NRI reveals factors restricting quality education in Mamose

The National National

A RECENT study by the National Research Institute (NRI) has revealed that six factors restrict delivery of quality basic education in the Mamose region.
The same study also found that the implementation of the tuition fee free (TFF) policy has improved access to basic education in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
However, factors that contribute to the deteriorating state of quality education continue to persist in the Mamose region.
The NRI Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 5 says: “Challenges that schools face in the delivery of quality basic education in Mamose region” authored by PNG NRI senior research fellow Dr Kilala Devette-Chee provides insight into factors that restrict the delivery of quality education. Dr Devette-Chee found that key factors that restricted the delivery of quality basic education in the region included:

  • OVERCROWDING in the classroom as a result of the increase in access to education;
  • TEACHERS heavy workload as a result of the increased student enrolment;
  • INADEQUATE students’ learning materials such as textbooks;
  • INADEQUATE parental and community support;
  • POOR water and sanitation facilities; and,
  • DELAY in the remittance of TFF funds to schools.

The study recommended that if the intention is to improve the quality of basic education being delivered in the region, basic education authorities should consider employing more qualified teachers, constructing more classrooms, providing more students’ learning materials, providing facilities for water and sanitation and see that TFF funds are released to schools in a timely manner.
Dr Devette-Chee said they may also be useful for the other regions.