Education 'Two-Six-Six' Reform to be Implemented in 2016

Education Minister, Nick Kuman today told parliament that the ‘two-six-six’ reform will be fully implemented next year.

The two-six-six reform decrees two years in elementary, six years in primary, and six years in secondary education.

Once the reform is in effect, a child entering the education system will leave the system after 18 years. However, parliament house was told that the department does not have any plans to change the curriculum.

The matter was brought up, in answer to a question raised by Central Province Governor, Kila Haoda.

Governor Haoda wanted to know the status of national high schools; seeing that the introduction of the 'two-six-six' reform would eventuate in national high schools in Papua New Guinea, becoming obsolete. 

Minister Kuman responded, saying that the status of national high schools are to be reviewed, prior to the two-six-six reform being fully implemented in 2016. Before this policy is implemented, all national high schools will retain their school of excellence statuses.

A supplementary question was raised by the member for Anglimp South Waghi, Komun Joe Koim, on whether the government had any plans to introduce a new curriculum, to accompany the reform.

In response, Minister Kuman asked members of parliament to partner with the department to deliver quality education. He said the new policy is to address the increasing number of dropouts each year.

The minister said, this year there were 19,000 grade 12 dropouts, who did not secure places at tertiary institutions.

EMTV report Wednesday, 18 Feb 2015 by Michelle Amba, Port Moresby

Upskill Grades 8, 10 and 12 Dropouts: Apprenticeship Training in PNG 2024

The recent opposition statement about developing a skilled workforce in Papua New Guinea is a timely one, given that over 80% of Grade 12 students are unable to secure a place in tertiary institutions.

The opposition prior to the 2022 national election planned to invest K3.7 billion in skill development, with a focus on apprenticeship programs. This would be a welcome move, as apprenticeship schemes are the best way for students to learn from experts and gain practical experience.

Unfortunately, this is all a talk and no action has taken place.

Click here to find out more about the latest Apprenticeship Schemes and Graduate Development Programs in PNG.

Apprenticeship Scheme for Dropouts 

There are a number of ways that the government could create incentives for companies to take on apprentices. For example, the government could provide subsidies to companies that hire apprentices, or offer tax breaks. The government could also work with companies to develop apprenticeship programs that are tailored to the needs of the industry.

An apprenticeship scheme for dropouts would be a particularly valuable initiative. Many dropouts have the potential to be skilled workers, but they lack the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential. An apprenticeship scheme would give dropouts the chance to learn a trade and earn a good living.

PNG Government-Private Partnership - Apprenticeship Training in PNG 2024

Any government-private partnership that aims to develop skills in those age groups would be a step in the right direction. The opposition's plan is a good starting point, and the government should work with the private sector to develop a workable platform for companies to take on dropouts.

The opposition's plan to develop skills in PNG is a welcome one. By investing in apprenticeship programs and creating incentives for companies to take on apprentices, the government can help to create a more skilled workforce and provide opportunities for dropouts.

You can find out about SANTOS Apprenticeship Scheme here.