Survey indicates 7000 operating schools in PNG

 

THE nationwide school survey task force has tallied a total of 7000 operating schools in its progressive reports. The figures come from 73 districts that have so far furnished their school survey reports to the task force.

The progressive report excludes 16 districts who have not yet furnished their reports.

The Education Department has a record of 14,315 schools in the country. This was revealed by the executive officer of the nationwide school survey task force, Miria Ume.

Mr Ume gave the progressive reports on Tuesday when he received the Angoram district school survey reports from MP Salio Waipo.

He anticipates the figures on the accurate number of schools maybe lower than the current education department’s records. After all districts have furnished their reports to the task force, the country should have a complete record of schools.

The survey team is hopeful all reports will be ready towards the end of this year.

He said, according to districts reports received so far, many irregularities are showing.

Leaders from Angoram presented their report and revealed that the findings suggest the government’s tuition fee free funds are not working for schools in the district.

The report discovered there are existence of ghost schools, ghost teachers and incorrect bank accounts.

Mr Ume advised Angoram leaders who were with their MP, that Angoram together with other districts are facing similar issues but it was not for the task force to address them but collate and furnish the data for the government.