K100,000 Australian grant to boost school safety in Wau Waria district

The signing of a K100,000 funding agreement under the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program [DAP] with the TMN Foundation Inc is set to improve school safety and infrastructure for two primary schools in Morobe’s Wau Waria district.

The agreement was formalized on Wednesday [April 29th] at the Australian Consul General’s Office in Lae, where TMN Foundation Inc President, Polum So’on signed the contract with the Australian Consul General, Brenton Kanowski.

The grant will fully fund fencing materials for the Namie Primary and Riverside Primary Schools, both located in the Wau Rural Local Level Government [LLG].

The district MP, Marsh Narewec said the project reflects a strong partnership between the TMN Foundation and the Wau Waria District Development Authority [DDA], noting that multiple proposals were submitted under the DAP, with two separate contracts valued at up to K100, 000 successfully approved so far.

“This is a significant step forward for our schools and we congratulate TMN Foundation and the Australian Government through DFAT for supporting our communities,” he said.

The fencing project aims to address long-standing safety concerns. Namie Primary School, with about 220 students and Riverside Primary School with around 170 students, have since operated without proper boundaries, leaving students and teachers vulnerable to vandalism, intimidation and encroachment.

“Without fencing, our children especially the girls and teachers face real risks, including abuse and insecurity. This project will provide the much-needed protection and peace of mind," Narewec emphasized.

The MP outlined that this initiative will be implemented as a community-driven effort, meaning that while the K100, 000 DAP grant covers the full cost of fencing materials, the Wau Waria DDA will provide logistical support and the local communities will contribute labor towards the construction. He went on to highlight that fencing is not only critical for safety, but also essential for future development planning.

“Fencing establishes clear boundaries that allow us to plan and build additional infrastructure such as classrooms and teachers’ houses,” he said.

The district has previously completed a similar fencing project for Pinetop Primary School, also in the Wau Rural LLG, demonstrating its commitment to improve learning environments.

The MP confirmed that looking ahead, the Wau Waria DDA will continue partnering with TMN Foundation, to pursue further donor funding for school infrastructure projects across the district.

“This is just the beginning. We remain committed to ensuring all our schools are safe, secure and equipped for quality education, he said.