Ngembka tribe rejoices as school recognised by government

TEARS of joy from most present were shed on Friday when a school in Jimi, Jiwaka was finally recognised by the Government.
For the people of Ngembka tribe in Middle Jimi, it was a historic occasion and one to be treasured for a long time.
One of their own sons, Peter Semngar, who coped criticism and ridicule from critics over the last four years, delivered to them a certificate of registration for Manemp Bottom-up Primary School.
Semngar brought home the school’s new code given by the Education Department after being approved and recommended for registration by the Jiwaka education division and board, and also recognised for teachers to be posted there by the Teaching Service Commission.
Semngar, a community leader from Manemp ward, said his courage and determination to get the school registered saw him knocking on the doors of education officials in the province and at Fincorp Haus in Port Moresby.
He thanked the Jiwaka education board, the Education Department and Teaching Service Commission for recognising Manemp Bottom-up Primary School.
Manemp ward councillor John Ap thanked Semngar, head teacher John Gelu, the two other male teachers and the only female teacher, Lesley Peter, board chairman Peter Kari and the community of Koip and Mambilnol for showing much support.
The day was celebrated with slaughtering of pigs, singsing performances, bamboo band music and school children singing the national anthem.
Head teachers from the neighbouring primary schools and Mambilnol Tvet manager Kupul Bang witnessed the occasion.
“Jimi has no resources. The only resource is our children. This school is our baby. We will take full ownership of it and give every effort to develop it to the next standard,” Ap said.