Teach PNG history in our schools

ON Monday’s The National, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan called for the inclusion of Papua New Guinea history into the education curriculum.
Sir Julius’ statement should not be taken lightly.
Although we have a lot of history about our road to nationhood, most of the knowledge from an educational perspective is attained only through the nations’ universities (University of Papua New Guinea, Divine Word University and Papua New Guinea University of Technology).
Another issue is that most PNG millennials lack the reading mentality, as compared to millennials of other nations in Africa, Asia or the West.
The Education Department needs to strategise and ensure that our curriculum is revamped.
In the future, our curriculum should include PNG history in the lower levels as early as Grade 6 or even Grade 3 so we impart this knowledge early.
Schools need to take their students to field trips.
They have to visit historical landmarks or museums so they have an understanding of our history.
The onus is on everyone to ensure that our history is preserved for the future.
The introduction of Papua New Guinea history subject in the school curriculum will spark interest in our students and drive them to do their own research and appreciate the importance of knowing their history.
This is a way to have our children appreciate and understand PNG history.
If they cannot find the inspiration to do so, we have to ensure that it is compulsory for them to know PNG history.
We have to do this before we lose knowledge of our history.

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