Flexible Open and Distance Education of Papua New Guinea

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫.

As the 2026 Academic Year commenced on January 26th, FODE College, through its 22 Provincial Centers, warmly welcomes all students—new, continuing, and upgraders who have chosen the FODE pathway to pursue and continue their educational journey.

Before we embark on this journey together, let's take a moment to reflect on a quote from one of the most influential figures, 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚.

"𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝." — 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚

This powerful statement underscores the vital role that education plays not only in shaping individual futures but also in transforming our communities and our nation. It reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is a noble and impactful endeavor.

As we move forward into this academic year, let us remember that the importance of academic success embodies the values of hard work, determination, and dedication. By setting clear priorities from the very beginning, students lay the foundation for continues success in their education journey

Wishing every student a successful, dedication, and a rewarding year ahead!

FODE CENTRAL PROVINCIAL CENTRE 3RD GRADUATION CEREMONY 2025

This academic year, FODE Central Provincial Centre successfully hosted its 3rd Graduation Ceremony of 2025 under the theme: 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 – 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 – 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. A total of 708 students graduated this year, comprising 125 Grade 12 Full Correspondence (FC) students, 107 Grade 10 FC students, and 8 Grade 8 students including a 353 grade 12 and 115 grade 10 upgraders. This milestone signifies the continued growth in student enrolment each year. The event also recognized outstanding academic performance through awards in various categories, reflecting the students' dedication and achievements during their studies.

The FODE Principal, Mr. Anthony Rayappan, in his welcoming remarks, acknowledged the graduating class of 2025, the distinguished guest from the Education Department, and the keynote speaker – the 𝐏𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐚 for gracing this graduation ceremony with their presence.

FODE PC Central students' representative Mr. Madiu Andrew, delivered a speech in which he reminded the graduating class of 2025 that this special day celebrates their efforts, commitment, and the journey they have undertaken. Mr. Andrew also emphasized that this milestone marks the beginning of the next chapter in their educational journey. In concluding his speech, Mr. Andrew took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the FODE Management, teachers and all the FODE staff for their support.

Mr. Andrew Angobe, First Assistant Secretary for Flexible Open and Distance Education & Inclusive Education (FODE&IE) Division, highly commended the graduating class of 2025. He highlighted that FODE pathways play a significant role similar to the system schools. He also reminded students to focus on their studies to become successful future leaders of this country.

Also present at this ceremony was the Deputy Secretary – Schools & Directorate, Mr. Walipe Wingi. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the graduates to maintain the same determination as they pursue further studies. He also acknowledged the students for reaching this significant milestone in their educational journey, while expressing appreciation for the efforts of the teachers and staff who contributed to their success.

The special guest and keynote speaker, 𝐏𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐚, in his opening speech, acknowledged the vital role FODE plays in providing second-chance educational opportunities to students who are pushed out of the formal school system each year. He further emphasized the significance of education and how it contributes to students achieving their life goals, inspiring the graduates to continue striving for success.

The FODE Principal - Mr. Anthony Rayappan, in his closing remarks, urged the graduates to continue their studies with perseverance, emphasizing that their dedication will help shape them into better leaders who will guide this nation in the future.

FODE - PC NCD grade 12 examination in progress which will conclude by this weeks' end.

Thank you FODE - PC NCD

Flexible Open and Distance Education of Papua New Guinea 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐍𝐆'𝐬 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐞 - 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

This year 2025 Flexible Open and Distance Education of Papua New Guinea was honored to host 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 - the Ambassador of Indonesia to Papua New Guinea at FODEHQ to commemorate and signify this year's 50th anniversary celebrations. FODE Principal 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐧 upon gracefully welcoming the ambassador, also acknowledged him for making his time available and to be on this celebration.

The Indonesian ambassador 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 on his opening address acknowledged the invitation citing that it coincided with Papua New Guinea's 50th Jubilee celebration which is why it was very special to be part of this ceremonial. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 spoke highly on the achievements and progress of FODE as an institution and for offering students the alternative pathway to reach their dreams in the education sector. Upon closing his remarks, he re-emphasis on the importance of utilizing FODE pathway which can help shape the minds of the future Papua New Guineans.

The highlight of this 50th Jubilee celebration captured FODE Principal 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐧 presenting a souvenir to 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲, as a token of appreciation which concluded the celebrations.

𝐅𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

As we are approaching the FODE National Examination week which is set to commenced on the 20th of this October 2025, FODE students throughout the country should be well prepared for this important event in their education journey.

In line with the FODE Calendar 2025 Activities, the grade 8 and 10 students’ exam is scheduled on the 20/10/2025 -24/10/2025, follow by the grade 12 and MSP students on 27/10 - 31/2025. students are advised to take note of the examination schedules for each grade in order for them to sit and complete their exams without facing any inconvenience. Also, students must ensure to re-confirm with your respective FODE Provincial Centers all the necessary information such as:

 Examination date  Examination Venue

As important this week will be, we would like to take this time to wish all FODE students throughout the country the very BEST in their National Examinations and for the efforts and commitment in your studies since the beginning of your education journey with Flexible Open and Distance Education of Papua New Guinea.

Image: FODE Central Provincial Centre's Grade 8 and 10 examination venue setup.

FODE - PC NCD students take note of this important exam dates. Thank you.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆📚.

Flexible Open and Distance Education of Papua New Guinea joins also in this chorus of celebrations to commemorate all the teachers around the country on this special day. Teachers, your immense contributions for the last 50 years and as this country journeys on has significantly
help shaped future leaders, thinkers, change-makers in this country. This has been a reflection of your unwavering commitment and dedication on this noble profession.

Brad Henry-an American author and public speaker once said, "𝗔 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴,"

This re-emphasises yet that the teaching profession is the foundation of human development as it instill dreams and ambitions to students which are accomplished as a result of proper teacher guidance and mentorship.

Happy Teacher's Day and thank you to all the hardworking teachers around the country who continue to serve in this profession. Your efforts are commended.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra addressing FODE at SEOC 2025

The 34th Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) this year 2025 that was held at Popondetta Secondary School, Northen Province concluded with key highlights from the Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra regarding FODE’s progress with notable milestone achievements. The Education Secretary highly commended the successful piloting of the Moodle online courses for Grade 11 and 12 students, and with the digitization of courses for grade 7-1 in selected FODE Provincial Centres. Two of the Provincial centers that has successfully benefited from this online piloting are FODE - PC NCD and FODE PC Central.

This achievement signifies continues collaboration with development partners such Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and NICTA who have been very vital in strengthening capacity and the quality of these online courses.

The Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra further highlighted that FODE will continue to expand with the aim of reaching secondary schools, high schools and into vocational schools while simultaneously rolling out online platform throughout each province. He also re-emphasis that FODE is no longer an alternative pathway and encourage students who have been pushed out of the conventional schools to enroll at FODE to further they education journey.

FODE advances education access through digital expansion The Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) program is making major strides in bringing education to more Papua New Guineans through digital platforms and expanded services.

Thank you NBC News PNG for sharing.

19 Flexible Open and Distance Education [FODE] students from Madang are set to travel to India this week to pursue tertiary studies, which is the first for such initiative in Papua New Guinea.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/24971/madang-fode-students-to-pursue-studies-in-india