Education key to PNG’s future, says Dame Maria Kopkop

Education must remain at the centre of Papua New Guinea’s future, as children who receive a strong foundation today will become the leaders of tomorrow, says Kopkop College Executive Director Dame Maria Kopkop.

Dame Maria made the statement during Kopkop College’s 51st Pre-Independence Celebration in Port Moresby on Tuesday.

She made this statement after reflecting on her personal journey from Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975 to the present.

She said her understanding of independence was not clear when Papua New Guinea gained self-government and independence because she was mainly focused on running her businesses in Kavieng, New Ireland.

“In 1975, I was living in Kavieng. At the time, I had stepped into the business world, operating a retail food shop and running a Public Motor Vehicle [PMV] service between Namatanai and Kavieng.

"Looking back, I admit I didn't fully grasp the historical importance of Papua New Guinea’s national transition or envision where our country needed to go. My focus back then was simple: running my business and making money,” Dame Marie Kopkop said.

Dame Maria said her thinking changed after she decided to leave business and use her nursing background to serve the country through education.

She moved to Port Moresby and established her first daycare and preschool at Gerehu Stage 2, next to the Catholic Church.

Working with young children helped her understand the importance of independence and the responsibility of preparing the next generation.

She said the experience became a lifelong commitment to education, beginning with early childhood, and later expanding into primary and secondary education.

“I realized how critical early childhood education was for our nation's future. I knew that if I gave these children a strong foundation, they would grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.

"That belief became a lifelong commitment. I followed that mission from early childhood to primary education, and eventually into secondary education.” She said.

In Kopkop Collogue, the celebration was held under the theme “Honoring Our Journey, Educating Our Future.”

Students took part in a unity walk, flag-raising ceremony, cultural performances and historical reflections.

The program also examined PNG’s education and health systems over the past 50 years, with students discussing challenges and the future of the country.

The event featured keynote speaker Dr Naomi Faik-Simet, Assistant Director of Dance at the Institute of PNG Studies.

Students also presented dances from Bougainville and New Ireland before the program ended with the “One Country, One Nation” closing song.