After 20 years, early childhood school finally gets clean water
Esther Elementary and Early Childhood School in Yanga Village, Lae, has finally received clean water after 20 years of relying on rainwater collected in drums.
Senior teacher Naomi Muria says they have not received a clean water supply since the school's establishment in 2005, and the students were often sent home when all the water finished from the drums.
"We are very privileged and thankful to see that students can now use clean water supply after 20 years," she said.
The school enrols 237 students.
It's a joint initiative of the Morobe Provincial Government with support of the Australian government to ensure access to clean drinking water and improve the standard of education for elementary schools in the province, Esther Elementary being one.
Morobe Deputy Provincial Administrator Robin Bazzinuc, said the Provincial government has contributed K500,000 towards the initiative.
"It is a joy to see the little children benefit from the services, touching the lives of little children is the core of bringing services," he said.
Strengthening this effort, the Australian government stepped in with an additional K6million. Visiting Esther Elementary school on Monday, the 13th of October, two water tanks with a total holding capacity of 18,000 liters, 30 new double-desks, and a new building were officially handed over to the school by the Australian Consul General, Brenton Kanowski, as part of the initiative.
Kenowski stressed that to shape the future of any country, early childhood learning stages are very critical, and Australian Government. will continue to provide this support for Lae and PNG
"By focusing on education, we hope to support a brighter future and will continue to work with the government to support meaningful improvements and deliver this facilities, Mr Kanowski said.
The project has delivered 930 desks and 90 water tanks to 31 elementary schools across Morobe Province, benefiting more than 8,000 students through the Morobe–Australia partnership.