Moresby : The European Union has announced K37.5 million infrastructure funding for 10 vocational training centres around the country. The announcement was made at Badili Vocational Training Centre in Port Moresby yesterday. Badili is the first of 10 institutions that will receive K3.75 million funding for infrastructure development.
The others are Morata in Port Moresby, Bulolo and Umi in Morobe, Raval and Kabaira in East New Britain, Kamaliki in Eastern Highlands, Yawasoro in East Sepik, and Laiagam and Dombabus in Enga. European Union representative Mateja Peternelj said technical and vocational education and training (TVET) was seen as the vehicle to provide skills and enable people to access decent jobs.
He said it was considered around the world as a crucial element for economic development. “Over the last 15 years, the European Union has committed around K280 million to the PNG education sector,” Peternelj said.
“Education is the main pillar of human development.” Education Department’s acting deputy secretary TVET/UNESCO , Wini Leka, said contractors were undertaking groundwork before proper construction started.
“These buildings, with necessary accessories and equipment, will make positive impacts on the students and teachers including the local communities,” he said.
The establishment and improvements to better workshop facilities, equipment and tools will enhance learning outcomes for the students. As a result of improvements to infrastructure, tools, equipment and teacher training needs, it is anticipated that enrolment will increase in the 10 vocational centres.
Badili deputy-principal Rocky Lapu said funding would go towards improving infrastructure like classrooms, workshops and teachers’ houses.
“We will be building three classrooms and three workshop facilities for our students and trainers. With these infrastructures developments, we believe we will see an increase in the number of enrolments in coming years”, he added.
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