Mendi Munihu MP drives education reform and infrastructure expansion
Mendi Munihu MP and Vice Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Raphael Tonpi, is championing a significant overhaul of the education system in his district.
He emphasized a need for widespread awareness and adaptation to the new national policy, stressing that massive awareness and training are essential for stakeholders and the public to fully grasp the ongoing changes in the education sector.
The Mendi Munihu District is actively working to implement the government's new 1-6-6 policy, which outlines: 1 year for Early Childhood Education [ECE], 6 years for primary education [Grades 1 to 6], and 6 years for secondary education [Grades 7 to 12].
He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring every child completes 12 years of schooling, leaving no child behind. As an educationist himself, MP Tonpi is taking the lead in Mendi Munihu to accept and adapt to this mandatory policy.
“In line with the reform, I plan to establish three to four junior high schools and one secondary school in every Local Level Government [LLG]. Mendi Central [Proposed] will encompass Mendi Town in the future, but for now, it is under my responsibility,” he said.
He further stressed that Mendi Secondary School will exclusively enroll Grades 11 and 12 in the coming years, Tente Primary has been renamed as Tente Junior High School, and North Mendi and Kumin have been proposed to be Junior High Schools.
He said Sunda at Tubiri will have a primary or junior high school established. The facility is intended to be managed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
“Mosup and Pongai Primary Schools are being considered for elevation to Junior High Schools. This aims to allow local students (currently attending Grades 9-10 at Mendi Secondary) to remain in their own communities.
“For the Upper Mendi LLG, Mogol, Komea, Birop, and Kuma are registered for Junior High Schools. Sol or Nene and Sumbra are also being considered for elevation to Junior High Schools. Mogol Secondary will enroll grades 11 and 12,” the MP said.
MP Tonpi said for the Karinz LLG Hep, Topa, and Karinz are being considered. Maip, Tulip, or Pingrip are also being looked at for elevation. Karinz itself may be elevated to a secondary school or a new location may be found for a secondary school establishment.
“For the Lai Valley LLG, Komb, and Kip will become Junior High Schools. Other sites for a junior high school include Kema or Imiloma, and Nol or Monta. Lai Valley Technical Secondary will continue to enroll Grades 11 and 12. The Munihu Junior High School has been fully registered and recently launched,” he said.
The MP highlighted that the elimination of the Grade 8 and Grade 10 national examinations will mean all students will continue their education, requiring a substantial increase in school infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of separating primary schools from high schools, insisting they must be standalone high schools. He is actively encouraging citizens to donate land for the establishment of these new high schools.
"It's a complicated task and will need resources and time to fully realize these dreams. I am doing my best as an educationist to ensure the government’s policy is fully implemented,” he said.
While focused on education reform, MP Tonpi reassured his people that other vital areas are not being overlooked; law and order, health, agriculture, SME activities, and road and bridge infrastructures remain key priorities for the Mendi Munihu District.