Education in Papua New Guinea

The major objectives of Australia's education assistance are to work in partnership with the PNG Government and other donors to implement the PNG education reform agenda and to refine and implement its National Education Plan (NEP) for the period 2005-2014.

Australia has aligned its educational support program more closely with PNG government systems to increase the sustainability of its education assistance. Australia expects that this will require Papua New Guinea, Australia and other donors, to deal in a more concerted and direct way with the systemic weaknesses confronting the sector.

The PNG education reform program began in 1993 in response to low enrolment and high drop out rates, significant gender and regional disparities, and a curriculum lacking relevance to most of PNG's children. The aim of the reform is to achieve sustainable, quality, universal basic education, and a more productive, skilled population. The NEP outlines the intended outcomes for education in PNG and the strategies for achieving them.

Over the period of the reform Australia provided resources to increase participation and improve the quality of the education system. The aid program also aimed to build the capacity of the Government of PNG to manage the education system.

Over the next four years PNG will receive a significant increase in assistance for education. Australia will continue to provide practical support for service delivery and education outcomes for schools as well as systems improvement.

AusAID provides assistance in critical areas such as curriculum development and implementation, improved teacher training, textbook distribution and infrastructure maintenance. Assistance is also provided for developing the planning, budgeting and implementation skills of decision-makers at national, provincial and school levels.

Major systemic weaknesses remain however. While overall primary enrolment rates have increased over recent years, many children still either do not enter school or drop out before the end of the basic education cycle of 9 years. Maintaining minimum quality standards is proving difficult and regional and gender disparities remain.

The capacity of the National Department of Education, Provincial education administrations and central agencies of the PNG Government to budget and manage funds effectively remains relatively weak.

Major aid activities

The following are the major activities in the education sector currently supported by Australia's aid program in PNG.

Education Capacity Building Program (ECBP)

Contribution: up to $44 million for Phase 2 (2007-08)
Duration 2005-2014

This ten-year program, coincides with the term of the National Education Plan 2005 – 2014. The program is an evolving sector-wide approach (SWAp) that works collaboratively within existing PNG systems. It provides technical assistance and training to strengthen planning, management and governance procedures and improve communication and coordination between government agencies and the levels of administration which make up the education system. It will also develop effective education program monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems.

Basic Education Development Project (BEDP)

Contribution: up to $35 million
Duration: 2004-2008

This project is helping to set up a program of primary and community school facility development and infrastructure maintenance. The program promotes partnerships between government and communities by working cooperatively with school Boards of Management to upgrade rural and remote schools. It also strengthens the capacity of national, provincial, and district personnel, local level institutions and communities in all provinces, to plan and manage school infrastructure.

Papua New Guinea Targeted Training Facility (PATTAF)

Contribution: up to $20 million
Duration: 2002-2008

This facility provides targeted short-term training to selected government agency personnel consistent with the capacity and skills development needs of selected agencies. The facility also selects and places suitably qualified PNG candidates for long-term training in Australia supported by Australian Development Scholarships.

July 2007