Kina Bank Branch team have come together to support a newly established remote primary school on New Hanover Island, New Ireland Province, delivering essential building materials and solar lighting to help improve learning conditions for students.
In April, the team provided iron roofing, cement, and solar lights to Kone Primary School, an institution built in 2025 by local villagers using bush materials. The contribution will allow the school to upgrade one of its double classrooms into a stronger, more permanent structure, complete with an iron roof and cement flooring.
Kone Primary School was established through the determination of parents and community members who took responsibility for their children’s education after decades of hardship. For over 50 years, children in the area travelled long distances by canoe and on foot often for several hours to reach the nearest school. Determined to change this, the community united to build a school closer to home.
The school currently offers classes from Prep to Grade 5, with 105 students enrolled and supported by six trained teachers, including a principal. Despite the remote location and basic living conditions, the teachers remain committed to their students, and there are plans to introduce Grade 6 next year, with further expansion to follow.
The donated materials were delivered to the island over the Easter period after a challenging sea journey. Receiving the support, a village spokesperson expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the community:
“For a long time, we carried this dream on our own. Seeing support come all the way from Port Moresby gives us hope and reminds us that our children’s future matters. This help will change how our children learn and grow.”
Kina Bank’s Regional Branch Manager, Ms. Susie Benson, said “We wanted to support a community that has shown incredible determination to educate its children against all odds. Kone Primary School is a powerful example of what communities can achieve, and we’re proud to stand alongside them in strengthening opportunities for the next generation.”
Village elders described the donation as a blessing and a source of renewed hope, thanking Kina Bank and its Branch Managers for supporting their vision for education.
This initiative marks the first phase of ongoing support planned and Kina Bank Branch team are already exploring further fundraising and community initiatives to help upgrade additional classrooms at Kone Primary School by the end of the year.
Kone Primary School students standing next to their classroom.