Sir Peter Ipatas to upgrade schools in Enga

Gr10 students from Porgera High School

Enga Governor Peter Ipatas has made an undertaking to upgrade the status of Porgera High School to a secondary school in 2017.

“We are looking at upgrading Porgera High School status to a secondary school in 2017. However, we would first like to see standard learning facilities are in place as quality education is our priority,” he said.

Sir Peter made the statement before a capacity crowd at Porgera High School yesterday who were there to witness the official opening of a double classroom and delivery of a new truck to the school.

He said by 2020 Enga should have all its existing high schools being converted to secondary schools as that was one of the visions of the education reforms.

Sir Peter said though there were not enough spaces for grade 12 school leavers in the current tertiary institutions including the universities, it was worth educating the children to a certain level to enable them to be self-reliant with the skills they acquired.

“The issue of spaces in the tertiary institutions should not be mixed up with providing secondary school opportunities to our grade 10 students.

“That is why I want all grade 10 students in my province to be educated up to grade 12 so they are equipped with the necessary skills to help themselves if they don’t get an offer at the tertiary instructions,” he said.

Porgera High School head master Tipian Tanda and board chairman Terry Angai thanked Sir Peter Ipatas for buying them a new truck and his plan to promote the school to a secondary status.

by PHILIP KEPSON, LOOPPNG
Pic Caption: Traditionally attired grade 10 female students at Porgera High School welcoming Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and his delegation (background) yesterday while they were there to officially open a double classroom.