PM visits old school

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare, last Thursday visited for the first time the school that he taught in before entering politics 50 years ago.
Sir Michael and Lady Veronica were welcomed in Brandi Secondary School, East Sepik province, where he taught in 1959, in the Turubu local level government.
During his visit, Sir Michael committed K30,000 to Mandi Primary School near Brandi and promised a double classroom and library for the school.
The money would go towards the school’s 50th anniversary celebration which is set for Nov 19.
Sir Michael arrived to a rousing welcome by school children, singsing groups and the Mandi women group that carried him for a good 200m to the stage.
After the official ceremony, Sir Michael and Lady Veronica talked openly with old men and women in the area whom they knew before independence when Sir Michael was teaching there.
Sir Michael said most educational institutions have not changed much over the years but that did not mean that they had been completely forgotten by the Government.
He said despite setbacks, Mandi had been the best kept school in  Wewak district and he was very appreciative of the  contributions given by parents’ towards the upkeep of the school.
The Prime Minister also made a commitment of K20,000 for the relocation of Mandi Aid Post which would cater for the villagers and the student population.
He said the Mamapa Women’s Association of Maur and Mandi villages would also receive a women’s resource centre from him next year following request from their president Nancy Tamur.