27/07/2023
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE ADVOCATES FOR SECOND-CHANCE EDUCATION THROUGH FODE CENTRES IN HIGH SCHOOLS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 27, 2023
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is championing the establishment of Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centres in all high schools across the country, aiming to provide a second chance at education for school leavers and individuals seeking further educational opportunities.
During the inauguration of a FODE centre at Mt Diamond Adventist Secondary School in Central on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Prime Minister Marape called upon Education Minister Hon. Jimmy Uguro and Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra to replicate this initiative throughout Papua New Guinea.
Highlighting the significance of incorporating Christian values and ethics into the curriculum, Prime Minister Marape stressed the importance of guiding young individuals through 13 years of education, from elementary to Grade 12. Additionally, he emphasised the need to include practical life skills, such as agriculture, carpentry, and small business, to foster well-rounded individuals.
"I urge the Education Department to expeditiously implement this model across our nation," said Prime Minister Marape.
"All 369 high schools in the country should transform into Flexible Open Distance Education campuses.
"I am thrilled to announce that in 2022, we successfully brought back over 80,000 students to school through the FODE concept. This includes Grade 12 students, whose certificates are equivalent to those earned in traditional classrooms."
Under this innovative approach, students living in close proximity to these high schools will have the flexibility to pursue their education beyond the traditional classroom setting. For instance, students who complete Grade 8 will have the opportunity to study Grade 9 at their own pace within their communities, rather than being limited to urban centres.
Likewise, students who are unable to secure a spot in Grade 11 due to capacity constrain