University opens door for teachers

By PETER WARI
A PRIMARY school teacher who graduated from the University of Goroka (UoG) open campus’s Bachelor of Education in-service programme in Mendi is urging fellow teachers to do the same.
Robin Joseph, a deputy head teacher at Nol Primary School in the Mendi-Munihu district, said he was doing well managing his school after getting his degree.
He said he enrolled at the open campus and did his studies for two years.
Joseph was one of six teachers who graduated.
“I know there are other teachers in the province who wish to pursue their dreams at the university,” he said.
“UoG open campus is already established in the province, so they can further their studies here.”
Acting-director of UoG open campus in Mendi Simon Paraun said the campus opened in 2016.
He said 56 students enrolled, but due to the 2017 national election and troubles in Mendi, only six graduated.
Paraun said UoG encouraged female teachers to use the opportunity to study while at work.
“UoG assists female students to do their Bachelor of Education with a 5 per cent fee taken off from the total programme fee,” he said.
“A 10 per cent fee is taken off for any couple who are registering for the programme.
“Four new programmes have been added to the current Bachelor of Education in-service programme for students in the province. Thanks to the school of humanities and technical vocational education training for offering programmes apart from the school of education.”