A Papua New Guinean school that started teaching students from a teacher’s home, then a semi-permanent classroom in a Seventh Day Adventist church building, has a new double classroom thanks to the support of ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG).
Papa Community Preschool, which is attended by more than 50 students from Papa village and nearby communities, is now home to one of the best classrooms in the local area and able to provide a positive learning environment for students.
ExxonMobil PNG Limited Production Operations Manager, Murray Bell, said the infrastructure need for the Papa Community Preschool was identified in 2016 and forms part of the company’s commitment to improving the education of Papua New Guineans.
“We want all students to have access to basic education and we know the learning environment is very powerful.
“It’s very pleasing to know students at Papa Community Preschool will continue to benefit from our support in the years to come,” he said.
Papa Community Preschool Head teacher Mr Baga Apoma said he was happy knowing students have their own classroom after a long while of learning in poor conditions.
The classrooms were officially opened at a ceremony on 26th April 2018.
The double classroom includes a teacher’s office, desks and chairs for students and a water tank.
EMPNG has a proud history of supporting education at Papa Community Preschool. In 2016, EMPNG funded the school profiling program which led to the construction of the classroom in addition to early childhood literacy training of three early childhood educators facilitated by Buk bilong Pikinini.