NEW IRELAND FODE

In light of a new educational reform that requires all teachers to hold a grade 12 qualification, delivering effective, streamlined and accessible FODE programs is essential for providing teachers with a pathway to upgrade their educational qualifications, ensuring that they can remain in the teaching profession for many more years to come. By enrolling 280 teachers from New Ireland in our FODE program, we are ensuring that schools stay open in New Ireland Province.

In 2023, in partnership with Newmont, KTF established the Lihir FODE Outreach Program, providing critical second-chance high school pathways to all teachers across the Nimamar LLG. In its inaugural year, KTF’s Lihir FODE program enrolled 80 elementary and TVET teachers from Nimamar LLG.

Our Lihir FODE program also utilises our innovative outreach model. Instead of requiring teachers to leave their classrooms for tutorials or lessons, our lecturers travel to them. This approach ensures that teachers can continue their vital work of educating primary and elementary students while also advancing their own education. The Lihir FODE Outreach program is more than an educational initiative; it’s a catalyst for change.

In response, to the increasing demand for FODE education opportunities in New Ireland Province in 2024 we established an additional three FODE locations.

• Konos FODE - Located in the north of New Ireland in Sentral Niu Aian LLG, Konos has 105 students enrolled, only a single student in this cohort is not already a teacher.

• Silom FODE - Located in Sentral Niu Aian LLG in Namatanai District Silom FODE in its inaugural year enrolled 70 students, 26 of whom are teachers.

• Warangansau FODE - located in Matalai LLG, in the south end of New Ireland, Warangansau has enrolled 70 students - all of these students are currently teachers.

Student Profile: Brigid Zikpursie

“Honestly speaking I could not have enrolled in any FODE program if KTF & Newmont had not come along with their program.”

At 45 years old and a mother of six children, Brigid Zikpursie, the current head teacher at Lissel Elementary School has completed her Grade 9 with with our Lihir FODE program and is now completing her Grade 10. Brigid has had a passion for education since she was young.

“I really enjoyed schooling when I was young because that is where I met most of my friends and most importantly, I got to learn many new things from the outside world.”

However, she was forced to leave school with a Grade 6 certificate in 1992 when her parents couldn’t pay the school fees. Now 30 years later, she has a second chance at receiving an education through Lihir FODE. Grasping this opportunity with both hands, Brigid plans to graduate with a Grade 12 certificate, ensuring she is able to continue teaching for many more years.

“FODE is more flexible than the formal way of schooling. I get to do my studies when I am free. The outreach model is ideal for us elementary school teachers because we do not have to travel to Palie every week where the KTF team is based to seek help. We greatly benefit from the school visits that bring the FODE program to us, where we have one-on-one tutorials when the KTF team visits. The support has been amazing which has enabled me to enjoy my studies.”

The flexibility and supportive outreach learning model have been crucial for Brigid. It has been challenging learning how to balance her various teaching and family responsibilities while studying. While she has found it difficult, it has also been an extremely invaluable and positive experience.

“Since taking up FODE studies, I have been able to personally improve myself in terms of acquiring new knowledge. By revisiting concepts I studied many years ago, I have been able to further build up my knowledge base and use the knowledge in my teaching as well with my students and at home where I assist my children.”