School struggles as teachers share houses

By TONY PALME
There is a great need for infrastructure development at Kauil Provincial High School in Middle Jimi, Jiwaka, says chairman and founder James Kokum.
Kokun, who is also Jimi local level government president, highlighted the need to build more staff houses as teachers were bunking with teachers of Kauil Lutheran Primary School.
“We have only three buildings comprised of six classrooms for grades 9 and 10,” he said.
“This year we have built three teachers’ houses. We also need to build more classrooms, as we are experiencing overcrowding, and other infrastructure facilities.”
Kokun called on the Jiwaka government and Jimi district development authority to help with funding support.
He said the school had not received any support from the provincial and district authorities.
“We would like to appeal to the DDA to at least give us a share of the 60 per cent tuition fee free subsidy component parked in the district’s trust account for education,” Kokun said.
“Jimi electorate has only two high schools.
“In order to have a secondary school, we must develop infrastructure of the existing schools.”
Kokun thanked Jiwaka Governor Dr William Tongamp for his initial support in the establishment of the school, which started its first grade 9 class in 2015.
He also called on the surrounding community and tribes of Konzka and Ngembka to support principal Thomas Okun, the board and teachers in order to improve the school.