Working together in partnership goes a long way in building the community.
A partnership between ExxonMobil PNG, the operator of the PNG LNG Project and Laba Holdings, the landowner company that represents the four village communities of Lealea, Papa, Boera and Porebada has resulted in a brand new triple classroom building for more than 180 elementary school children in Boera.
The classroom project was identified and agreed to in collaboration with Gas Resources PNG LNG Limited, a subsidiary trust company of Mineral Resources Development Company that facilitates the distribution of royalty and equity payments for landowner communities in the four villages.
Apart from the three classrooms, the new building also includes office space for teachers.
The new classrooms come as a great relief for more than 180 students who had been using an old rundown classroom for some time.
A ribbon cutting ceremony held at the school marked the special occasion.
PNG LNG Plant Manager Jagir Baxi said ExxonMobil PNG was delighted to support its neighbouring community with a safe learning environment for school children.
“We recognise the importance of learning and education. We are focused on working in partnership with government and partners in improving education opportunities in the community and our support for local schools has been significant and wide ranging,” Jagir added.
Boera Elementary School head teacher Buruka Maraga thanked ExxonMobil PNG for its ongoing support to the school and said the new spacious classrooms will make learning fun for the children and will help the school achieve a strong retention rate.
In addition to education, ExxonMobil PNG’s support has extended to livelihood projects, young community leaders, women’s groups and sports in the Boera village community.