Namah pledges K500,000 to Vanimo FODE, slams education system

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah has pledged half a million kina to Flexible Open and Distance Education [FODE] in Vanimo, announcing new classrooms and transport support while sharply criticizing the country’s education system.

Namah, who is also the local MP and a patron of Vanimo Secondary School, told students at a graduation ceremony this week that the 1-6-6 Outcome-Based Education model is failing schools by straining limited resources and lowering standards.

“I care more about quality, not quantity,” Namah said, urging students to stay grounded in faith and resilient in the face of challenges.

The minister committed K500,000 for new classroom facilities and a bus to help Flexible Open and Distance Education [FODE] students. He said FODE would continue to provide a second chance for those who miss out on university or college placements.

Principal William Ojay Maiya praised the support, saying the school had continued to make progress despite financial challenges, crediting staff and community support.