The WEX past exam papers are available in schools. You will have used the past year's paper in your Mock Exam.
So, in preparation for your Grade 10 (or Grade 12) WEX papers (which is your first proper national examination), you should ask your English and Literature teacher for a copy.
This will help you familiarise yourself with the type of reading materials (scripts) and format that you are likely to come across in the real exam.
Who sets the Written Expression Examinations?
The Department of Education, through the Measurement Services Division, sets the WEX for Grade 10.
The Grade 12 WEX is set by an external (English and Literature) subject expert from the University of Goroka.
The Education department depends on provincial education officials and schools to conduct the examinations.
Students have been encouraged to give their best in honesty and let their talents shine through.
You can get the Grade 12 Mathematics A (Advanced) and General Maths past exam papers on the PNG Insight Maths website - click here for Maths A and here for General Maths.
Selected English teachers mark the Grade 10 written expression exam papers in each province. On completion, the provincial examination officer in the province sends the marks to the MSD office in Port Moresby.
As for the Grade 12 WEX, the MSD selects English and Literature teachers from each province as markers. The markers go to Port Moresby for a week to mark the WEX papers.
They mark the WEX papers in regional groups - Southern, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Highlands.
It is an intensive marking where the papers undergo several checks before the final marks are awarded to each script.
Grade 10 & 12 Written Expression concerns
Provincial authorities and schools have to run a fair and cheat-free written expression examination.
The education department often encouraged local education authorities to be vigilant and security conscious from the storage in school to the actual completion of the Examination.
To ensure the smooth running of the examination, the Head Teachers, Principals and Deputies are advised to remain within the school campus during the conduct of all Examinations.
However, many principals, headteachers and deputies tend to leave the school grounds on exam days.
Who ensures cheat-free exams in PNG?
The following provincial education officials and school heads are responsible for a cheat-free and fair Grade 10 and Grade 12 written expression examination, nationwide.
Provincial Education Advisers,
Provincial Examination Supervisors,
Senior Secondary Schools’ Inspectors,
Guidance Officers,
Principals of Secondary Schools
Head Teachers of all Provincial High Schools.
For the Grade 10 and Grade 12 students sitting the National Written Expression Examinations this year, we wish you 'all the best!'
Several readers have contacted us regarding the Acceptance Lists for PNG Universities, particularly the 2025 HECAS List for Non-School Leavers, School Leavers, and Continuing Students. This article aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect between now and early February 2025.
So, whether you're a non-school leaver, school leaver, or continuing student, read on and prepare yourself!
We've also included recommended blue links throughout this article, providing detailed information on pressing questions currently on the minds of many students and parents.
Important:
NSL: The 2025 HECAS Lists for Non-School Leavers, Re-enrolled Students and Continuing Students will first appear on the university's website or in the newspapers before being shared through social media channels and other websites. This also includes Online Students. Therefore, checking the official university website or the newspapers remains crucial for Non-School Leavers, Re-enrolled Students Continuing Students and students enrolled on online studies.
SL: Grade 12 School Leavers Selection Lists published on the DHERST website will show HECAS Status (That also includes AES status for top Students). DHERST has scheduled the launching of the 2025 School Leaver Acceptance on the 18 of December 2024. Students can check their NOAS accounts to verify their selection status. The actual publication of the 2025 Grade 12 Acceptance and Admission Lists (and 2025 HECAS Lists PDF) will take place after 18 December 2024. The date has not been released by DHERST yet.
Non-school Leavers Acceptance List
The Non-School Leavers' Acceptance List (NSL) for 2025 features students who did not graduate from Grade 12 in the last five years. This list also includes foreign students and PNG students applying from overseas schools such as those in the US, NZ, Australia, and Singapore.
Important Note: DHERST does not publish the NSL. Instead, each university you applied to will release its own NSL PDF before the academic year begins. So, check the websites of the universities you applied to for the latest updates.
Top Tip: Check the university websites for past year's NSL selection lists. This will give you a good idea of when to expect the 2025 NSL to be released.
If you are a continuing student, your university will put out the continuing students' acceptance lists at the end of the academic year or over the 2024/2025 Christmas holiday. It is your responsibility to find out your GPA and possible TESAS Status for the academic year 2025.
The best thing to do is to contact the Student Admin or the university or college Registrar and find out if they've released the Continuing Students Acceptance List. And importantly, check to see that your name is on the list.
The University of Goroka (UoG) did well last year by informing its continuing students about their status before they went home for the Christmas holiday. We hope UoG does the same this year because it helps massively with the registration and orientation of its NEW students.
In fact, the other universities and colleges in PNG should do the same by informing the Continuing Students to avoid the long queues and unnecessary delays during the registration week.
2025 School Leavers HECAS List PDF - DHERST
The Grade 12 School Leavers Selections is solely done by DHERST (Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology) through its National Online Application System (NOAS) and National Online Selection System (NOSS).
If you are a 2024 Grade 12 student, your selections and the announcement of your TESAS status will be formally done by DHERST.
When is DHERST HECAS List PDF coming out?
After the launch of NOAS 2024 Grade 12 Selection, school leavers and non-school leavers should know whether they are selected to a University or College, or not.
In fact, the higher education department (DHERST) planned to launch the Grade 12 National Online Selection on the 18 of December 2024.
Both the School Leavers and the non-school leavers, and continuing students (and students in the NATIONAL ADMISSION POOL) will have to wait until ALL the names (quotas from each university and college) have been confirmed, compiled and released to the general public.
Only then, the students should be able to know their confirmed HECAS/AES List PDF and determine their final TESAS STATUS.
Check out this video info we provided last year - it is still relevant to this year's selections and release of the Acceptance List PDF
Are you on TESAS (AES/HECAS List 2025)?
DHERST used different statuses to indicate the TESAS Awards for selected students.
The awards are based on the PNG government’s yearly sponsorship for students under the AES and HECAS categories, excluding the self-sponsored or corporate and overseas-sponsored students.
So how will the NSLs, Grade 12 SLs and Continuing Students know if you are on TESAS or not? You can CONFIRM your scholarship status (whether you are on TESAS or self-sponsored) through the final (official) Acceptance List released by DHERST.
What to do as a Self-sponsored student?
Perhaps the important thing is to confirm your PNG GOVT SCHOLARSHIP (TESAS-HECAS-AES) status on the 2025 Tertiary Institution's Acceptance List.
As the name implies, if you are a self-sponsored student you'll have to pay your own fees before the registration and orientation.
If you do not pay the required fees, your place will be forfeited - another student in the admission pool who has the money will take your place.
Check with your university or college to confirm how much you MUST pay to register. In addition, this information will be contained in the Acceptance Letter your institution sends to you. Make sure you read and understand what you must do before admission.
The best tip is to pay only the required amount, register and apply for the PNG govt's HELP program - read how to apply below.
Secure HELP - PNG Govt Scholarship
DHERST will facilitate the Student Loan Scheme (HELP or Higher Education Loan Program).
If you are a self-sponsored student, you'll have to pay your fee for the first semester of 2025 and apply for the HELP loan.
The Continuing students and School Leavers can apply for the HELP loan program through their university or college. This also includes those who are doing their masters or doctorate studies.
Check with your institution and ask for a HELP student loan application form. Also, find out about the due date and what to do so that your application is successful.
What to do if you are on DHERST's NATIONAL Admission Pool?
If you are a student on DHERST's National admission pool, you'll have to log in to your National Online Selection Account between now and before the academic year 2025 starts to see if you have been offered a placement at a university or college in PNG.
To give you an idea, the 2021/2022 selection had:
31, 817 students were nominated to sit the exams;
26,544 students certified;
16,171 total HEI quota for 2021; and
10,373 Grade 12 students will NOT be selected for 2022 HEI studies.
The good news is that there are 6,319 spaces (formally called quotas) to be filled via the Admission Pool.
So, keep checking to see if you are one of the lucky ones from the admission pool admitted to a university or college. Here is a video on PNG Insight YouTube Channel that explains how the QUOTA works.
When are you likely to see your name on the DHERST selection list?
When is the 2025 REGISTRATION and ORIENTATION WEEK?
Should you inform your institution that you've accepted that offer?
At least, try to find out the answer to the 5 questions as you prepare to go to your new school.
Here is an article that can help you prepare for registration and orientation week. It gives details on documents you need to present at registration, fees and what to do to get yourself prepared for the new academic year.
Recommended reading for NSL, School Leavers and Continuing Students
Additional information for Non-school Leavers, Continuing Students and Grade 12 School Leavers are provided in the LINKS within this article.
Check out the links if you need more information on TESAS (HECAS & AES), how to get the HELP govt loan or about being a SELF-SPONSORED student.
You can also leave a comment to let us know what you think.
This is an extract of frequently ask questions for registering a business in Papua New Guinea with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). The information first appeared in the Post Courier and we share it here for our readers.
In this info-article, you'll find out about the different companies you can register; how to register a business either offline (in person) or online; the cost of registering a business what to do when you've applied to register a business.
How do I register a business?
There are a number of differences which one can register:
A Limited Company,
Business Name,
Association,
Business Group and
Foreign Enterprise
Upon registration, one can receive a registration certificate under the entity type they register.
How do I go on obtaining an IPA Certificate?
The IPA Certificate is given to foreign entities that are after company registration is required to lodge a foreign enterprise application.
How do I obtain this important document?
One can obtain extracts or certificates of business entities, from IPA Website. However, at the IPA front counters, IPA does not provide soft-copy searches or printed extracts.
How to register business offline?
1. Business name registration fee offline is K200.00
2. You must submit the completed business name Form 1 to the Registrar of companies, via post if you are outside of Port Moresby or at our public front counter at Konedobu.
3. The IPA postal addresses are; PO Box 1281, Port Moresby, NCD or PO Box 5053, Boroko, NCD, Attention: Registrar of Companies.
4. In relation to payment, IPA does not accept cash, hence, fees can be paid via bank cheque, Eftpos on-site or direct deposit using IPA’s customized deposit form.
5. If using the normal bank deposit form, please remember to attach the original deposit butt to the application form.
You also have an option to register your business name and pay fees online using a visa/credit card or by registering yourself as a Deposit Account (prepaid) user on the IPA website.
The filing fee to register your business name online is K150.00.
PART A FIRST, CREATE A REGISTERED USER ACCOUNT BY DOING THE FOLLOWING
In order to use IPA Online Registry System (ORS) to access services other than conducting entity searches, one must first register an ONLINE USER account.
To register an online user account, follow steps 1-6 below.
(If you are already a registered user, please skip to PART B).
1. Enter the IPA website address as in https://www.ipa.gov.pg
2. Click Register account
3. Enter your personal details
4. Enter a username
5. Enter a password
6. Click ‘create’ to be automatically registered as a registered user. A dashboard automatically appears on the successful completion of this process.
Note: Ensure to record your username and password lest you forget.
PART B – CHECK NAME AVAILABILITY
The first step towards applying for any entity registration including Business Names is to make sure that the name you are proposing to register is available (or is not already registered by someone else).
Follow Steps 1-6 below: Click Online Services from the tab as in below
PART C – REGISTERING A BUSINESS NAME ONLINE
1. Again, from your dashboard click Online Services
2. Click on Register Business Name
3. Fully complete all tabs as in below and click ‘Submit’
4. Once the Fee Payment screen appears complete details in full and click ‘Continue’. A follow-on payment screen will appear.
5. Fill in the details of your CREDIT or DEBIT CARD.
6. Click ‘Continue’ to complete the process.
PART D – NOTES
WHAT TO EXPECT: Once the above process is complete, the application is queued in the internal work queue and can be processed imminently.
ESTIMATED TURNAROUND TIME: Approximate processing time for applications submitted online is 2 working days. Follow-ups may be staged after 2 working days.
ONLINE FEE: Online application/registration fee applicable for Business Names is K150.
PAYMENT METHOD: For any online submission, a fee is to be made by either CREDIT CARD or DEBIT CARD
FOREIGN ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION: After completing the registration process as above, entities having foreign involvements will need to apply for what is called a Foreign Enterprise Certification. For this, refer to the information sheet titled ‘Using Online Registry System – Foreign Certification Process.
EMAIL CONTACT: The email address to be used for online queries is ipaonline@ipa.gov.pg
Source: This article originally appeared in the Post Courier
The higher education department (DHERST) will launch the Grade 12 National Online Selection on the 21st of December 2023. So what does the launching mean; and when will DHERST publish the 2023 Grade 12 Selections Lists for the 2024 academic year in the country?
Here are 5 points that students, parents and guardians should know as they check their names on National Online Selection System (NOAS).
Students can view their selection STATUS through their individual National Online Application Accounts. The 2023 Grade 12 students should use their NOAS login details to access their accounts and confirm their selection status for the 2024 academic year.
When are you likely to see your name on the 2023 DHERST selection list?
When is the REGISTRATION and ORIENTATION WEEK?
Should you inform your institution that you've accepted that offer?
At least, try to find out the answer to the 5 questions as you prepare to go to your new school.
Here is an article that can help you prepare for registration and orientation week. It gives details to documents you need to present at registration, fees and what to do to get yourself prepared for the new academic year.
DHERST new Grade 12 data (3)
Note that there are ONLY 16,171 spaces available at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Papua New Guinea according to DHERST's new data.
For the 2022 Academic Year, there were
31, 817 students were nominated to sit the exams;
26,544 students certified;
16,171 total HEI quota ;
10,373 Grade 12 students will NOT be selected for 2022 HEI studies.
Many Grade 12 students, like in the past years, will not get an HEI placement though they may have really good grades.
If you have secured a placement, you should be proud of yourself!
Important Announcement from DHERST 2023 (4)
DHERST and HEIs will use Grade 12 students' data in the National Online Application System (NOAS) to confirm their selections. Here is what DHERST has to say:
Your (Grade 12 Students) data from the MyNOAS data field has been forwarded to the Higher Education Institution that selected you. The HEI will communicate directly with you to inform you about the specific details of the institution, including how to accept your offer.
Note that the response contained therein (in the NOSS) is not an admission confirmation. You should expect to receive official notice through an admissions offer letter directly from your Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Many Grade 12 students will NOT be selected for 2024 HEI studies. If you feel that you have made the Grade, but missed out, here is a story that will inspire you.
Read about Sharlyne's story. She completed Grade 12 at Marianville Secondary School. Her Grade Point Average (GPA) was above the cut-off mark for entry into UPNG, but she missed out on the selection.
When will DHERST Publish 2023 Grade 12 Selections Lists for HEIs?
DHERST launched the Grade 12 selection List on the 21st of December 2023.
Here are the important dates for Grade 12 students.
Activity
Day
Students apply for tertiary programmes
Monday 28th August- Friday 08th December, 2023
Grade 12 national examinations
Monday 16th – Friday 20th October, 2023 (DONE)
NOAS Grace Period
Tuesday 12th December- Friday 15th December, 2023
Launching of 2022 selection for 2023 academic year
If you want to upgrade your marks at FODE or at any University Open and Distance Learning Centres, here is some information that you'll find useful. Click on the link to read more.
We hope this gives you an idea about what to expect between now and then. Share this with your friends and family and let them know about this information, too.
An unusually high number of PNG MPs, Statesmen and Public Figures passed on from 2019 to 2021. But, note that many have passed on due to old age and illnesses.
Six serving Members of Parliament (MPs), 6 Statesmen and Sirs, and 5 former MPs passed on. It was an end-of-an-era for nearly 20 PNG public figures in the last 3 years.
6 Serving PNG MPs Passed On
1. Sam Akotai (serving MP, December 2021)
2. Johnny Ananias Alonk (Serving MP, November 2021)
3. Roy Biyama (Serving MP, September 2021)
4. Richard Mendani (Serving MP, March 2021)
5. Sir Mekere Morauta (Serving MP, December 2020)
6. Thomas Pelika (Serving MP, October 2019)
6 Senior Statesmen Passed On
1. Sir Paulus Matane (Senior Statesman, December 2021)
2. Sir Dannis William Dux (Businessman, December 2021)
3. Justice Danajo Koeget (Senior Judge, December 2021)
4. Sir Peter Lus (Former MP and Senior Stateman, October 2021)
5. Sir Silas Atopare (Former PNG Governor-General, September 2021)
Businessmen and Former MPs Who Passed On 2019 - 2021
1. Amkat Mai (Former MP, November 2021)
2. Mafuk Gainda (Former MP and Deputy Governor, March 2021)
3. Mal Kela Smith (Businessman and former MP, April 2021)
4. Steven Koimanrea (Former MP, November 2019)
5. Vincent Auali (Former MP, June 2019)
If you know of any Statesmen or women, MPs or local heroes who are NOT mentioned and you thought should be recorded in this segment, please comment below.
A record of PNG's history
Lest we forget, this is a collection of names that will surely go down in the history of Papua New Guinea.
PNG Insight hopes that the mainline news media can do something similar but go into detail and really nail this part of PNG's HISTORY that is gone so that the future generation know who they are and how they live and die.
PNG Insight has received numerous inquiries about the Grade 11 Selection process (this is actually the Grade 10 selection for Grade 11). This article aims to clarify the current situation, based on past observations. It offers a comprehensive look into how the Grade 11 selection has evolved over the years. Please note that the timelines shared are based on past writers' experiences and observations and may change depending on the education department's present circumstances, but here are the 4 stages of the selection process:
Release of Grade 10 Exam Results
Grade 10 selection for Grade 11 takes place in Port Moresby & Provinces
Education Secretary Sights the Selection List
GES/ICT division publishes Grade 11 selection list
How Grade 10 Selection Takes Place (Highlands, Momase, Southern and NGI)
The yearly grade 10 selection for grade 11 takes place in four stages. The selections start in the provinces after the Grade 10 examinations and culminate in Port Moresby, where the results come out to students, parents, schools and stakeholders.
Stage 1: Release of Grade 10 Exam Results
The Measurement Services Division (Education Department) releases the Grade 10 results to the members of the provincial and national selection committee.
Stage 2: Grade 10 selection for Grade 11
The selection committee takes about two weeks to select new Grade 11 students for National High and Secondary Schools.
This provincial selection committee works with the General Education Services of the Education Department to do the selection in the provinces.
This year's selection dates for National Schools of Excellence and Secondary Schools are here.
Stage 3: Education Secretary Sights the Selection List
GES takes the list to the Education Secretary to sight and sign. This can take a couple of days to a week
Stage 4: GES/ICT division publishes the Grade 11 Selection list of Grade 10 students selected to Grade 11
The GES works with the ICT Division to upload the file onto the Education Department website. This is a one-day work, but it can take up to a week to complete.
The selection committee and three divisions (MSD, GES and ICT) of the Education Department work together to bring the new Grade 11 selection list to you.
So, there you have it.
When will the 2026 New Grade 11 Selection list come out?
The General Education Services (GES) of the National Department of Education and the Education Secretary will give you the answer to the question.
The Measurement Services Division will release the Exam Results for Grade 10 to the GES and Grade 11 selectors, usually in the first week of December every year.
This is Stage 1 of the 2025 Grade 10 selection for Grade 11 in 2026.
Based on past experience, the actual selection can take up to two weeks, as mentioned in this article. This is Stage 2 of Selection, where the selectors meet in Port Moresby and finalise the Grade 11 Lists.
By stage 2, your principals and provincial education officers should have the name list of their respective schools.
How will the Education Department publish the new Grade 11 List 2026?
The General Education Services and ICT Divisions typically make the new Grade 11 selection list available in PDF format, organised by region and School.
Since last year, GES/ICT Divisions have attempted to try a *LOGIN* system, but they did not carry it through due to a lack of technical capacity, we believe.
Neither GES nor ICT said anything about it, so you just have to wait and see what happens this year.
What's Happening Right Now
Right now, we believe the Grade 11 Selection Committee is finalising the selection lists.
Parents, guardians and students will have to wait till the secretary signs and signs the Grade 11 listings for 2025 (mentioned in Stage 3); and for GES and ICT to publish the list online (Stage 4).
You know the stages and how long it takes for selection to take place. We hope that answers some of your questions.
If you need more information, check out the links we provide in this article. This video explains how the Grade 11 selection takes place.
Articles and further reading:
If you want to upgrade your marks at FODE or at any University Open and Distance Learning Centres, here is some information that you'll find useful. Click on the link to read more.
University of Goroka (UoG) Student Acceptance 2024 Update: The information presented below summarises recent news and instructions regarding selections for the University of Goroka (UoG).
This information is intended for both non-school leavers who have applied directly to UoG and school leavers who applied through the DHERST National Online Application System (NOAS).
🛈This article was updated on 12 December 2024. More information on the Non-school Leavers Selection List for 2024 Dates, Releases and TESAS Lists is available here.
University of Goroka (UoG) Selections Info Update
If you are a non-school leaver who has applied to UoG, the university will inform you directly of your acceptance into their programme. For example, if you submitted the 2023 UoG non-school leaver application for 2024 studies, you will hear directly from UoG, not from DHERST.
The university will directly inform you of your acceptance via the acceptance letter and/or by publishing the acceptance list on their website. Once you receive your acceptance letter, you must accept the Offer Letter and notify the university of your intention to take up the offer immediately.
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, the university proactively informed Continuing Students of their acceptance status before they left for the holidays. This was a commendable practice, as it reduced the stress on UoG Admin during registration early in the following years.
Acceptance lists for 2024
The University of Goroka offers Diploma, Technical, Bachelor, Bachelor (Professional), Bachelor (Honours), Post-Graduate Diploma, and Masters programs.
Here is what UoG says about its programs:
The University of Goroka offers Specialized Degree, and Diploma Programs in the School of Education, School of Humanities, School of Science and Technology, Institute of Technical Vocational Education and Training, Institute of Post Graduate Studies, Institute of Distance and Flexible Learning, and UOG Enga Campus.
The University accepts the:
School leavers (Grade 12 school leavers seeking admission in the next immediate year) and;
Non-School Leavers (Grade 12 passed-outs in the last 5 years) for admission into its Diploma, Bachelor and Bachelor (Professional) programs.
UoG selections: Grade 12 students SL vs Non-school Leavers
Please note that UoG collaborates with DHERST in selecting Year 12 students for higher education opportunities. UoG submits its allocated quota to DHERST, which then utilises online school leavers' preferences to select students for the 2024 academic year.
DHERST typically publishes the final selection list. Therefore, if you are a Grade 12 student or classified as a School Leaver, please consult the higher education (DHERST) website for your selection status.
For Non-school Leavers, UoG primarily conducts the selection process. Whether you are applying for a diploma, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate programme, please check the UoG website for your name.
UoG non-school leavers and continuing students, here is an article about the delay in the release of the 2024 lists - read this article.
UoG Non-school Leavers Acceptance List for 2024
Due to limited space and resources, the University of Goroka can only accept a restricted number of new students in its various programmes of study. Consequently, competition is highly intense, and priority is given to those with the highest GPAs.
Those seeking enrolment must fulfil the UoG admission requirements.
Non-School Leavers are selected based on their applications submitted in response to the University's annual advertisement. The University undertakes the selection process and informs successful applicants by publishing the 2024 Non-School Leavers Acceptance List on its website.
Here is some information about the Post Graduate Opportunities at UOG, click here to find out.
School Leavers Acceptance List
As mentioned earlier, the School leavers (Grade 12 Students) are selected based on their options provided through the Department of Higher Education. DHERST does the selection online and informs the students of their AES or TESAS statuses.
The 2024 school leavers' selection list will be published on the DHERST website like it did in the past unless things have changed. However, it seems that the selection will continue as normal this year.
Non-school Leavers Acceptance Letters
The University sends offer/acceptance letters to all candidates selected for various programs in addition to advertising the names of selected candidates for various programs in the prominent newspapers in the Country.
The candidates who accept the offer letters are requested to pay the relevant yearly fee in full and register themselves for the program for which they are accepted usually in February of the year concerned.
The process of admission ends with the registration of the students for the program for which they are accepted.
TIPNG AIRS CONCERNS OVER ELECTION READINESS, PROVINCIAL ELECTION STEERING COMMITTEES, AND ONGOING DELAYS TO PNG ELECTORAL ROLL UPDATE
With the PNG Electoral Roll Update exercise further deferred to December 2021 and January 2022, Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is now calling the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) and the 22 Provincial Administrations across PNG to urgently establish active Provincial Election Steering Committees (PESCs). Proper arrangements need to be put in place now to avoid the risk of excluding a large segment of unregistered and first-time voters wanting to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming 2022 National General Elections.
TIPNG has carried out provincial election awareness and community outreach and when in the various provinces has learned that with only 20 weeks remaining before the scheduled issue of writs for the 2022 National Elections, a majority of provinces have yet to establish functioning PESCs.
According to Section 3 of the PNGEC terms of reference for Provincial Elections Steering Committees, PESCs are established for the purpose of “building local capacity and coordinating resources across government to assist the PNGEC in planning and delivery of the elections in the province, including electoral roll maintenance and community awareness.” Apart from key government departments within a province, a functioning PESC must also include at least one representative from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Chamber of Commerce, and Churches within the province.
“The role of effective PESCs within the scope of national election coordination is absolutely crucial. It is very concerning to learn that with only five short months remaining before the issue of writs, many provinces are still a long way from where they need to be in terms of coordination and preparedness. Furthermore, the ongoing delay to the electoral roll update exercise is very concerning. More effective collaboration between government and other key community stakeholders is crucial if we are to deliver a successful election, and the PESC is currently the most effective framework for facilitating this collaboration,” said TIPNG Board Chair, Peter Aitsi.
The effectiveness of the PESC model has been clearly demonstrated in examples such as the East New Britain (ENB) PESC. Which earlier this year identified the need for additional resources, and made arrangements to provide these resources through the Provincial Administration. ENB has since completed updating its provincial electoral roll and is now ready for the next phase of the National General Elections in 2022. Other provinces such as Milne Bay have now proposed the use of updated ward registry data to speed up the Electoral Roll update exercise within the province.
“While the timeframe is less than ideal, we (TIPNG) believe that there are ways that we can make a comprehensive roll update possible. PESCs need to be a lot more active in convening and assessing the opportunities available to them in their respective provinces, and acting on these opportunities for the sake of our people. The conduct of the elections is not the sole responsibility of the PNGEC. We must all play our part and take ownership of this democratic process, to ensure a better future for our people and our communities,” Mr. Aitsi said.
Source: TIPNG PRESS STATEMENT | WEDNESDAY 8th DECEMBER 2021 [Facebook]
The PNG Education Ministry and Education Department are embarking on a 10-year plan to address the growing number of students at schools and reduce the cost of educating them.
First, let's be reminded of the past lessons:
Remember the curricular and education structural changes - SBC to OBE to SBC, and the 6-4-2 to 2-6-4 to 1-6-6?
These changes were unnecessary and a waste of time and money; and have long-term dominoe effects.
The education department has already planned to phase out - remove - the Grade 10 and 8 exams and introduce what is called the National Education Quality Assessment Testing.
The details of this test are not clear. In fact, no one knows how to carry out this kind of large-scale assessment. It has never been done successfully at the Grade 8 and 10 levels, and how the Education Ministry and Education Department are going about it is sketchy.
It is exactly the repeat of past years - the blind (Edu Ministry) leading the dumb (Edu Dept). Sorry to say this, but not sorry it's true.
Read the latest debate on this topic on PNG Insight here
Again, the PNG politicians, education ministers and senior education officials just need to look back and see the mistakes in the last 20 years (yes, in their lifetime) so that they do not repeat the same mistakes.
In this important change, the students will continue to Grade 12 without taking the normal/external exams in Grades 8 and 10. There'll be only 1 exam in Grade 12.
Changes are good, but why change an assessment that works fine?
Just imagine if the SBC had not been changed in 1992/1993. The PNG education curriculum would have been far better than it is today.
What would the education structure be like if the 6-4-2 was not changed to 2-6-4?
Obviously, no one would be talking about changing them back if these changes had not taken place 25 years ago.
The two points are wishful thinking. The damage has been done. But we know there were people (Papua New Guineans in Politics and Education circles) who did not have the brains to say:
'NO LET'S NOT CHANGE WHAT IS WORKING. LET'S IMPROVE IT'.
Is removing exams a mistake?
Removing examinations at Grade 8 and 10 is going to shake the foundation of the Education System in PNG, no doubt.
The PNG government and the education advisors have got it wrong in the past. The 6-4-2 to 2-6-4 to the proposed 1-6-6 structural re-adjustment is one example of an unnecessary change. Another example of an unnecessary change in the curriculum change we saw lately, SBE to OBE to SBE.
There are many other changes that should not have happened in the FIRST PLACE. Removing a perfectly working examination at Grades 8 and 10 is a case of destroying what works well.
As a country, we do not want to continue with it for some years and regret it.
Why remove exams at Grade 8 and 10?
The main reason is that the PNG government cannot effectively conduct exams - it just costs too much. Furthermore, there are too many students in schools dropping out at Grade 8 and Grade 10 - the government wants them to have a Grade 12 education.
However, these are not good reasons to remove examinations (external assessments) and instead opt for classroom-based assessments.
THIS CAN BE THE WORST MISTAKE!
You see, this kind of assessment will save the government money, but it is not as effective as it is intended to be. At present, the education department cannot rely on the internal assessment marks that schools sent to Waigani.
They need the external assessment, which is the Grade 8 and 10 exams.
Exams and Assessments
The parents and stakeholders need to know that the education department does *not* have to remove the exam and replace it with another assessment called the National Education Quality Assessment Testing.
Both can work side by side.
There are already these kinds of literacy and numeracy (L&N) assessments at Grades 3, 5 and 7: in the Pacific, this assessment is called PILNA; in PNG, there is an assessment called CSMT; and in Australia, they have what is called NAPLAN.
These are broad-based (literacy and numeracy competency) assessments that run alongside the main examinations.
Though these external L&N assessments are different in design and purpose, they are fundamental pillars of measuring learning.
Therefore, removing one and replacing it with another IS NOT the right thing to do!
What can you do?
This change will affect you and your children in 20 - 50 years. You have a responsibility to share this message and make sure everyone knows what is happening.
Talk about it now.
We cannot wait 20 years to realise it's too obvious and change things back.
Read the latest debate on this topic on PNG Insight here
Classroom assessments are NOT Exams
The PNG Education Ministry and Education Department are terrible at making changes. This change - removing Grades 8 and 10 exams - should be considered carefully.
All in all, the reasons for removing the exams do not justify the need to continue with the exams at Grades 8 and 10.
Exams are pillars of a 'sustainable' education system.
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Comment and share your thoughts about the planned removal of Grade 8 and 10 exams.
