Accessing education in the remote Kokoda Track region of PNG

Accessing high schooling has been a struggle for the Mt Koiari communities nestled high in the mountain peaks of the Kokoda Track, where the strong bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea began during WWII. The nearest high schools are located more than 3 days walk from the villages positioned mid-way along the Track. To overcome this barrier, KTF worked with the leaders and community of Manari village, the Central Province Department of Education and Kokoda College to commence the first ever high school opportunity for the people of the Track, delivered on the Track.

KTF has delivered FODE education, or second-chance high schooling, at Kokoda College for the past five years, enabling people from the region to complete their secondary education and gain entry to Teachers Colleges or Schools of Nursing. KTF’s new satellite of Kokoda College, the Mt Koiari FODE Centre, now offers young adults a chance at secondary education on the Track. Each term, Principal Joe Wenis travels to Manari to deliver classes in a period of intensive, face-to-face learning, which is coupled with self-directed study and assignments supported by e-learning. Student progress and results are monitored and journeys supported in the lead-up to national examinations, held at Kokoda College at the end of the year.

30 students from the region are enrolled in Grade 9 and 11 at the Mt Koiari FODE Centre in its inaugural year, beginning their educational journey towards a Grade 12 qualification and onto careers in education and health; desperately needed skills within the Mt Koiari communities – full circle pathways for students to return to their communities and provide these vital services are our priority.

With two terms now complete, Principal Joe is impressed with his students' commitment to their studies,

"The students have seen this initiative…as a golden opportunity to be back in the classroom again after being in the village for many years. They welcomed this opportunity and promised to give their very best."

He is looking forward to helping his students on their path to Grade 12 and beyond.

"All I want to see is for the students to smile and say, 'We have made it', when they get their certificates."

Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Kokoda Initiative.