Morobe Fode forced to meet demand for centres

THE demand by school leavers in Morobe to have correspondence study centres has forced the flexible open and distance education (Fode) to establish more centres, an official says. In 2021, 15 centres were established to cater for school leavers who are increasing each year. Lae Fode centre coordinator Nemica Jacob said the establishment of study centres in schools and communities showed the immense interest shown by school levers. Jacob said Fode enrolment this year was more than 2,000 and it could increase. “They really want to continue their education,” he said. “Many are coming forward to show their interest and that is why we are establishing more centres.” The syllabus and classes in Fode is similar to mainstream schools ,which have teachers. Jacob said Fode supported “zero dropout” policy by Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu. “Fode is ready to roll out the programme to the nine districts but we need proper funding,” he said.
“We are yet to receive funding for this year from the provincial government.”  Jacob said the only challenge faced at the provincial headquarters was the printing of copies of the learning materials and posting them to centres around the province.