TFF policy: Sustaining Compulsory and Affordable Education Long Term

The slides (converted to PDF) is a presentation by PNG Insight at the ANU/UPNG 2018 Conference. It highlighted the 5 *goals* of the Tuition Fee-Free Policy and evaluated the challenges; and made 3 practical recommendations to sustain the policy long term.

The 5 goals are:

1. Access is improved for all children, especially girls;

2. Retentions is enhanced where more children complete 9 years of primary education [13 years of pre-primary to secondary education inclusive] 

3. Quality of education is improved for all grade of elementary to primary levels;

4. Education management is strengthen across all administrative levels [implementing & monitoring TFFE policy];

5. Equity is enhanced to ensure quality education is available for all children in all communities across the country.

More than 7 years of implementing the TFF policy there is a need to completely review the whole process. The presentation gives 3 practical recommendations to not only sustain but also strengthen the TFF policy.

You can download the Tuition Fee Free Education Policy in PNG PDF here (⇒ PDF download)

Declaimer: All attempts have been made to ascertain the factuality of information presented in this academic paper. Please, let the writer know if there is anything you wish to point out in the comment section. You can use the Contact Form or Twitter (Follow @PNG_Insight).

Book Review: Secondary Education in Fiji – A Key to the Future by Helen Tavola

Content Summary

Helen Tavola identified three (3) areas as fundamental to the development of Ministry of Education Ministry in Fiji. Namely the Policy variables, political context and government’s Grant-in-school fee subsidy. The three areas formed the basis of her research work. 

She carried out the fieldwork in 11 schools in different geographic areas in Fiji and among wide ethnic composition. One of the social issues that stood out was the disparity in ethnicity and population of children in schools in the colonial eras and before and after Fiji’s independence in 1970. However, it is ominous that Helen’s attempts to address the three (3) issues hinges on the racial divide among the different ethnic groups and their social and economic standings in Fiji societies.

Identifiably, the Native Fijians concentrated more on subsistence and rural agriculture in the early part of developments in of the Education Ministry in Fiji. 

In retrospect, the other ethnicities view education as a way to liberate themselves and encouraged their children to actively seek further education. This resulted in the disparity in the level of education and qualification. The Native Fijians are generally less educated than the other Fiji ethnicities.

Read the complete review in PDF view below.

2024 Grades 10 and 12 Examinations Dates (Papua New Guinea Education Key Dates)

The examinations for Grades 10 and 12 will go ahead as planned and scheduled on the Education Calendar. 

Here is the latest on PNG Education Calendar (exam dates, school holiday dates and public holidays)

Check out the 2024 Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

These are the approved 2024 National Examination Dates. Examinations will be held for Grade 8, Grade 10 & Grade 12.

• Grade 10 Written Expression Exam - June 6th, 2024
• Grade 12 Written Expression Exam - August 5th, 2024
• Grade 10 Examinations - 1 week October 7th - 11th, 2024
• Grade 12 Examinations - 1 week October 14th - 18th, 2024
• Grade 8 Examinations - 4 days October 21th - 24th, 2024

The headmasters and principals should be well aware of these dates. Parents and stakeholders must note that there is no change to the exam schedules unless stated otherwise by the Education Department in Waigani.

How to Send Money from Papua New Guinea to Overseas Account

Many people wanting to send money to friends and family living and working or doing business overseas may have found it difficult due to the foreign currency ceiling set by the Papua New Guinea government in 2015/16. The issue is real and current. 

Consult your bank for the respective forms

Unlike in the past where you can do overseas transactions freely, presently you may send less than 30 thousand Kina to an overseas account. That means that there is a *fixed* amount to be sending per month. 

It may depend on which bank you are banking with, so find out with your bank about how much the bank can let you send in one transaction.

Find out about How to Change Your BSP PIN at the ATM

Generally, there are three important processes to follow.

1. Complete an application form with your bank to raise the amount you want to send overseas. If you do not do that you will send less than K5000 per month.

2. Complete a telegraphic transfer at the bank.  You'd have to personally go into bank to do this manually. Alternatively, it is much easier  and faster to transfer money online. You just have to register for Internet banking.

3. Complete a Bank of PNG Form- R1 (BoP-R1) and submit it to your bank, online. (Contact me for a copy of BoP form or direct email address if you need it).

The transfer is a monthly transaction done not more than once per month. Simply,  follow the three processes to send money overseas will save you time, effort and headache of standing in queues.