From April to June 2025, the Awest Pacific Community Leadership Training Institute delivered a three-month, in-person Early Childhood Education (ECE) course in Jiwaka Province. This impactful initiative formed part of the Open, Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) in the Pacific project, supported by the Commonwealth of Learning and funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The training welcomed 150 enthusiastic participants from various provinces across Papua New Guinea — including Morobe, Madang, Eastern Highlands, and Southern Highlands — many of whom were already working as elementary teachers or aspiring to enter the education field. Participants were introduced to key concepts in early childhood pedagogy, including Jolly Phonics, Light Education Ministry (LEM) Phonics, and Early Learning Standards.
Participants engaged in interactive lessons, group work, and hands-on exercises that encouraged collaboration and practical application. The training also incorporated sessions on designing lesson plans, age-appropriate learning strategies, and foundational literacy development for young learners.
As Papua New Guinea moves toward implementing a new 1-6-6 curriculum structure, educators responded with strong interest and motivation. Many expressed appreciation for the course’s relevance, particularly as it helped them align their teaching with the country’s evolving education system.
The Awest Pacific Community Leadership Training Institute has set a bold vision to train 200 educators in each of Papua New Guinea’s 22 provinces, with a goal of reaching 5,000 Early Childhood Education teachers by 2026. With continued support from COL and MFAT, this vision is actively taking shape and empowering educators to deliver meaningful, foundational learning to the country’s youngest students.