FODE centre opens new facilities in ENB

East New Britain provincial government members with education officials and FODE students at the new four-in-one double classroom *(Image: Supplied)*

Since the 1994 volcanic disaster, East New Britain Province has not set up a provincial Flexible Open and Distant Education [FODE] Center.

But this week, a new four-in-one double classroom was opened by members of the ENB Provincial Government [ENBPG] and its administration and stakeholders in Kokopo city.

Situated at the back of the Kokopo Vunamami Urban local level government [LLG] office, the infrastructure was built at a cost of K796,000 by Paveks Construction.

The facility was among three projects commissioned and opened during the week, funded by the ENBPG's education sector.

The FODE centre was revived in the province in 2021 and enrolls over 1,000 students every year from grades 7 – 12.

Provincial FODE coordinator, Kasolyn Kekep, said after renting in various locations in the province, the opening of their own facility in Kokopo city, is quite historical.

“This building is a symbol of hope, opportunity and our commitment to providing quality education for everyone,” she said.

Describing the event as a milestone, FODE Deputy Principal Ralph Mosiri assured their support to ensuring other necessary furniture and requirements are met by the National Department.

“FODE is not for the failures, nor the second class. FODE is an alternate mainstream pathway for the national department of education.”

He stressed that FODE offers the same opportunity students get from conventional schools.

“This will be the second year for our students to apply through the online DHERST selection. Regardless of your age,” he said.

When acknowledging the ENBPG and its administration for this infrastructure, Kokopo MP, Ereman Tobaining Junior assured that the Kokopo City Authority will have a budget next year to assist the ENBPG.

“Under the Service Improvement Programs budgetary allocation, the 20% for the education sector is often tied up to budget commitments,” he said.

But, Tobaining Jnr said that though there are challenges brought on by government policies such as the 1-6-6, he is optimistic that the national government will continue to assist with funding support towards addressing issues in the education sector.