By Robert Tiki Sir Peter
The people of Enga Province have received an early 50th Anniversary gift with the official opening of the Kopen National School of Excellence.
Education Minister Lucas Dekena and Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, alongside senior education officials, were in Enga on Friday to commission and open the new school. Governor Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Saka welcomed the delegates in Wabag town before leading them to the Kopen School grounds, where students and locals greeted them with a rousing welcome.
Minister Dekena, who had the honor of commissioning the school, highly praised Sir Peter鈥檚 leadership.
鈥淓nga is developing to the next level in terms of government services and developments just because of the good leadership that Sir Peter is providing at the ground level,鈥 he said.
The Minister elaborated that Enga Province now hosts significant government institutions, including Enga Teachers鈥 and Nursing Colleges, Enga Innovative University, and the Enga World-Class Hospital, all due to this strong and stable leadership.
Dekena added that Kopen receiving National School of Excellence status is a bonus for the province, calling it 鈥渁 great achievement in the education sector.鈥
Dekena recognized Sir Peter鈥檚 strong leadership in the province鈥檚 education sector, describing him as the 鈥渃hampion of education.鈥 He also credited Sir Peter as the brainchild behind the National Government鈥檚 free education policy.
鈥淪ir Peter has developed free education policy in which the government has adopted it from him,鈥 Dekena stated. He added that Sir Peter is now focusing on quality education, with a clear vision to provide it for students in Enga and across the country. 鈥淭his is the kind of education that the government emphasis on,鈥 he concluded.
A Call for Professionalism and Ownership
Dr. Kombra echoed similar sentiments, affirming that the National School of Excellence was made possible through the robust support of the Enga Provincial Government.
鈥淓nga Province deserved to receive such school because there is strong leadership provided by Sir Peter,鈥 he said.
Dr. Kombra also urged teachers to maintain professionalism.
鈥淵ou are the kingpin of the learning process. You have to make sure that you play your leadership right at every time when you are in the classroom and in school. The future of students are in your hands. You will make them to become somebody in the future so please be that in mind and do the right things every time when in school,鈥 he stressed.
He also called on students to take ownership of their education.
鈥淵our future is in your own hands. So you have to become the father and mother of your own education. And that means it is not necessary for your biological mother and father to tell you and steer you all the time to take your education seriously. It鈥檚 yourself that you can bear the responsibility of your education by doing things yourself,鈥 Dr. Kombra advised.