Papua New Guinea Department of Education

27/09/2026

State-of-the-art classroom buildings, auditorium and learning management system worth K3.8 million launched by Minister for Education, Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Click this link for more details: https://www.education.gov.pg/news-detail/kerevat-national-school-of-excellence-embarks-on-a-new-era-of-digital-empowerment-and-transformation

21/09/2026

Papua New Guinea Department of Education launches public service GESI Policy

An important step toward strengthening inclusive leadership across the education sector was launched in Port Moresby today, as the National Department of Education unveiled its Public Service Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy 2026.
Developed with support from the Australian Government, the policy highlights the long-standing partnership between the two countries to advance equitable and inclusive development.
The new policy responds to a call for government agencies to develop their own public service GESI policies. It aims for an inclusive, safe, accessible and supportive working environment for all officers within the Department of Education.
Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra said the policy reflected a commitment to ensure all staff—women and men alike—have equal opportunities to define the department’s future direction. He emphasised that advancing women’s leadership does not come at the expense of men but rather enriches the entire workforce by drawing on the full range of talent and experience available.
“Women play an essential role in our community, as do men in their own right. The public service recognizes gender equality as a fundamental human right for all. It is a critical foundation for building strong, balanced, and effective education systems for Papua New Guinea,” Dr. Kombra said.
Claribel Waide, National GESI Coordinator, said the initiative is about strengthening the whole organization, not one group over another.
“This is not just a policy for women. It is an opportunity for the whole department—men included—to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Gender equality benefits everyone. When we strengthen women’s leadership, we also open doors for men to collaborate more effectively, share responsibilities, and contribute to decision-making in new ways. Stronger women’s leadership means stronger institutions for all of us,” she commented.
The new policy also aligns with Papua New Guinea’s National Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2025–2035, which seeks to strengthen women’s leadership, improve safety and rights, and address barriers to full participation across society. Critically, this work engages men as partners and allies, recognizing that sustainable change requires shared ownership and mutual respect between all genders.

Approved for release by:

DR. UKE KOMBRA, PhD, OBE.
Secretary for Education

16/09/2026

51st Ministry of Education Staff Independence celebrations on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

In his independence message to the staff of the Ministery, the Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra stated that as public servants, their daily work with files, procurement, and payroll directly impacted national development. He explained that efficient administration helped keep children in school, reduced inequality between urban and rural areas, and prepared young citizens to participate productively in the economy.

The Secretary urged staff to use the day’s celebrations to renew their focus on their core operational duties. While encouraging everyone to enjoy the performances, music, and food, he called on them to renew their commitment to administrative efficiency, transparency, and timely delivery of education services throughout the country

Finally, Dr. Kombra thanked the staff for their service to the Ministry, schools, and the nation as a whole and wished them a happy and safe independence celebrations with their families on Wednesday, September 16.

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

PAPUA NEW GUINEA SHARES AI VISION FOR EDUCATION AT UNESCO DIGITAL LEARNING WEEK IN PARIS

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Education, Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, MP represented the nation at the UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2026 held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. The global conference, convened under the theme “Education in the Age of AI: Facts, Frictions, Frontiers,” gathered international leaders to discuss the future of education amidst the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
“I have just attended my first UNESCO conference which focused on education in the age of AI. It was truly enriching and informative, especially in exploring the use of AI in teaching and learning," stated Hon. Francis Kikin Siune. "The use of AI in our schools has already started with our National Schools of Excellence, and this implementation will continue and be hastened so we keep in pace with the rest of the world."
Minister Siune noted that Papua New Guinea's participation in the UNESCO Digital Week will contribute positively to its efforts in introducing AI into teaching and learning in the education system, building upon the recent launch of EduNEX, a centralized online platform powered by AI and satellite internet designed to connect every classroom in the country—especially in remote areas—giving teachers structured digital tools and providing students with interactive, equal access to high-quality education resources regardless of where they live.
Recognizing the complexities of this technology, the Ministry of Education will ensure that teachers and students are made aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of the use of AI in teaching and learning.
Hosted by UNESCO from September 8 through to September 11, the high-level event fostered global dialogue on leveraging technology in education while addressing critical issues of privacy, data safety, equity, inclusion, and the changing roles of teachers and learners in digital environments.
During the international summit, Minister Siune presented Papua New Guinea’s national statement, highlighting the country's strategic vision for digital transformation in the education sector:
"Papua New Guinea’s education policy prioritises equity, inclusion, and public purpose. We believe education is a fundamental public good, not a privilege for a select few. Our commitment is clear: to ensure no child is left behind and to equip every learner with the skills for a productive and meaningful future."
The PNG delegation engaged with international delegates and experts reviewing global policies that support safe, equitable digital integration. Discussions focused on developing clear frameworks and standards for acquiring AI technologies, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness, and expanding national capacity in educational planning.
Following the conclusion of the event, Minister Siune confirmed that immediate action will be taken at the executive level.
"I will present the full report details to cabinet including the policy recommendations and next steps for expanding AI tools to schools across Papua New Guinea as well as there are critical decisions we need to make regarding PNG's engagement with UNESCO both in the region and in-country," Minister Siune added.

Approved for release:

HON. FRANCIS KIKIN SIUNE MP
Minister for Education

01/09/2026

31st National Literacy Week officially launched in Northern Province

The 31st National Literacy Week was officially opened and launched yesterday, Monday, 31 August 2026.

The National Literacy Week theme for this year is “Reading Today, Leading Tomorrow.”

The week-long program is facilitated by the National Department of Education and the Northern Provincial Literacy Committee, with support from church partners.

As part of the celebrations, the Literacy Torch will travel across the three districts, visiting schools and the church run literacy programs including the Katima Literacy Group in Sohe District, the Sorovi Primary School in Popondetta District, and the Ijivitari District, where the program will conclude with the handover of the torch to the next host province.

The National Literacy Week activities are aligned with International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on 8 September, highlighting the importance of literacy, reading and lifelong learning in empowering individuals and communities

Reading Today, Leading Tomorrow!

30/08/2026

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION CONGRATULATES DIVINE WORD UNIVERSITY ON 30TH ANNIVERSARY

I extend my sincere congratulations to Divine Word University (DWU) on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary.
Thirty years is a significant milestone and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important contribution Divine Word University has made to higher education and national development in Papua New Guinea.
Over the past three decades, Divine Word University has achieved much more than simply providing higher education. It has produced generations of quality graduates, developed national human capital, nurtured future leaders, contributed to research and innovation, and laid a firm foundation for the social, political and economic development of Papua New Guinea.
The Government recognizes the important role that DWU graduates continue to play across the country. They are serving in government, education, health, business, media and communications, information technology, churches, civil society and many other areas of national life.
These graduates are making valuable contributions to their communities and to the nation. Their achievements demonstrate the importance of investing in quality education and developing the skills, knowledge and values required to build a stronger and more prosperous Papua New Guinea.
I also acknowledge Divine Word University's contribution to developing future leaders with professional competence, integrity, responsibility and a commitment to serving their communities and country. These qualities are essential as Papua New Guinea responds to the social, economic, technological and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
The 30th Anniversary is also a time to acknowledge the contribution of the University's founders, successive leaders, academic and administrative staff, students, alumni, parents, partners and the wider community. Their dedication and commitment have helped build DWU into an important institution of higher learning in Papua New Guinea.
As Minister for Education, I believe our higher education institutions have a critical responsibility to support the Government's human capital development priorities.
Universities must continue to provide relevant and quality education, strengthen research and innovation, embrace technology and ensure that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
I therefore encourage Divine Word University to build on its achievements over the past 30 years and continue to expand its contribution to Papua New Guinea. The next 30 years should be characterized by greater innovation, stronger partnerships, increased access to quality education and a continued commitment to producing graduates who can provide solutions to our country's development challenges.
The Government values the partnership of higher education institutions in strengthening our education system and developing the human resources Papua New Guinea needs to achieve its national aspirations.
On behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Ministry of Education, I once again congratulate and also commend Divine Word University on 30 years of service, achievement and contribution to our nation.
I extend my best wishes to its leadership, staff, students and alumni on this important milestone.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Divine Word University. May the next 30 years bring even greater achievements and a stronger contribution to the development and prosperity of Papua New Guinea.

Authorised for release by:

Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, MP
Minister for Education

13/08/2026

OFFICIAL TRANSFER OF THE NCD EDUCATION SERVICES DIVISION BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL DISTRICT COMMISSION

Today saw the official transfer of the NCD Education Services Division by the National Department of Education to the National Capital District Commission after 10 years of hard work and collaboration between the NDOE, the NCDC and the Department of Personnel Management.
The event at Butuka Academy was attended by NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, Minister for Education, Hon. Francis Siune, Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, Teaching Service Commissioner-Policy, Dr. Charly Muke, Deputy Secretary - Policy and Reforms, with the Department of Personnel Management, Mr. Ellison Kalimet, and the top management and senior staff of NDOE and NCDC.
The transfer will see operations and management of a total of 92 schools in the city from elementary to vocational centres, 2,319 teachers and 107,000 students by the NCDC.
NCDC will now have the power to make local policy decisions to improve the quality of education in the city.

Ends///...