Kerevat National School of Excellence commissions new smart classrooms

12 new smart classrooms and an auditorium were commissioned at the Kerevat National School of Excellence in East New Britain last Friday.

Education Minister Francis Siune and Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra travelled to Kerevat to officiate at the ceremony.

The commissioning marks a major milestone for one of the country's six National Schools of Excellence under the Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] program.

The new facilities include 12 fully equipped smart classrooms fitted with smart boards and internet connectivity, and an auditorium.

The buildings, costing more than K3 million, were co-funded by the National Government through the Department of Education and the school’s administration.

Minister Siune said this is part of the Government's commitment to improve the quality of education in the country.

"The world is changing quickly and our children must be ready to meet those changes. We have to make sure our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need."

Kerevat School of Excellence, formally known as Kerevat National High School, is located in the Gazelle District. It is one of the four Schools of Excellence that have existed since colonial days.

Selected students from around the country attend the school to complete their Grades 11 and 12.

Previously, the school was known for all the wrong reasons, including reports of cult activities, deteriorating infrastructure and alleged misuse of funds that left it on the brink of collapse.

The school was temporarily closed in 2011 but was reopened a year later.

The current school principal Paul Kupi said Kerevat has moved from strength to strength over the years to restore its glory days.

"I would like to challenge our division and everyone to work together to improve performance. I challenge all of us to use these facilities to change the mindset of our students so we can produce better young Papua New Guineans."

The new infrastructure is expected to enhance teaching and learning, improve student performance, and put Kerevat as a model school for smart learning in the country.