The Australian Government is supporting improved student facilities at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School at Lablab station on Umboi Island in Morobe province through a small infrastructure grant.
Financed through the Direct Aid Program (DAP)- the Australian High Commission’s small grants initiative for locally led development, the funding covers the purchase and transport of building materials to renovate the school mess.
Handed over by officers and sailors from HMAS Leeuwin during a regional survey deployment, the project enhances flooring, plumbing, water storage, roofing, solar housing, cooking equipment, interior works, and painting to create a safer, more functional environment for students and staff in this remote community.
Education remains a cornerstone of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership, spanning from community DAP grants to larger strategic investments in learning outcomes, teaching quality, and school leadership.
This project also builds on the Australian High Commission’s longstanding engagement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) and its educational institutions.
Australian Consul-General Mr Brenton Kanowski highlighted that education is one of the most important investments for young people's futures.
“Australia is pleased to support infrastructure works at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School on Umboi island through this grant.”
“By improving essential school facilities, this project will help create a better environment for students to learn, grow and succeed.”
“We are proud to partner with Church education institutions and our local Morobe communities as we have done for many years, to support opportunities for young Papua New Guineans and strengthen the longstanding education links between our two countries.”
Meanwhile, Principal of Siassi Lutheran Secondary School Mr. Wesley Kalipe noted that the support will significantly enhance learning in a disadvantaged part of the province.
“K223, 000 has now been used for the Mess Refurbishment for Siassi Lutheran Secondary School to be completed towards the end of the year and will be launched with the first Grade 12 students Graduation.”
“It is one of the first external funding projects and I appreciate and thank you Australian Government through the Lae Consulate-General for their continuous support to improve education, health and social programs around Morobe and PNG.”
