Education
For every child, access to quality education
The challenge
Despite an enrolment increase in primary and early education, completion rates for secondary education remain low, with many students failing to meet grade level expectations. Only 64 percent of students successfully transition from the final grade of primary education to the initial grade of secondary education. Challenges such as delayed enrolment and grade repetition, inadequate access to pre-primary education , and limited pathways particularly in rural areas, hinder educational progress for children.
One out of every five school-age children is not attending school, and one third of grade 5 students do not meet the expected proficiency levels in reading.
Insufficient investments in teacher training, learning resources and quality assurance impede learning and development. This situation is further exacerbated by weak school management, teacher absenteeism, inadequate supplies, and unsupportive school environments.
Additionally, inaccessible infrastructure in educational setting pose a significant barrier for children with disabilities to access education. Frequent natural disasters, man-made crises and climate change effects often disrupt schooling, resulting in suspension of school year, repetition or drop-out.
Solution
UNICEF partners with the Papua New Guinea government to enhance access to quality, safe learning and skills building opportunities for children and adolescents, with a special emphasis on girls, children with disabilities, and those in rural areas including in humanitarian situations. Our support prioritize inclusive early childhood interventions so that young children, especially those in rural settings have access to age-appropriate, quality, inclusive and gender-responsive early childhood education.
UNICEF focuses on student safety and well-being and promotes skills development to help cope with learning environments and prepare for their future. Additionally, we prioritize strengthening system efficiency and increased use of innovative and flexible solutions for education delivery. Our efforts also involve helping build the capacities of education stakeholders to facilitate learning continuity during crisis situations.