Students lock out staff

By DULCIE OREKE
MORE than 30 aggrieved students at the Port Moresby Technical College locked out staff yesterday.
College staff were unable to gain entry to work as students placed locks and a box in front of the door to the administration building as early as 6am to prevent any access.
The students undertaking the printing and graphic arts course said they had to resort to such action to force the administration to supply computers and printers so they could return to classes.
They said classes were stalled in January when the roof of the building collapsed, destroying the items inside.
A tour of the school in the morning revealed an empty administration building, with students waiting outside to get a response from the college head.
Students said they would continue the boycott until Friday if the administration failed to meet their demand.
Class captain Linson Yambunam said they had opened the doors briefly after a meeting with the principal for the treasurer to gain entry.
They said a briefing was held with the principal and a representative from AusAID.
Yambunam said although they were satisfied with the meeting, the doors would be kept locked until they saw a purchase order from a computer supplier.
Yambunam said during yesterday’s briefing they were presented with a copy of a cheque for K63,671.17 from the college as part payment for new computers.
Attempts to get comments from the school were unsuccessful.