An annual cohort of 100+ students have pursued their second chance at education at the Motu Koita FODE Centre in Hanuabada since the partnership commenced in 2020.
Today, the partnership was officially renewed by Motu Koita Acting CEO Gaud Frank, representing, MKA Chairman, Hon, Dadi Toka OBE, who met with students who were preparing for their end of year national examinations, being held later this month.
“The partnership with KTF to establish the first MK FODE Centre at Hagara has given opportunities for many students in our villages a chance to improve academically. The operation of such education facilities requires funding and support to be successful. Thank you again to KTF and Kina Bank for the partnership to impact the lives of Motu Koita students,” Chairman Toka said.
The Centre represents a partnership for a brighter future through investing in Motu Koita education. Operated by international development organisation, Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), it is nationally recognised by the PNG National FODE office and is generously funded by Kina Bank.
Kina Bank’s CEO, Greg Pawson, met many of these students during the partnership visit, “Kina Bank is very happy to partner again with KTF and the Motu Koita Assembly. Our purpose is to constantly improve the prosperity of the people, communities and markets we serve. This partnership aligns to our purpose and delivers tangible outcomes that can only benefit the people of Papua New Guinea” said Mr Pawson.
Angaota Andy Boe is a grade 10 student at the MK FODE Centre, doing her full corresponding studies. After Angaota dropped out from the formal education system, she realised that life was hard and that completing her studies through FODE could help her find employment one day to earn a living. Angaota said, “KTF has given me a second chance in education and I thank KTF, MKA and Kina Bank for this great opportunity to do my studies. Education is the only key to escaping financial struggles in life, because when you get an education, you can be able to find employment and earn an income to support yourself and your family.”
KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson is extremely positive about the year ahead. “We are so thrilled about the renewal of the partnership with the Motu Koita Assembly and our generous donors, Kina Bank. With the recent restructure of the education system, the need for FODE places is extremely high. Teachers are being required to upgrade their Grade 12 qualifications and there are new minimum entry qualifications required to gain entry into Teachers Colleges as well as other tertiary pathways. We are proud to work with so many wonderfully committed people from the Motu Koita communities and give them a second chance at education.”
Grade 9 and 11 students will sit their examinations later this month and are currently preparing by sitting mock examinations at the FODE Centre.
Learn more about the Kokoda Track Foundation:
KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation) is an international development organisation operating in PNG since 2003, working to improve the lives, livelihoods, and futures of Papua New Guineans, keeping the great friendship between PNG and Australia and the spirit of Kokoda alive.
Our team, 85 percent who are Papua New Guineans, work in partnership with communities to identify their needs and strengths, and together implement programs in the vital areas of education, health, equality and leadership that achieve long-term change. Projects that aim to train high quality teachers and community health workers, provide these professionals with mentoring and professional development opportunities, build educational and health infrastructure, fund the ongoing maintenance and resourcing of schools and aid posts, and provide remuneration to teachers and health workers across rural regions. Projects are supported by the installation of solar energy and light systems to off-grid households in related communities, powering their success.
We also promote equality for all and advocate for a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, help to generate sustainable income-generating opportunities for women in remote areas, and promote gender equity amongst adolescents through the fun of soccer. Looking to the future, we find and foster the next generation of leaders among final year tertiary students from across PNG.
KTF is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and has full accreditation with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trades’ ANCP program; their high standards for operation are integral to everything we do. KTF’s COVID-19 response means programs have been adapted to meet community needs and continue safely during the rapidly changing ‘new normal’ in PNG, Australia and beyond.