12 Days to Sir Julius Chan Resignation - 1997 Sandline Crises

The year was 1997. Sir Julius Chan was prime minister for almost 32 months. Bougainville crisis was in its 9th year. His Story – Sir J’s 12 days to his resignation as the PM of Papua New Guinea.

Recommended read: Sir Julius Chan Life in Politics - A Review of His Book ' Playing the Game

1. 16th March: Beginning of Operation Rausim Kwik. On the night of 16 March 1997, the revolt began. By the time the night was over, the entire band of Sandline mercenaries had been disarmed and arrested. Prime Minister Chan did not find out until the next morning.

2. 17th March: PNG Defence Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Jerry Singirok demanded Sir Julius Chan (PM), Chris Haiveta (DPM) and Mathias Ijape (Defence minister) resigned within 48 hours (2 days); The prime minister Sir Julius Chan reacted by sacking BG J. Singirok, replacing him with CONTROVERSIAL Colonel Alfred Aikung.

3. 18th March: A boycott of classes began at the University of Papua New Guinea, in support of Singirok. Crowds of civilians blocked the roads around the barracks, and bomb hoaxes closed down government departments.

4. 19th March: 48th hour ultimatum expired, the protests turned violent, and some looting began. The situation grew darker for Chan when the Governor-General, Sir Wiwa Korowi, took out a newspaper advertisement that also accused the government of widespread corruption.

5. 20th March: The Australian government sent emissaries to Port Moresby, and threatened to withdraw financial aid altogether if the Sandline deal was not cancelled.

6. 21st March: All Sandline's personnel, with the exception of Tim Spicer, who remained to give evidence to the inquiry, were withdrawn.

7. 22nd March:  Civil strike continued, UPNG students met at forum square every day; Speaker of Parliament and former Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu met with Chan and Singirok, and advised the latter (JS) that two of his demands had been met, and that Chan would resign only at the wish of Parliament.

8. 23rd March: Major Walter Enuma, a key Singirok supporter, said "We would like to see this thing off the streets and back into the political arena."

9. 24th March: Chan’s grip on power was fast eroding; 5 NEC ministers resigned, Sir Wiwa Korowi (GG) and Church leaders reiterated call for Chan to step aside pertaining to CoI into Sandline Crises.

10. 25th March: March Parliament session began, Bill Skate was ready to bring forth a motion calling on Chan to RESIGN. Sir Michael Somare amended Skate's motion, so it only called upon Chan to STEP DOWN for the period of the inquiry.

11. March 26th: Demonstrators celebrated the news that Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan had just "stepped aside."

12. 27th March: Chan realised that his position was hopeless.  John Giheno appointed acting PM.

The success of Operation Rausim Kwik was a victory for every Papua New Guinean from Buin to Bewani and Manam to Yalibu.

NRL Players Playing in Intrust Super Cup Final Games 2022

The NRL (National Rugby League) players had been called up to play in the Intrust Super Cup (ISC) final games in the past. These players potentially changed the outcomes of games at the ISC level.

The argument of teams taking on the challenge and either win or lose is one thing. But, is it fair?

Here are 5 reasons why the NRL players should not play any ISC final games:

1. The NRL fultime players have not played a single ISC game all season. They are slotted in last minute to just win a game. Fact.

For NRL players to qualify to play, the players must play some ISC games during the 2017 season. Probably 5 or more games. It is not late yet for the Intrust Super Cup management to come up with some control measures if the management does not have one yet. 

2. The NRL players are from eliminated teams - their teams have not made it to NRL finals. That means that they have rested well for several weeks. The players should not be included in ISC final games as it is not fair on players who have been leading the team to this stage.

3. The NRL players have experienced top level games all year. The level of competitions at NRL and ISC is different. Just getting an NRL player into a team to win the final is not fair competition.

Understandably, you want to get your NRL players to win a crucial game for you.  But you also want to give the player who shone in his absence a fair go. When it comes to choosing a player to play in the final games, NRL players are not an option as far as being fair to players is concerned.

4. The NRL players have had their chances to prove their worth in top division. If they had not proven to their coaches and teams that they can bring their teams to the NRL finals, why including those NRL players at ISC level? And would they have played if their teams had been in the NRL finals? 

Let them take their time off and prepare for next year. This is the best thing they must do.

5. The NRL players inclusion is damaging to teams' moral. From past experiences,  these players tend to leave vacuum in their teams when they aren't around. This can lead to the teams led by overlooked players who think they are not good enough.

In retrospect, it is okay to have the NRL players around during the preliminary rounds.  And also have them around in the finals.

What's not right is using an NRL player, in the final games,  who has not even played a single ISC game. An NRL player who had not played a single ISC match must not be allowed to play in the ISC finals.

Intrust Super Cup competition 

The Intrust Super Cup competition should have control over inclusion of NRL players especially in the final games. It is important that this happens to keep the integrity of the competition at the ISC level.

PNG Kumuls likely to play England and New Zealand in the Finals

The Rugby League World Cup, RLWC

• 14 Countries
• 6 weeks
• 28 games (21 pool games, 7 final games)
• 1 Winner

Source: Adapted from Fox Sports (accessed 28/10/2017)

Check out the finalists here.

In the pool games (weeks 1 – 3) six bottom teams will be eliminated. Obviously, eight teams go through to the quarter-finals: three teams from Pool A, three teams from Pool B, one team from Pool C and one team from Pool D.

WATCH THE RLWC GAMES LIVE ON 2021 RLWC APP

PNG Kumuls makes the Quarter Finals (QF)

If the team PNG Kumuls makes the Quarter Finals (QF), the Kumuls will play (the team that comes 2^nd in Pool A) in the 4^th QF in Melbourne, Australia. The second *hot* team in Pool A in England, after Australia. Team PNG Kumuls may, most likely, meet England in the 4^th QF on Sunday, November 19th.

The team that wins the 4^th QF will play the team that wins the 3^rd QF in the 2^nd Semi-Final. A closer look at Pool B teams would reveal that New Zealand is likely to top the pool matches and play in that 3^rd QF and proceed to the 2^nd Semi-Final.

The PNG Kumuls team survives 4 weeks of competition and will see the team go head-to-head with the New Zealand Warriors in the 2^nd Semi-Final match in Auckland, New Zealand.

RLWC FIXTURES

 
Week 1

Friday, October 27

1. Australia (WON) v England at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 8pm (AEDT)

Saturday, October 28

2. Papua New Guinea (WON) v Wales at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, 4pm (AEDT)

3. New Zealand (WON) v Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 6.10pm (AEDT)

4. Fiji (WON) v USA at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 8.40pm (AEDT)

Sunday, October 29

5. Ireland (WON) v Italy at Barlow Park, Cairns, 3pm (AEDT)

6. France v Lebanon (WON) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 4pm (AEDT)

7. Scotland v Tonga (WON) at Barlow Park, Cairns, 5.15pm (AEDT)

Week 2

Friday, November 3

1. Australia (WON) v France at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 8pm (AEDT)

Saturday, November 4

2. New Zealand (WON) v Scotland at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, 3pm (AEDT)

3. Samoa v Tonga (WON) at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5.30pm (AEDT)

4. England (WON) v Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, 8pm (AEDT)

Sunday, November 5

5. Papua New Guinea (WON) v Ireland at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, 5pm (AEDT)

6. Italy (WON) v USA at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 5pm (AEDT)

7. Fiji (WON) v Wales at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Week 3

Friday, November 10

1. Fiji (WON) v Italy at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 7.40pm (AEDT)

Saturday, November 11

2. New Zealand v Tonga (WON) at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 3pm (AEDT)

3. Samoa (draw Samoa through to QF) v Scotland at Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm (AEDT)

4. Australia (WON) v Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, 8pm (AEDT)

Sunday, November 12

5. Papua New Guinea (WON) v USA at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby 4pm (AEDT)

6. Wales v Ireland (WON) at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, 5.30pm (AEDT)

7. England v France at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, 8pm (AEDT)

Week 4 Quarter Finals

Friday, November 17

1. First quarter-final at Darwin Stadium, Darwin, 8pm (AEDT)

    1^st Pool A vs 3^rd Pool B

Saturday, November 18

2. Second quarter final at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, 3pm (AEDT)

     2^nd Pool B vs 1^st Pool D

3. Third quarter final at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, 5.30pm (AEDT)

     1^st Pool B vs 3^rd Pool A

Sunday, November 19

4. Fourth quarter final at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 4pm (AEDT)

     2^nd Pool A vs 1^st Pool C

QF Finalists

Week 5 RLWC Semi finals

Friday, November 24

1. First semi final at Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, 8pm (AEDT)

     Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2

Saturday, November 25

2. Second semi final at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 4pm (AEDT)

           Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4

Week 6 RLWC Grand final

Saturday, December 2

Final at Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, 8pm (AEDT)

For more info, check out the Fox Sports website.

Teaching Service Fixation Agreement (2014-2016) - PNG Public Service Pay Scale

New teachers and those who do not know how you are paid, you are paid up Scales of 1 - 12 (TS1 – TS12) and across Grades 1 - 7. In other words, you move up the Pay Scale and along the Pay Grade. It can happen simultaneously or one at a time.

Salary Fixation Agreement 2014 – 2016 Teachers Pay Scale and Pay Grade

Click on the link to see the latest pay increase for PNG Public Servants 2022 - 2024

PNG Public Service Pay Scale

A review of teachers’ salaries conducted in 2013 agreed to a 33% rise in base pay over three years, 2014 - 2016. The increment came at the back of an increase in the number of students and teachers increased workload; as well as the increasing prices of goods and services. The increment was, in fact, an agreement set in stone and effective as of the first pay of 2014. 

By now all teachers, from preprimary to primary and secondary schools, should be paid the agreed salaries at 2016 rates.

An additional Service Allowance of 10% was also accorded to teachers and matured in 2016. This additional increase means that between (and inclusive of) 2014 and 2016 teachers’ total salaries (TOTAL SALARY = BASE SALARY + SERVICE ALLOWANCE) increased by 43%. 

Teachers, perhaps it is important to know your pay scale and pay grade. Knowing the two will help you to determine whether you are receiving the right salary or not. The diagram shows the increase – take particular note of 2016 salaries.

#PNG teachers' salary scale: by now all teachers nationwide should be receiving the correct pay package according to the agreement. pic.twitter.com/nVVCBP9NdY

— PNG Insight (@PNG_Insight) May 27, 2017

PNG teachers pay increase

The Teaching Service is now accountable to teachers after the three years, 2014-2017. The TSC has got to do its work right. At the moment, two questions needed answers from the commission, TSC:

1. Are the teachers paid at 2016 pay grade?

This is a serious question and only teachers and school administrators know whether they received the promised increase or not. Make it your agenda in school staff meetings. Confirm your pay scale and pay grade. Make sure you are paid your dues. 

If you are sitting on a confirmed position (by this I mean a confirmed pay scale and pay grade); and not paid the right amount, raise it immediately and asked for a back payment.

Note: Do not waste your time if you are acting on a substantive level. Do not try to claim at that pay scale as you will not be entertained.

2. When is another review due?

According to the Teaching Service Fixation Agreement 2014-2016, another review was due on the 1st of January 2017. I hope TSC has not gone to sleep on it. 

This review has to be considered urgent. It is already overdue. The TSC, Education Secretary and Education Minister (in the new government after the June elections) must make it their number one priority. 

Having said that, the TSC commissioner and Education Secretary should initiate the review NOW. They shouldn’t wait. Another 3-year review (2018-2020) has to be swiftly done and submitted to the new education minister as soon as s/he is appointed to the role in the new government. 

All in all, increasing the price of goods and services and overcrowding in classrooms; capped off with a mountain of work, teachers deserve another pay increase. TSC must think right – take the lead, and urgently initiate a review of teachers’ salaries, service allowance and leave entitlements.

TESAS: Grade 12 Guide to Securing a Tertiary Institution Government Scholarship

As a Grade 12 student with a GPA above 2.00, you may have been denied the opportunity to pursue higher education. While this may be disheartening, it is important to remember that there are still options available to you.

It is important to note that if your GPA is below 2.00, it will be extremely difficult to gain admission to a tertiary institution. This post is specifically for Grade 12 students with a required GPA and self-sponsored students. We want to help you to apply for a government scholarship so that you do not have to put burdens on your family.

• If you do not know your GPA, see how to calculate it ⇦. 

• You can also find out why your choice on SLF has a big impact on selection⇦.

In fact, there are many students who tried again and were fortunate to enter universities and colleges in the country. You can also do the same to secure yourself not only space but also a government scholarship - HECAS.

Research the program of your choice thoroughly

First, research the program of your choice thoroughly. The students' services and administration officers will provide the necessary help.  Start with the answers to the following questions before completing and submitting the application form:

• What is the minimum GPA requirement? This question will help you to identify whether you are a hot, warm or cold applicant.
• How many spaces are available? Knowing the number of intakes every year gives the applicant a picture of the space there is. According to the Grade 12 stats, five students are applying for every space available under government scholarships.
• When is the closing date for submission? Getting the time right is important too - your application must not be too early or too late.
• What to do when you've made a submission? Always follow up with the Student Services or Administration for updates. 
• What if you are not selected after having applied? Do not stop there. If you have done the first three steps properly (and are convinced you are the likely candidate), go to the institution and demand the reason why your application was rejected. This must be done before the start of the academic year.

Make every effort to secure a government scholarship

Second, make every effort to secure a government scholarship for the program on successful application. It is tight to get a Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme (HECAS) scholarship especially if you are a non-Grade 12 school leaver. That means that you will have to sponsor yourself during the first year of your study. 

Once the door is opened for you, get in, do well academically and apply for a second-year scholarship. Make no mistake, you must perform well and maintain your GPA in the first year. 

Importantly, on successful completion of semester one ask your lecturers, Admin and Student Services staff for help with completing an application for securing your scholarship. 

Complete the application form for the tertiary student scholarship offered by the PNG government and submit the application around May/June to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) in Port Moresby.

Follow up with DHERST Scholarship Office 

Always follow up immediately and regularly to find out about your applications. Thimon is one of the best people to help you. His email is Thimon.Bune@dherst.gov.pg. 

To ask for application forms call 301 2052  or email ask@dherst.gov.pg. More information on government yearly scholarships ( TESAS, AES, and HECAS) can be found on the DHERST website. 

About PNG Insight
PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

GRADE 12 SLF GRACE PERIOD: How to Adjust Choices on School Leavers Form

The school leavers' choices every Grade 12 student makes each year is important. Many good students missed out on being selected, simply because they have not received proper guidance to make the right choice on the School Leavers Form (SLF).

I believe if the right direction was provided by the education leaders, students with good marks will increase their chances of entering a higher learning institution.

Good marks are marks with a GPA above the required GPA for higher education entry. For example, one school leaver said:

'I have a GPA of 2.8 and I cannot be offered a space in any of these (higher) institutions...confused?'

A GPA of 2.8 would mean that the student scored Bs and higher Cs. But, why had the student missed the selection to a university, college, or vocational centre on a government scholarship?

Why Students Have Good GPAs Do Not Get Selected

Here are three important factors that disadvantage capable students from entering universities, colleges, or vocational and technical colleges:

1. The increasing number of students passing out of grade 12.

Take a look at the graph and you will realise that the number of students has increased since 2014. By contrast, spaces at tertiary institutions remained relatively low - only 20% of students were selected to continue after Grade 12 each year between 2014 and 2016. 

Unlike the 80s and 90s when there was a handful of National High Schools, today many secondary schools have been established in every province in the country. As the number of secondary schools increases, the number of students also increases. The competition is stiff. 

That is for every space available at a tertiary institution (under HECAS), five students are applying for it. 

2. Students choices on the  SLF

In fact, a 'funnel effect' takes hold where only the student with very good Grade 12 marks and good choices on SLF gets the preference during selections for university or college entries. It is absolutely important that you get both factors (Grade 12 marks +  SLF choice) right. 

Do not let your years of hard work and good marks go to waste. If you are an A, B or C+ student, follow this rule of thumb to get a government scholarship into a tertiary institution:

• SLF Choice 1 -    University
• SLF Choice 2 -    College/Technical Institute 
• SLF Choice 3 -    Vocational/Technical Centre

3. STAT-P Test

The third and most important point to consider when applying for UNITECH or UOG is to sit for the STAT-P (aptitude) test if you are a School Leaver; or the entrance exam if you are a non-SL. All principals and deputy principal academics have to ensure their students intending to attend UNITECH or UOG must sit the entry test - it is mandatory.

It is anticipated that the University of Natural Science and Environment will also conduct entry tests in the future. To get more details on STAT-P, click HERE.

For the non-school leavers, avoid putting a university program as your second choice on your SLF - you are NOT going to make it. University choice on the SLF must be choice #1 if you believe that you will 'smash' the end of the year Grade 12 examinations.

Grade 12 Grade Period - Adjusting Choice

DHERST has not allowed students to adjust their choices. The online School Leavers Choice system makes it easy for students to do just that - changing the choice on their SLF. 

This is a plus for students as it gives you the best chance to match your Grade 12 final marks to the institutions of your choice as discussed in point 2, above.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

PNG Work Permit One Entry, One Work Permit, One Job

The Government plans to review the work permits of all expatriates to ensure conditions have not been breached, and rules on the issuing of new ones will be stricter.

Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Mehrra Kipefa told The National that the department would implement a new policy from next year to tighten the issuing of work permits. A policy paper on it is currently before the National Executive Council.

“Our new policy starting next year will be one entry, one job,” Kipefa said.

Recommended: How to Renew PNG Passport

“We will review all work permits issued to expatriates to ensure they have only one job for which they were issued work or entry permit to work in the country.”

He said there had been some instances where some expats were granted a permit to do a certain job but then did other jobs.

“Those who are found to be doing such will have to be disciplined, including cancelling their work permits and having them repatriated back to their home country,” Kipefa said.

Kipefa said there were a lot of things to be fixed and he would seek the support of fellow ministers and state agencies to get things fixed.

 “We also have a lot of technical people coming into the country and doing jobs which our own people have the knowledge and the skills to do, and can competently perform,” he said.

“That is another issue I will be addressing.

“We will only issue work permits and recruit expatriates on jobs that Papua New Guineans are not able to perform.

“And these expatriates will be required to also train Papua New Guineans when they are employed here.”

Kipefa said jobs that Papua New Guineans could perform must be given to them.

“We will classify certain jobs, especially technical and skilled jobs only for our citizens,” he said.

“That is what I will be driving and we are looking at bringing the National Apprentice and Trade Test to the provinces and the districts.

“We have started with Mingende in Chimbu by launching a Trade Testing Centre for carpentry at the Saint Mary’s Technical School last week.

“And based on the success, we are looking at accrediting trade tests for other technical courses like mechanical, electrical, welding and plumbing.”

Kipefa said the policy on “one entry or work permit, one job” was expected to be tabled during the first sitting of Parliament next year.

“I am looking forward to giving a ministerial statement in Parliament on the policy and to commence the implementation,” Kipefa said.

The National 

Politics and Tuition Fee Free Education Policy in PNG

ABSTRACT: Though much has been written about the successes and failures of the Tuition Fee-Free Education(TFFE) policy in Papua New Guinea (PNG), there is a need for an in-depth discussion on sustaining the policy not only now, but also in the future. This paper argues that the sustainability of TFFE policy is an important development issue. In particular, it attempts to discover how the National Department of Education (NDoE) aligns its sectorial strategies (and medium-term development plans) with the department’s vision, mission, objectives and goals.

READ ABOUT THE ISSUES FOLLOWING THE TFF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

It is essential that planning (both strategic and operational) by past and current governments focuses on the continuity of TFFE policy. The paper uses literature review and online data to discuss the issue of TFFE sustainability. It gives details of policy timing, political parties and duration of the policy by comparing past to current experiences; discusses sectorial strategic plan and medium-term development plans relating to the policy; and also presents data analysis of TFFE fund allocations. The paper also uses percentages and average values to compare and contrast specific data relevant to support the findings.

There are two important findings. Firstly, the ruling political parties in 1981, 1993 and 2002 announced the implementation of free education policy just before the national general elections. The earlier attempts lasted less than 18 months because of the change in governments. Secondly, the data revealed a lack of TFFE funding consistency in the last decade. ‘Political will’ in the last five years was remarkably high. This raised the question to the sustainability of the TFFE policy in Papua New Guinea in the long term.

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).

Three Key Questions About PNG Universities You Should Ask- By An Academic

Original post by Lawrence Sause

UNIVERSITY ENROLMENT FOR 2017

In one of the recent post on good students being shut out of university enrolment, I provide my take (response) by saying this.......

Let's have a long range perspective on this. Too many young PNGeans will fall on the way side because of space, even those with the best grades.

In the long term we must create space in our universities to cater for those who can come. This will require investment in infrastructure  and teaching facilities and aids, academic staff expansionary and expansion of disciplines. In all my years at the UPNG, I've witnessed first hand the severe deterioration of the university teaching, learning and support facilities not only in UPNG, but also in all public universities. In some classes, including mine, students stand even right to the door and outside to attend lectures, to my great disappointment.

The raising of the GPA threshold for enrolment, often at crazy levels, is nothing more than an artificial strategy adopted as a coping mechanism against a perverse lack of capacity to function given the debilitating state of teaching, learning and support facilities. In the long term, curtailing even good students in exchange for coping, must be seriously questioned. Do we want to keep doing this?

If I were to tell you that about 70 percent of the academic disciplines at UPNG do not have an Associate. Prof or a Prof, would that surprise you? Yet that is the situation. In the School of Business and Public Policy for example, there are only two nationals with a PhD and only one Associate Prof who is the Dean, in the entire school. We are not competitive and we cannot attract the best, remuneration wise. However, there is more to this problem. Good academics who can raise the standard of university teaching and the transmission of knowledge want a good place of work that is rewarding and can help develop their own career. UPNG and other PNG Public universities can't offer that. By the best of standards, our infrastructure and learning facilities cannot even match those in some of the  colleges I've seen in NZ and Australia. So, debilitating infrastructure, teaching and learning facilitues not only deters getting young PNGeans but also becomes the key stumbling block for recruiting and retaining quality staff. How much longer can we continue to impose those crazy artificial GPA requirements just to cope against capacity-related problems in our universities? It's crazy.

Government support to universities has drastically fallen commensurate with the demand for space and the need to upscale and modernise our universities to world class standards. Those of you who have been to UNITEC and UPNG, have you seen any significant change in the infrastructure and teaching and learning facilities in your most recent visits? National leaders including our Prime Minister should also be asked the same question. So I am inclined to ask, what do they see now compared to their years at the university? Nothing different really, instead broken-down halls, buildings, labs and libraries, pipes and sewers etc.

Friends, the shutting out of good students on university enrollment is a symptom of a much larger problem, a problem of lack of investment on universities by government,  which is creating capacity-related problems. So GPA requirements and shedding off good students is a mere strategy to cope.

This leads me to pose several big questions about our future and that of our universities:

1. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES IN PNG?

2. WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF PNG BE LIKE WITHOUT VIBRANT, STRONGER AND MODERN UNIVERSITIES?

3. WHAT GENERATION OF PNGEANS ARE WE BUILDING TODAY FOR THE FUTURE FROM OUR DEBILITATING AND COLLAPSING UNIVERSITIES, AND ARE WE REALLY PREPARING THEM TO TAKE THE COUNTRY FORWARD IN THE FUTURE?

Tuition Fee Free Education Policy - Parents Must Prepare For Uncertain 2017

Payment of Tuition Fee-Free funds to schools has always been an interesting issue among the key stakeholders. Schools skeptical of government's timely commitment and the decisions to pass project fees to parents to pay had been a hot topic among parents, schools and government since the policy's inception. 

The challenge to release funds on time to schools has not been addressed properly. That is why schools and boards are forced to pass fees onto parents. Nevertheless, the recent government's commitment to TFF education policy in the last 5 years (2012 - 2016) must be commended. Through thick and thin the academic year during those years have come to completion, with parents paying nothing. 

But, yet the impending problem still remains - school are not receiving TFF funds on time. This is evident in the PNG Teacher's Facebook discussion group (05.02.2017). One teacher called it a disgrace and reiterated this was the same problem all across the country. Under an hour the post got 15 Likes and a thread was forming. 

Surely lack of promptness is a disgrace. The continued delay of TFF funds payment to schools, even after the education secretary took to Post Courier's front page (31.01.2017) news shows something is not right. In hindsight it is not right to pass the blame around. It is only right to make sure schools have the funds to start each term, on day one of school year.

In fact, the TFF funds are always paid in quarterly installments every year - just before a term starts. This year 2017 is going to be challenging. Compared to the last past 5 years the government had some breathing spaces to gather funds to fund its TFF education policy. This year is the election year. Funds are going to be tight. In addition, the uncertainty of elections and formation of government after the 2017 General Elections, puts this education policy under spotlight. 

The education department must not be complacent! It has to have a contingency plan to not only complete the tuition fee-free year successfully, but also ensures parents are not fooled into paying school fees mid-year.  

The education system, going forward, has the challenge not to fool parents and sponsors. The department must now provide clear direction as far as schools fees and projects fees are concerned all throughout the election year.

The same challenge goes to parents and sponsors - save some money for you never know what's coming. 

Story of a Grade 12 Students Selected Divine Word University

Located in Madang, Papua New Guinea, Divine Word University (DWU) is a private Catholic university that was established in 1996. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines such as education, health sciences, business, and social sciences.

One of the things that attracted me to DWU is its strong commitment to providing quality education. The university's academic programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive and practical education that equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

In addition to its academic programs, DWU also offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The university has a vibrant student community that comprises students from different parts of the world, creating a diverse and culturally rich environment.

As a new student, I found the orientation program at DWU to be very helpful. The program was designed to help new students navigate the university's policies, procedures, and services. I had the opportunity to meet other new students, faculty members, and staff, which helped me feel more comfortable and confident about my decision to study at DWU.

The university also has a range of support services that help students succeed in their academic and personal lives. For example, the Academic Support Center offers tutoring and academic coaching services, while the Counseling Center provides confidential counselling services for students who need it.

In terms of campus life, there are plenty of extracurricular activities and events that students can participate in. The university has a range of student clubs and organizations that cater to different interests, including sports, music, and social causes. There are also regular events such as concerts, cultural festivals, and guest lectures that offer students the opportunity to learn and engage with others.

Overall, my experience of studying at Divine Word University has been very positive. The university's commitment to providing quality education, a supportive learning environment, and a range of support services make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and practical education. I would highly recommend DWU to anyone considering studying in Papua New Guinea.