National high school system way to go

I REBUT a Mr Concerned’s view that national high schools have outlived their usefulness in the other daily published on Aug 4.
As someone who has been to a national high aschool, I can confidently say that the system is one of the best in terms of strengthening nationalism and quality education.
Those who have been to national high schools can attest to my statement.
We built life-long friendships.
For some of us, it was our first time to leave our own provinces and join other fellow Papua New Guineans who came from all parts of the country.
It was a truly joyous moment during the two years I spent at that school which was more meaningful and life-changing than the four years I spent at university.
At national high, we interacted with each other as one family and one country.
You could feel true nationalism and we talked little about our own provinces.
We were far away from our homes so there was less distraction and, as a result, most students did well and went to many different institutions.
Teachers and principals were appointed on merit, unlike secondary schools today where appointments are politicised.
The students were the top students from high schools around the country and there was positive competition and that made us work harder.
In secondary schools today, any failure can get into the system with money and a pig.
As a professional today, when I look back, I put my national high school years at the top.
Those were the years when I first interacted with people from other provinces and learnt their cultures and, hence, respect and appreciated them.
The national high school system promoted unity in diversity.
Cost is a factor but if our government is serious about prompting national unity, then the national high school system is the way.
Increase the number of national high schools and equip them and convert them into schools of excellence.
The Government should maintain them and don’t transfer them to provincial governments.

Once an Aiyurian, always an Ayurian,
FM 2 – 1996 -1997