Student rolls soar in Pomio LLG schools

MORE children in the Melkoi local level government area, Pomio district, East New Britain province, now have access to basic education.
That is thanks to the increase in the number of elementary and primary schools established there.
Previously children were unable to complete elementary and primary education because of the great distances they had to walk to get to the nearest school.
District education officer John Kiengit said the increase in schools was in accordance with the Department of Education’s universal basic education concept and he commended the authorities in the province and at the LLG level for granting approvals for the establishment of the new schools.
He said eight elementary schools had been approved over the past two years.
They are Ulpuna, Esletena, Hepora, Sahalil, Simi, Buruwei and Murlemi, with Ainbul already starting classes although it has yet to register with the Department of Education.
Similarly in the primary sector, Esletena and Sahalil primary schools have started classes, with Ainbul expected to be registered this year so classes can start next year.
Enrolment figures show Esletena elementary has 99 students, while Esletena Primary has 36 students in Grade 3 and 27 pupils in Grade 4.
“I am pleased with the enrolment figures as it indicates an equal number of girls attending school and this is encouraging in terms of gender equity,” Kiengit said.
He reminded teachers to maintain professionalism at all times despite the fact that they were serving in remote areas and to uphold the teaching code of ethics.