National Education Plan 2015 - 2019 Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

As PNG looks forward to another 5-year National Education Plan, NEP 2015 – 2019, over 21000 grade 12 graduates are competing for one of the 4500 places at tertiary institutions nationwide.  Where will 80% of these young men and women go? What is their future? How do we arm them with the 'most powerful weapon' - EDUCATION after grade 12?

NEP 2005 – 2014 clearly outlined specific recommendations (and ways) to achieve its goals. The vision was clear. I will pinpoint certain areas where government and National Department of Education (NDoE) should have done right in articles (II) – (IV).

This article gives an introductory remark on way forward in next 10 years by looking at why Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”



His words are relevant in PNG now.

This great man gave his speech during his first visit to the US after his release from 27 years imprisonment. In the early 1990 many students dropped out of school. That was why he stressed the importance of school and education. He wanted to get the message to every student - young man and woman who was present that time.

He also said “This [students dropping out from school] is a very disturbing situation, because the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” he told the students . He urged students to “try as much as possible to remain in school.”

The message was clear: he gave it at the right time to the right audience. Many students present took the message in.  Here is one example.

Papua New Guinea education planners need to get this message in, too. Education consultants, researchers, NDoE secretary and time wasters at the department must get their heads together.

This isn’t a time for planning as it may seem. It is time for planning and implementing a new (or adjusted) 10-year vision.

The words of Mandela rings through to this day when over 80% of Grade 12s do not have a place in higher educational institutions. It is time to create National Education Plan that encompasses not only the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), BUT also relevant to PNG.

Why not start by addressing high dropout rate? Look no further than do what needed done is the best way forward.

What are some success stories of women in business and leadsership in PNG

Women's representation in politics has done 3 steps back. During her time there was talk about creating seats for 22 women reps. This was received with mixed feelings, yet there was good support from male MPs. 

The 2022 National Election is going to be an interesting one for women candidates. It would be nice to see more women back in politics.

The 2012 to 2017 parliament had 3 sitting female MPs. The situation for women and girls may have stayed the same in Papua New Guinea. But, the situation for woman leaders was NOT represented well by those 3 women MPs. It has deteriorated, don't you think? 

This was obvious from the number of women returning to parliament in the 2017 elections. 0

Former Woman MP Delilah Gore 2012 - 2017

For example, MP Delilah Gore's recent alleged spending of the department's K17000 and siding with Arore to oust Governor Juffa is a black mark on her reputation, including woman leaders. 

Remember the Air Niugini incident - Yu Save Lo Mi - comment. That was directed at a younger woman. The good things she may have done in her term as minister often goes unnoticed when such an incident hits headline news. Tough.

Former Woman MP Loujaya Toni 2012 - 2017

Take a look at MP for Lae, Loujaya Toni. A few months after her election to the parliament her marriage broke down. Even, as a Melanesian woman leader where simplicity is gold, she does not give the impression of a contemporary PNG woman leader. Or, does she?

The same can be said of male politicians, but the outcome is often different. That is a shame but it is the reality. I only wish there is a right balance when it comes to women vs men politicians in PNG.

Google pictures

Former Woman MP Julie Soso

What about the Governor of EHP, does she portray a mirrored image a young girl could reflect? Julie Soso can be described as a Melanesian woman. However, as the governor, there is more to be desired of her. She has never done better than Mal Kela Smith or Feti Lafanama. 

Goroka Town has not got back the image of the 80s -  beautiful and clean. Pigs are roaming the market. Pickpockets are everywhere in town. Shantytowns extended from Genoka to Banana Block and everywhere. 

This is the same for the current male governor. He builds the Goroka market but the pigs are still roaming the town. Ominously, the market is not opened yet! The male politicians are NOT better than their female counterparts, but their chance of being re-elected is high. Not fair at all. 

Women Politicians Can Chance Public Opinions

Those 3 women leaders CAN change public opinion on women leaders in the country. They failed miserably in this regard.

But there are great women leaders and powerful women politicians in the history of politics in PNG. Dame Josephine Abaija and Dame Carol Kidu are two that came to mind, you can name the others. 

These are shining examples of PNG women in politics. Personally, I think women will NOT be great leaders in Parliament, in fact, they will be EXCELLENT leaders.

Come 2022 elections, PNG need to vote in more women leaders - that is for sure. Strong women who can stand tall and proud and represent the nation. 

Women who are hardworking, firm and direct.

Former Woman MP Dame Carol Kidu 2007 - 2017 (resigned)

I still have lots of respect for Dame Kidu. She showed how a woman can make a difference. 

Her contribution is notable. In addition, Dame Kidu topped her career off by being the only opposition leader and the only member of the opposition (PHOTO ABOVE). 

She stood against male idiocy in parliament. She is forever to be remembered as one woman opposition. 

PNG needs powerful woman leaders and politicians like Dame Carol Kidu!

How much do PNG Rugby League players Earn?

Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRL) officials are caught out when the recently promoted head coach of Gateshead Thunders signed 4 talented players from PNG Hunters. 

The immediate counterword was ‘protocol’. PNGRL will release a statement on Monday the 3^rd of November. If the protocol has been bridged, what then?

This is a serious issue. PNG Government, sponsors and PNGRL have developed something unique last year through PNG Hunters. For this not to repeat, the management of PNG Hunters will set a precedence to safeguard their players – they will send out a clear message to players, scouts, agents and admirers.

If the situation hits a deadlock, it may mean the visa application is stalled. Their dreams of playing for Gateshead Thunders and their future in the UK or PNG could be shattered. They are likely to be terminated from playing with the PNG Hunters or the national team. Their future in RL is gloomy.

Stanley Gene’s career can also be jeopardised if he did not follow due process. If there was an International Rugby League Code Of Ethics to deal with this issue, Stan would be aptly disciplined. However, he can escape this predicament for now.

Stanley has admitted that he did not talk to PNGRL and PNG Hunter's management. But in all honesty, Stan’s intention wasn’t that sinister. Take a look at the benefits these 4 players are likely to enjoy posted on QPNG Rugby League News & Views by Chris Thompson:

GREEN GREEN GRASS OF ENGLAND

1. House - A house will be supplied for the boys to live in communally.

2. Car -  A car will be supplied whoever chooses to get a UK driver's licence will be able to drive it,

3. Money - Players will be full-time as paid professional players.

4.  Education - Gateshead College will be available for any players wanting a tertiary education for life after rugby league.

 5. Future - Gateshead Thunders is the owner is a Multi-millionaire with the vision of getting Gateshead elevated into The Super League Competition in the next few years.

Others

6. Travel – Given their status as seasoned international players plane tickets to the UK and back to PNG.
7. Insurance would be included in their contracts - a compulsory component of risk cover.

Perhaps the most important benefit is their salary. So, here is an insight into how much they are going to earn - take-home pay. The minimum wage in the United Kingdom is £6.50 an hour for those 21 years of age and over. These 4 young men are professionals. They are going to earn more than the minimum wage. The table puts figures for take-home pay based on UK Government's minimum wage scale. It is important to note that this is the BASE wage.

How much do PNG Rugby League players Earn?

Gateshead Thunders are going to pay these professional rugby league players more. They are NOT minimum wage earners. They are professionals. 

It is a win-win situation for everyone involved in players’ development. Stan’s intention was innocent except to give his countrymen a better chance. This is an opportunity – truly an opportunity as these 4 men wouldn’t have a chance to get a life in the northern hemisphere if it wasn’t for the head coach of Gateshead Thunders.

This is their life. Let them have it.

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