Okiufa Primary gets new classroom building after more than 70 years

One of Goroka’s oldest schools, Okiufa Primary, has received a new four-in-one classroom building and two new teachers’ houses, its first upgrade in over 70 years.

The buildings were funded by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and the school tuition fee funds

Established in the 1950s during the Australian colonial administration, Okiufa Primary is a government run school located on the outskirts of Goroka town. It is also one of the pioneer schools in the Eastern Highlands Province and is currently ranked as a level eight school.

The school has operated with aging infrastructure, including six colonial buildings that currently house 35 classrooms, and with a student population of 1,600 and 35 teachers under the leadership of Head Teacher Gabriel Mek.

Okiufa Primary School Head teacher Gabriel Mek said the new double classroom will cater for the junior day high school next year during the opening of the buildings last Thursday.

In a show of appreciation, teachers, students, and the surrounding communities of Okiufa Primary, all in their traditional attire, came with poles of money totaling up to K23,000 and presented it to the school Board of Management for the construction of a new classroom.

"The initiative by the students will develop a mindset for a sense of responsibility and ownership", Mr Mek said.

Eastern Highlands Senior School Inspector Mupe Kaupa acknowledged the school board and the administration for their initiatives.

He said that over the 17 years of his career, he has never come across such a practice in celebrating the opening of a new learning facility.

"The school has shown a new practice in celebrating the opening of this classroom" "he said.

He acknowledged the school and its community for their initiatives.

"Thank you to the board chairman with the school administration and the surrounding villages for your contributions.

" I commend you for the leadership you shown and the commitments you made to improve the school", Mr Kaupa said.

The new facilities are expected to ease classroom overcrowding and improve learning conditions for both students and teachers.