Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today announced that the Government is working on plans to provide assistance to private schools, aiming to ease the financial burdens faced by parents, guardians, and sponsors of students attending these institutions amidst challenging economic times.
Speaking at the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Waigani Christian College, Prime Minister Marape expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the institution’s founder, North Waghi MP Hon. Benjamin Mul, for his notable achievements in the education sector. He also emphasised the Government’s commitment to supporting private education providers across the country.
The announcement marks a significant step towards bolstering the private education sector in Papua New Guinea, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all citizens and reducing the financial strain on families.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister revealed that starting from next year, the Government is committed to supporting private schools. “We are reviewing the policy framework of our education system to explore ways to offer financial relief. This includes enabling parents, guardians, or sponsors of students attending private schools to receive a tax rebate or some form of subsidy as recognition for the taxes you pay to the Government, which will help alleviate the costs of education. This will be included in the 2025 Budget,” he added.
“Waigani Christian College and others in this space must be picked up and supported to enable quality education for our children as we endeavor to reduce or cut off the number of school drop-outs throughout the country, especially at the Grade 12 level or upper secondary,” said PM Marape.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Government is looking into ways to assist hard-working and law-abiding citizens, particularly in the education sector, during these tough times.
“If we look after our children, this country will be a better place. I am happy to support this institution (Waigani Christian College) as it ventures into becoming a higher education institution, as well as other private education providers in the country, who are offering second-chance education and creating alternative education pathways for those who miss out in established educational institutions,” said Prime Minister Marape.
As a former Education Minister, Prime Minister Marape underscored the importance of education in providing life-sustaining skills for Papua New Guineans to become successful citizens.
“I urge and direct the Ministers for Education and Higher Education to give equal focus to private education providers alongside public schools,” he said.