Schools resume classes

Schools in Lae yesterday resumed classes.
The Morobe provincial education board agreed for schools in Lae to resume classes following ethnic unrest in the city two weeks ago that resulted in several deaths.
Provincial education adviser Murika Bihoro said general calm in the city had prompted the board to call for the resumption of school. 
Police will be stepping up patrols around schools and educational institutions to ensure classes are unimpeded.
More than 20,000 students from elementary to Grade 12 were advised by the board to stay home on Nov 7 when fighting and tensions were at their worst.
The easing of tension means Grade 8 students can sit for their final examinations next week.
Bihoro said Grade 8 examamination papers were delayed for two weeks because of
printing snags in Australia.
But the papers have now arrived and more than 9,000 students in Morobe will be sitting for their English, Maths and combined subjects examinations next week, starting on Monday.
Leaders from all communities in and around Lae city are determined to work together with the relevant authorities to foster peace and a return to normalcy.