Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a young and growing population, with over 60% of the population under the age of 25. This presents a significant opportunity for the country, as a well-educated and skilled workforce is essential for economic growth and development. There is a need to create opportunities for Secondary School Students in PNG.
Challenges: High Population Density of Secondary School Students
At present, PNG faces many challenges in providing quality education to all its citizens. One of the biggest challenges is the high population density in some regions. For example, the Momase Region has the highest population density per secondary school in PNG, with over 82,000 people per school. This means high demand for educational resources in the region, and many students may not have access to quality education.
Another challenge is the lack of access to vocational and technical education (TVET) schools. TVET schools provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. They are essential for youth in rural areas, where job opportunities are often limited.
Expanding TVET schools is one of the best ways to create opportunities for secondary school students in PNG. TVET schools can help to:
- reduce youth unemployment,
- improve productivity and competitiveness in the economy,
- promote social and economic inclusion, and
- reduce poverty and inequality.
Invest in TVET schools for secondary school students in PNG to open up new opportunities for secondary school students.
Data:
The following table shows the regions in PNG ranked by population density per school:
| Region | Secondary Schools | Total Population | Population Density per School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Momase | 37 | 3,040,584 | 82,175 |
| Highlands | 58 | 3,791,256 | 65,372 |
| Southern | 36 | 1,826,270 | 50,729 |
| NGI | 40 | 1,120,410 | 28,010 |
Sources:
- National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea: https://www.nso.gov.pg/statistics/population/
- Papua New Guinea Department of Education: http://www.education.gov.pg/quicklinks/selections.html
Create Opportunities for Secondary School Students in Papua New Guinea
The Importance of Expanding TVET Schools
Benefits of Expanding TVET Schools:
- Reduced youth unemployment. TVET schools can help to reduce youth unemployment by providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace.
- Improved productivity and competitiveness. TVET schools can help to improve productivity and competitiveness in the economy by providing businesses with a skilled workforce.
- Promoted social and economic inclusion. TVET schools can help to promote social and economic inclusion by providing educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds.
- Reduced poverty and inequality. TVET schools can help to reduce poverty and inequality by providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to earn higher wages.
Role of Provincial Governments to Help Secondary School Students
Provincial governments must play a leading role in expanding TVET schools. They can do this by:
- Increasing funding for TVET schools
- Expanding access to TVET programs in rural areas
- Partnering with the private sector to develop and deliver TVET programs
Conclusion
Expanding TVET schools is one of the best ways to create opportunities for secondary school students in PNG. TVET schools can help to reduce youth unemployment, improve productivity and competitiveness in the economy, promote social and economic inclusion, and reduce poverty and inequality.
Provincial governments must play a leading role in expanding TVET schools. By doing so, they can help to create a more skilled and productive workforce, which is essential for economic growth and development.
Additional Information:
The data in the table shows that the Momase and Highlands Regions have the highest population density per school in PNG. This means that there is a greater demand for educational resources in these regions.
Expanding TVET schools in the Momase and Highlands Regions would be particularly beneficial, as it would provide more educational opportunities for students in these regions and help to reduce youth unemployment.
Provincial governments can lead in expanding TVET schools. They can do this by working with the national government and the private sector. TVET programs are essential for economic growth and development in PNG. By expanding TVET schools, provincial governments can help to create a more skilled and productive workforce.
