The Anglican Mission Committee (ABM) and the Church of England in development (AID) report the encouraged results of Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Adult Literacy Program.
In a news update released on July 9th entitled “Something special is happening at Papua New Guinea,” ABM highlighted that the program opens new opportunities for adult learners who are unable to complete school.
The aid supports the National Adult Literacy Program at locations where 318 students are currently enrolled, including Port Moresby, the country’s capital, and the parish of Popondota. The program is expanding to other regions around the country.
“When students complete the literacy and calculation modules, teachers work from a flexible curriculum led by learner interests. Students can learn community development skills, develop businesses, and move to Agent of Change Courses (developed by the Anglican Union) or formal employment, or bridge to formal education,” ABM/Aid explained.
The programme is supported by the Australian Government’s PNG Church Partnership Program and the PNGAUS Partnership, and focuses on functional literacy, which is key to employment opportunities and is key to further learning in later years. According to ABM, PNG’s adult literacy rate is only 63%, with about 67% of students dropping out before completing their final year of elementary school, Grade 8.
“The literacy school helped me more than I know,” Ronald, a learner at Popondetta’s solo literacy school, quoted by ABM, gave him only his name.
According to ABM, Ronald experienced a common “disrupted education” in PNG and left elementary school early because his parents, who worked as cash cultivators, could not afford to pay for tuition, uniforms or shoes.
“I felt like homeless,” Ronald said, adding that education felt never-ending.
Ronald later enrolled at a local literacy school to improve his outlook. “He jumped at the opportunity to learn again,” ABM/AID said. “As his class’s vice captain, Rodney’s leadership abilities have increased, and he takes pride in supporting his teachers and keeping the classroom organized.”
“It helped my confidence, public speaking, English and leadership skills,” Ronald reportedly. He is currently planning to run a pig project to support himself and his family.
“His life is one of many lives that have been changed for the better through a long-term literacy program,” added ABM/AID.
Recent alumni of the program include eight men and eight women who completed a literacy study in Moreguina, 220 kilometers southeast of Port Moresby on May 20th.
Graduates received educational certificates at a ceremony attended by local leaders, business owners, school board representatives, MoreGuina Elementary School and Correctional Institute Services, as reported by ABM/AID.
The alumni included two members of the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican religious community, two prisoners from the Institute of Corrections Services, and a corrections officer.
