New education minister sets priorities

The new Minister for Education and Member for Kerowagi, Francis Kikin Siune, has thanked Prime Minister James Marape for his new appointment and has promised to deliver on the country's shared vision.

Minister Kikin said his priorities include improving foundation literacy and numeracy, enhancing teacher quality, expanding second chance education, accelerating digital transformation in education, and expanding equitable access to education.

"Education is a shared responsibility. We must ensure that every child starts school and completes Grade 12.

"Every student has the opportunity to succeed, and every citizen who has missed out on formal education must be given a second chance to realise their full potential," Minister Kikin said.

He warned that school heads and boards must be accountable to their schools.

He also stressed that every kina spent, every hour allocated, and every resource deployed must directly serve the goal of creating capable, critical-thinking and well-rounded students.

"I will work closely with all our partners and stakeholders to build an education system that leaves no one behind," Mr Kikin said.