Education Minister presents K5 million to strengthen FODE in Hela province

Education Minister Francis Siune presented a K5 million dummy cheque to Hela province yesterday to boost Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) infrastructure across the province.

Under the funding package, Hela's four districts — Koroba-Lake Kopiago, Magarima, Komo-Hulia and Tari-Pori — will each receive K1 million to upgrade their FODE facilities. The remaining K1 million has been allocated to the Pai Hope Institute for the construction of a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory.

Minister Siune was with delegation including Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, FODE Principal Anthony Rayapen, First Assistant Secretary for FODE and Inclusive Education Andrew Angobe, and First Assistant Secretary for Projects and Procurement Malon Acquino. Joined by Hela Governor Philip Undialu, the Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu and other distinguished guests.

Commending Governor Undialu's administration for making distance learning a provincial priority, Minister Siune linked the educational investment directly to provincial peace efforts, noting that the ongoing gun surrender program provides a vital opening for transformation.

(R-L) Education Minister Francis Siune, Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, FODE Principal ANTHONY Rayapen, Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu and others witnessing the presenting of the K5 million dummy cheque by Minister Siune to Governor Undialu *(NBC News)*

"Hela should be competing in education, business and other meaningful pursuits — not violence and tribal conflict," Minister Siune said. "When Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed by the US during the Second World War, Japan did not retaliate with arms; it focused on becoming a prosperous nation. That is the exact path Hela must take."

He emphasized that the Marape-Rosso Government remains focused on creating second-chance pathways for school dropouts and students unable to secure tertiary placements and is giving priority to supporting FODE across the country.

Governor Undialu supported the Minister's message, urging parents, guardians and community leaders to actively encourage out-of-school youth and school leavers to enroll at FODE and TVET institutions.

"The Government is building the pathways. There is no longer any excuse for a student in Hela to be left behind," Governor Undialu said.