New facilities will transform learning at school, says principal

Students will now be able to do real science experiments in the fields of physics, biology and chemistry, says Mananda High School Principal John Wangi.

Speaking during the opening of the four-in-one Science and Computer Laboratories last Friday, Wangi said the new high school and several other projects were commissioned on the same day.

He said science and computer laboratories are essential components of modern education, transforming abstract academic concepts into tangible, hands-on learning experiences.

"Moving beyond theory-only instruction bridges the gap between understanding a concept and applying it in the real world," he said.

"On behalf of the school administration, the students and the community, I thank MRDC for the funding."

Wangi further thanked the National Energy Authority [NEA] for its Solar Electricity Project, stating that the school had faced serious problems without reliable power.

"When the grid failed, learning failed. Our laptops and computers could not work, our lab experiments were useless, and at night students could not study after 6pm," he said.

The principal also stressed that to add to these developments, the provision of free WiFi by Hides Gas Development Company [HGDC] is a game changer, connecting the rural community to the outside world.

"The Starlink connection has taken Mananda High School out of isolation and placed it on the map of digital learning," he said.

He also acknowledged ExxonMobil PNG for the new staff house that was also commissioned on the day.

A groundbreaking ceremony also took place for a four-in-one Social Science block. Wangi said the block will complete the classroom requirements for senior high school status.

Hela Provincial Government has funded the construction of a four-in-one administration block.

"The building will accommodate the school administration, general staffroom, conference room, reception desk, school bursar, staff toilet facilities and storerooms," Wangi said.

Present for the event were Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu, development partners and project developers.