Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tapini has unveiled PGK 11.4 million worth of new infrastructure upgrades, marking a significant boost to educational opportunities in Central Province. The Australian government funded the improvements through its Incentive Fund program, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea's education sector.
The completed project includes:
- A modern girls' dormitory to improve boarding capacity
- Renovated and expanded classroom facilities
- New staff housing to attract and retain qualified teachers
- Comprehensive upgrades to existing school buildings
Australian and PNG government representatives joined students, teachers, and community leaders for the official opening ceremony. The upgrades directly address barriers to secondary education in the region, particularly for female students who often face greater challenges in accessing boarding facilities.
"This investment reflects our shared priority of keeping students in school," said an Australian High Commission spokesperson. "By improving learning environments and teacher accommodations, we're helping create sustainable conditions for educational success."
The Incentive Fund forms part of Australia's broader education support to PNG, which focuses on partner-led initiatives that align with PNG's national education goals. Sacred Heart Secondary School serves as a critical institution for remote communities in Central Province, with the upgrades expected to benefit current and future generations of students.
Local educators praised the project's potential to improve both enrollment rates and learning outcomes. "These facilities will allow us to focus on quality education rather than infrastructure limitations," said a school administrator.
The Australian government continues to work with PNG partners to identify and support similar high-impact education projects across the country.