PNG orders nationwide FODE rollout in schools

 The Papua New Guinea Department of Education has directed all secondary schools, junior high schools and vocational centres to implement the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) programme nationwide starting this year.

The directive is contained in Secretary’s Circular Instruction No. 04 of 2026, dated February 12, and signed by Education Secretary Uke Kombra.

Education Secretary Uke Kombra

Under the circular, schools must operate as official Correspondence Study Centres and register with their respective provincial FODE centres.

The new instruction replaces SCI No. 14 of 2023 and follows a Prime Ministerial directive aimed at expanding FODE to address the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly those exiting at Grades 8, 10 and 12.

Schools are required to begin enrolling Grades 7 to 12 students, including Grade 10 and 12 upgraders, at the start of the 2026 academic year.

School heads will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the programme, including supervision and organisation of FODE activities.

Institutions must enrol students locally and submit official lists to provincial FODE coordinators for entry into the national database.

The department said all schools must comply with the FODE annual calendar, implementation guidelines and approved materials issued by the head office.

Under the Government’s free education policy, students enrolled in Grades 7 to 12 through FODE will not pay fees, while upgraders will pay up to K150 per subject.

Assignments and examinations will continue to be set by FODE and the Measurement Services Division, with marking carried out by approved provincial coordinators, tutors and markers.

Certificates will be issued by the Education Secretary through the FODE head office to ensure national standards are maintained.

Provincial education advisors and school inspectors will monitor compliance, with schools required to submit annual reports.

Teachers delivering FODE classes in addition to their normal duties will receive an annual allowance of K3,000, subject to verification by provincial coordinators.

The department describes FODE as the country’s largest distance education system, providing flexible learning options for students to study at their own pace.

The rollout is part of the Government’s push to ensure access to 13 years of universal education and to provide a pathway for students who have dropped out of the formal school system.

School leaders and provincial education authorities have been urged to implement the directive immediately to ensure a smooth start to the 2026 school year.