Bubia Lutheran upgraded to junior high school

The educational landscape of the Huon Gulf District reached a significant height this week with the official commissioning of Bubia Lutheran Junior High School.

The elevation, which aligns with the National Government’s 1-6-6 Education Reform Policy, marks the end of a long journey for the institution. While the school has been working intensively towards this goal since 2023, Head Teacher James Timping revealed that the project had faced various setbacks dating as far back as 2012.

“This is a long-delayed project,” Timping said during the ceremony. “We have reached this milestone thanks to the current District Development Authority under the leadership of MP Jason Peter, whose support since 2024 allowed us to finally come this far.”

The Head Teacher, a veteran educator and former Principal of Wasu Secondary School, said that the school's ambitions do not end with this commissioning. He confirmed that the administration is already eyeing academy status for the campus.

Currently, the school services 97 Grade 9 students divided into two classrooms. However, with a total capacity for 200 students, three additional classrooms remain available for future enrollment. The teaching group is comprised of two seasoned teachers and two recent graduates from the University of Goroka.

For local residents in the Miles area of Lae City, the upgrade provides much-needed relief and accessibility. Ruth Sengi, a mother with five children enrolled at the school, praised the initiative.

"I am grateful to the school and MP Jason Peter for seeing the needs of our children," Sengi said. "Having Bubia become a Junior High ensures our children can continue their education closer to home."

The upgrade in status is part of a broader educational surge in the region. MP Peter who attended the event, confirmed that Bubia is one of four schools slated for elevation to Junior High status.

He also announced that a new Secondary School is currently under construction in the Nadzab area to accommodate the growing number of graduates in the district.