STATEMENT – CLOSURE OF KTF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS

Earlier today, Sunday 22 March 2020, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, The Hon. James Marape announced that all schools, tertiary institutions and educational facilities were to suspend operations effective immediately in response to the growing pandemic of COVID-19.

COVID-19 has now been reported in Papua New Guinea and KTF is supporting the direction provided by the PNG Government. As such, all of KTF’s Colleges – Kokoda College, Balimo College and Hanuabada College - will cease operations from Monday 23 March for a minimum period of 14 days and until further notice. KTF will also suspend all classes and schools being taught or supported by KTF teachers across Oro and Central Provinces effective from Monday 23 March 2020. This closure will effectively force the schools into an early school holiday period and the situation will be assessed over the coming fortnight. KTF will continue to take advice from the Provincial and National Governments of PNG, especially its partner Northern Province Health Authority and KTF’s health advisor in Australia. KTF is making every effort to ensure students are supported through remote, e-learning mechanisms as we follow advice at this time.

KTF encourages the continued practice of good hygiene and sanitation and is advising all people to wash hands with soap or sanitizer regularly, practice social distancing (always keeping 1.5 meters away from other people, refraining from touching one another, and avoiding crowds where possible) and most importantly to stay home for a period of 14 days if you have any cold & flu symptoms, particularly a dry cough, sore throat and fever or chills.

KTF will continue to post updates on projects and people that are impacted by COVID-19 on its social media pages and website: www.ktf.ngo

In the meantime, KTF Program Managers will contact all teachers and staff in the coming hours.

Warm Regards,

Dr Genevieve Nelson

CEO, KTF