Australia partners with Siassi Lutheran secondary school in Morobe

Australia Naval Ship HMAS Leeuwin Crew Members on behalf of Australian High Commision and DAP Office and Australia Consulate Office (Lae) presented a dummy hammer and K250,000 towards the refurbishment of Siassi Lutheran Secondary School Mess Hall *(Supplied)*

Through a small infrastructure grant, Australia is supporting to improve student facilities at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School at Lablab station, Umboi Island in Morobe.

The funding supports the purchase and transport of building materials for the school’s facilities renovation project, helping to provide a safer and more functional environment for students and staff in the remote community.

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is the Australian High Commission’s small grants program, supporting locally led development initiatives that deliver practical benefits to communities.

The funding has enabled refurbishment works across the school mess facilities, including flooring, plumbing, water storage, roofing, solar housing, cooking equipment, storage, interior works, painting and essential tools to complete the upgrades.

Officers and sailors from HMAS Leeuwin formally handed over building supplies donated by the Australian Government for the new school mess.

DAP supports projects across a range of sectors, including education, health, disability inclusion, women's empowerment, water and sanitation, and economic development.

Education remains a cornerstone of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership. The Australian Government is proud to work with education partners across Papua New Guinea, from community-level initiatives through DAP to larger education investments that support improved learning outcomes, teaching quality and school leadership.

The Australian High Commission also maintains longstanding engagement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) and its education institutions, recognising their important contribution to educating generations of Papua New Guineans.

Australian Consul-General, Brenton Kanowski said education is one of the most important investments that can be made for our young peoples’ futures.

“Australia is pleased to support infrastructure works at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School on Umboi island through this grant. By improving essential school facilities, this project will help create a better environment for students to learn, grow and succeed.

“We are proud to partner with Church education institutions and our local Morobe communities – as we have done for many years – to support opportunities for young Papua New Guineans and strengthen the longstanding education links between our two countries.” Kenowski said.

Principal of Siassi Lutheran Secondary School, Wesley Kalipe, said the support by the Australian Government will enhance and improve learning in this disadvantaged part of the province.

“K223,000 has now been used for the Mess Refurbishment for Siassi Lutheran Secondary School to be completed towards the end of the year and will be launched with the first Grade 12 students Graduation.” Kalipe said.

Principal Kalipe thanked the Australian Government for this first external funding projects and their continuous support to improve education, health and social programs around Morobe and PNG.

During the visit they also educated students on hydrography, as part of their regional survey deployment to Papua New Guinea.