PNG and Japan Sign Five-Year Deal to Develop Mathematics and Science Textbooks

Papua New Guinea’s secondary education sector is set to receive a boost following a new five-year partnership between the National Department of Education (NDoE) and the Government of Japan to produce mathematics and science textbooks and teachers’ manuals for Grades 7 to 10.

The agreement, formalised through a Record of Discussions signed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will support the development of quality learning resources and strengthen classroom teaching, building on previous Japanese assistance to PNG’s education system.

 PNG and Japan Sign Five-Year Deal to Develop Mathematics and Science Textbooks/Photo supplied

JICA PNG Office Chief Representative Kenichi Shirouzu said the initiative would provide students with improved learning materials while giving teachers practical resources to deliver lessons more effectively.

"These materials will be designed not only to enhance students understanding and achievement but also to equip teachers with practical tools to effectively deliver the curriculum," Mr Shirouzu said.

He said the partnership would also establish a practical approach for distributing the textbooks nationwide and ensuring schools make effective use of the resources.

The project is scheduled to begin in April 2027 and will run for five years. During this period, PNG teachers and education officers will work alongside Japanese specialists to prepare, develop and assess the learning materials.

The process will include pilot testing in selected schools before the resources are introduced more widely, alongside measures to ensure their continued use and improvement.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra welcomed Japan's continued support, saying the partnership would address an important gap in the country's ongoing curriculum reform programme.

He explained that the department began reforming the school curriculum in 2014, covering the entire education pathway from Preparatory Grade to Grade 12. While most syllabuses and teachers' guides have been completed, the development of student and teacher resource books remains an area requiring further work.

"We have started the syllabus curriculum reform in 2014 to complete the school curriculum from prep to Grade 12. We have completed almost every syllabus and teacher's guide. But part of the curriculum we are still working to complete is the student resource books and teacher resource books. That is the part JICA has been supporting us," Dr Kombra said.

He noted that assistance from JICA had already enabled the department to produce mathematics and science textbooks for Grades 3 to 6, with printed copies distributed to students nationwide.

Development of learning materials for Preparatory Grade to Grade 2 is also continuing.

Dr Kombra further said the new programme would be connected to teacher training colleges through the Quiz Me project, ensuring teachers receive appropriate training to use the textbooks effectively.

Mr Shirouzu said the success of the initiative would depend on the commitment, cooperation and leadership of all stakeholders, reaffirming JICA's commitment to supporting PNG's future human resource development.