New teacher’s duplex brings relief to rural school housing challenge

The newly built duplex teachers’ house at Rugli Primary School was constructed at an estimated cost of K200,000. Funding for the project was sourced from the school’s TFF allocation, with additional support from the Mul Baiyer DDA. (Image: Supplied)

Teacher accommodation remains one of the biggest challenges facing rural schools across Papua New Guinea, often affecting teacher retention and student learning outcomes.

At Rugli Primary School, that challenge is now being addressed through the completion of a new duplex teachers' house built through a partnership between the school and the Mul Baiyer District Development Authority.

The project was initiated by the school's board and management, which committed funds from its Tuition Fee Free [TFF] allocation before receiving additional support from the DDA.

Head Teacher Peter Mel said the new staff house is a great achievement for one of the province's oldest schools.

"Rugli is a very old institution and this building signifies change for our school. We want to create a better environment for our teachers because teacher welfare is important to quality education," Mr Mel said.

He stressed the school committed K80,000 from its TFF component in 2024 and 2025 to start the project, while the Mul Baiyer DDA contributed K50,000, helping bring the total project cost to approximately K200,000.

"We decided to take the first step ourselves because we knew accommodation was a priority. With support from the DDA and the community, we were able to complete this teachers' house," Mel stressed.

Western Highlands Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil congratulated the school and the DDA for investing in teacher welfare.

Mul Baiyer MP and DDA Chairman Jacob Kop Maki standing in front of the newly built duplex teachers’ house after officially opening the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Mangbil said decent housing remains one of the most important incentives for attracting and retaining qualified teachers in remote and rural areas.

"When teachers have proper accommodation, they are more motivated to stay and serve. This investment is not only for teachers but for the future of the children who attend this school," he said.

Mr. Mangbil also announced a K200,000 commitment on behalf of Governor Wai Rapa to support future development projects at the school.

Meanwhile, Mul Baiyer MP and DDA Chairman Jacob Kop Maki reiterated that education remains a key priority of his district administration.

He said the DDA continues to support education through tertiary student subsidies, classroom construction and teachers' housing projects throughout the district.

Speaking in the local vernacular, MP Maki urged parents to continue supporting schools and not rely entirely on government funding.

"The government is helping with education, but parents must also play their part. School projects and infrastructure cannot be achieved through TFF funding alone. Communities must support their schools if they want to see more development," Mr. Maki reiterates.

(L–R) Western Highlands Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil and Mul Baiyer MP Jacob Kop Maki during the opening of the new teachers’ house at Rugli Primary School. (Image: Supplied)

In recognition of Rugli Primary School's initiative in starting the project, MP Maki presented K20,000 each to four primary schools in the Kumdi Komonka area and K10,000 each to two elementary schools to support their own special projects.

He then officially cut the ribbon to open the new brick duplex staff house, complete with white goods and ready for two teachers and their families to move in.