April 29th 2009 - Digicel Foundation builds Double Classroom in Morobe Province

Lae: the Digicel PNG Foundation launched its third school building project today, a double classroom for Milfordhaven Elementary School in the Papuan Compound of Lae city.

The Digicel PNG Foundation funded the new double classroom, including 30 double school desks, at a total cost of K40,000. Taking less than 2 months to complete, the project harnessed the human resources available in the local community, deploying both skilled and unskilled laborers from the Papuan Compound . The new facility will cater for the rapidly-increasing elementary children enrollment figure that is expected to top the 500 mark by the beginning of the next school year. Since its inception in 1998, the school has graduated nine groups of students.

Students, workers, teachers were joined at the ceremony by a large crowd from the rest of the Papuan Compound community, all demonstrating their enthusiasm and appreciation for this new addition to their local educational facilities.

Mr Rony Kanjau, the School Board Chairman, said at the launch:
“We were overwhelmed when the Digicel Foundation came to our aid by funding this double classroom. We had been struggling for years to build and maintain our school buildings together with our school community. With Digicel Foundation’s support we saw light at the end of the tunnel and are forever grateful for their help. The new double class room will house 60 to 80 elementary school children whom will now be able to benefit from a better learning environment thanks to the Digicel Foundation.”

In 2002, the Papuan Compound took the intitative to construct a makeshift building which was partitioned into 4 classrooms to accommodate for the growing numbers. Over the years this building has deteriorated needing replacement. The Digicel Foundation recognised the communities self reliance and decided to fund a new double classroom to give the rapidly growing community an educational boost.

Marina van der Vlies, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, said:
“We are proud to be launching the third Digicel Foundation school project here at Milfordhaven Elementary School today. We recognise the hard work the communtiy has put into this school over the years and it is great to see such a strong community involvement in the education of the young children here in the Papuan Compound Community. Thank you all for your support!”

Since the launch of the Foundation last year October two school building projects have been completed; a new elementary and primary school for Barakau village and a double classroom for Omai primary school in the Southern Highlands.  In focusing on improving the learning environment for young children the Digicel Foundation strives to enhance children’s lives giving them a positive outlook for their future.