly for girls,” she said.
“As Australia’s minister for women that is also very close to my heart as well.
“It’s a great honour to be here.”