Port Moresby, 20 June 2025 – The Catholic Church's role in education in Papua New Guinea has been further reinforced following the official swearing-in of Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj as a member of the National Education Board (NEB).
Fr. Lawrence, who serves as the General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, was formally inducted into the NEB today in a ceremony held in Port Moresby. His appointment was previously announced on 14 February 2025 by the Minister for Education, Hon. Lucas Dawa Dekena, in accordance with provisions under the Education Act.
Strengthening Church-State Collaboration in Education
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Catholic Church and the Government in improving the national education sector. The Catholic Church is one of the largest education providers in PNG, responsible for administering hundreds of primary and secondary schools across the country.
Fr. Lawrence's appointment to the NEB is expected to enhance policy dialogue and coordination between state authorities and faith-based education institutions.
A Key Voice in National Education Policy
The NEB is a statutory body mandated to oversee education policy formulation, planning, and implementation across Papua New Guinea. Fr. Lawrence’s presence on the Board brings valuable insight from the Church’s vast experience in school management, teacher development, and values-based education delivery.
His inclusion on the Board also reflects the government’s recognition of the critical role of churches in delivering education services, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
National Education Minister Welcomes Appointment
Minister Dekena congratulated Fr. Lawrence on his official induction, stating that his presence will contribute positively to the NEB’s strategic decisions.
Fr. Lawrence’s appointment aligns with broader government efforts to promote inclusive, faith-sensitive, and community-driven education policies that improve access, equity, and quality across the system.
Looking Ahead
As PNG’s education system continues to grapple with resource constraints, teacher shortages, and disparities in access between rural and urban schools, the contributions of key stakeholders like the Catholic Church will remain vital.
Fr. Lawrence’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the Education Department prepares to roll out reforms under the National Education Plan 2023–2032, aimed at transforming the learning experience for the next generation of Papua New Guineans.