The Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) and Anglicans in Development (AID) are reporting encouraging results from a national adult literacy program in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where adults across the country are gaining a second chance at education by learning to read and write.
In a news update published July 9 titled “Something special is happening in Papua New Guinea,” ABM highlighted how the program is opening new opportunities for adult learners who were unable to complete their schooling.
AID supports the national Adult Literacy Program in locations including the dioceses of Port Moresby, the nation’s capital, and Popondota, with 318 students currently enrolled. The program has been expanded to other regions across the country.
“Once students complete literacy and numeracy modules, teachers work from a flexible curriculum that is led by learners’ interests. Students may learn skills in community development, develop businesses, undertake the Agents of Change course (developed by Anglican Alliance) or Healthy Island activities, transition to formal employment, or bridge into formal education,” the ABM/AID explained.
The program is supported by the Australian government’s PNG Church Partnership Program and PNGAus Partnership, focusing on functional literacy, which is key to job opportunities and further learning later in life. PNG’s adult literacy rate stands at only 63 percent, according to the ABM, with about 67 percent of students dropping out before completing Grade 8, the final year of primary school.
“The literacy school has helped me more than I know,” said Ronald, a learner from Sorovi literacy school in Popondetta, quoted by the ABM, giving only his first name.
According to the ABM, Ronald experienced an “interrupted education” common in PNG, leaving primary school early because his parents, who worked as cash croppers, could not afford school fees, uniforms or shoes.
“I felt like I was homeless,” Ronald said, adding that education felt never-ending.
Ronald later enrolled in a local literacy school to improve his prospects. “He jumped at the chance to learn again,” the ABM/AID stated. “As vice-captain of his class, Rodney’s leadership abilities have grown, and he takes pride in assisting the teacher and keeping the classroom tidy.”
“It has helped with my confidence, public speaking, English and leadership skills,” Ronald reportedly said. He now plans to run a piggery project to support himself and his family.
“His life is one of many lives that have been changed for the better through the long-running literacy program,” the ABM/AID added.
Recent graduates from the program include eight men and eight women who completed literacy studies in Moreguina, 220 kilometers southeast of Port Moresby, on May 20.
The graduates received education certificates at a ceremony attended by local leaders, business owners, representatives of the Education Board, Moreguina Primary School and Correctional Institute Services, as reported by the ABM/AID.
Graduates included two members of the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican religious community, two inmates from the Correctional Institute Services, and a correctional officer.
