Catholic Education Secretaries attend annual workshop

Twenty – two Catholic Education Secretaries from Dioceses around Papua New Guinea attended a successful annual workshop facilitated by the Catholic Bishops Conference National Catholic Education Commission (CBC NCEC) in partnership with the National Department of Education in Port Moresby from July 1 – 3, 2025.

Group picture taken after the sessions for the second day of the workshop.

The purpose for this year’s 2025 Catholic Education Secretaries annual workshop has provided direct information to our Catholic Education Secretaries on the following: (1) 1-6-6 School Formal Structure, (2) SBC Curriculum (3) Government Free Education Policy (GFEP), (4) Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy and Implementation, (5) Grade 8 & 10 National Examinations and Selections, and (6) Other NDoE pertinent information and policies.  The NDoE Officers had also clarified some other misconceptions and addressed emerging real-life challenges on the implementations of these education reforms.  This was a fruition venue for dialogue, which had produced better way-forward actions in the spirit of partnership.  The recent Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Bishops had endorsed this CES workshop.

The first day of the workshop was centered the Church and the structures with sessions on:

·         Catholic identity

·         National Catholic Education new structure

·         Proposal writing

·         Review of National Catholic Education guidelines

·         CES job descriptions and CES roles in the Provincial Education Boards

·         Institution/College – court legal advice/process

The second day of the workshop saw dignitaries from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the National Department of Education (NDoE):

1. Mr. Paul Ainui - Deputy Secretary, Curriculum & Standards

2. Ms. Anniemarie Kona – First Assistant Secretary, Schools Inspections

3. Mr. Joseph Tounokon – Assistant Secretary, School Grants

4. Ms. Sabati Mero – First Assistant Secretary, Policy & Planning

5. Mr. Samson Wangihomie – Chairman Teaching Service Commission

6. Mrs. Jean Taviri – Director TSC Southern Region

Assistant Bishop Deputy for NCEC His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu welcomed the dignitaries and expressed sentiments of gratitude to them saying that their presence and participation in the workshop is timely as some of the CES are new to the role and this induction would help them carry out their responsibilities diligently.

Sessions for the day dwelt on:

·         Functions and role of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC)

·         School Formal Structure

·         SBC Curriculum

·         Early Childhood Education Policy and Implementation

·         Grade 8 and 10 National Examinations and Selections

·         Government Free Education Policy

TSC Chairman Mr Samson Wangihomie encouraged the participants to serve the Catholic Church and its institutions and the people with integrity and patience.

“The hat that you wear comes with great responsibilities and challenges. On the other hand, it is also rewarding when everything is done right with God’s mercy and help. Therefore, it is your challenge to return to your Dioceses and work in collaboration with key partners to ensure that the Church continues to provide the much – needed service of education to the people, not those of the Catholic faith, but all people of goodwill.

The final day of the workshop had updates from the National Catholic Education Commission. Sessions for the day included:

·         National Education Board updates

·         Recommendations and resolutions

·         NCES Commission registration/IPA

·         Religious education updates and information

·         Symposium 2025 and Callan Services

·         Brief evaluation, discussion and planning.

This collaborative effort between the Catholic Bishops Conference National Catholic Education Commission and the National Department of Education and the Teaching Services Commission aims to uphold the true spirit of church- state partnership to address quality teaching and learning through our education system for better tomorrow.