Stay away from politics: Adviser

By PETER WARI
TEACHERS in Southern Highlands have been directed by provincial education adviser, Mark Push not to be involved as polling and counting officials in the general election.
In a circular endorsed by provincial administrator Jerry David, Push told all teachers not to be involved in any election related programmes.
“Teachers will not apply to PNG Electoral Commission Mendi Office to be engaged as one of the polling or counting officials,” he said.
Push said the involvement of teachers in past elections have badly affected the class schedules and resulted in poor performance by students and schools.
He said head teachers and governing boards from the respective schools were instructed not to use school facilities for hosting campaign rallies, or to use any type of school asset such as public address systems.
He said if the equipment was allowed for use then it had to be hired and returned on time and in good condition.
Push added that students were not allowed to be involved directly in any campaign programmes such as rallies, campaigns and any election related activities especially on school days.
He said students who breached this directive needed to be disciplined by their schools.
He said any act against the directive was to be reported.

Election should not interrupt learning: Uguro

By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
EDUCATION minister Jimmy Uguro says students’ learning should not be interrupted by election related activities.
“Parents, guardians and teachers should ensure that students are in class and not taking part in election related activities as that would distract them from their studies,” he said.
Uguro made this comments in response to questions raised by The National that too many students have been seen at nomination venues and rallies during school times since last week.
He said the Education Department has issued circulars prior to the issue of writs that only those students who are eligible to vote can be excused from class during the polling period, while the rest should remain in school.
“For schools in the National Capital District, everything is happening in the city and if the crowd is noisy and disturbing, obviously students and teachers can be interrupted.”
The minister said there could be other factors that are attracting students to leave classes and join their families and other grown-ups at gatherings.

Official: Do not involve in campaigns

THE New Ireland education board has restricted all teachers and students from participating in public gatherings or political rallies during the general election period.
Provincial education adviser Apelis Benson told The National the restrictions were set following numerous circulations from the Education Department and the latest joint circular with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).
Meanwhile, school principals, head teachers and school board chairmen in East New Britain have been warned not to allow any intending candidates to use school facilities to conduct their campaign rallies.
ENB provincial education board chairman Wilson Matava said school facilities and equipment were only for students and could not be used for other purposes.
“Instructions and warnings have been given out to all schools not to allow any of their school facilities such as halls, classrooms or playgrounds to be used for election purposes,” Matava said.
While issuing this warning, he also urged the newly appointed members of the PEB to remain neutral as agents of the state to ensure that all education institutions are protected during the time of the general election.