Dame Carol Kidu launches Early Childhood Education at University of Goroka

Caption: Dame Carol Kidu, Vice Chancellor Dr Onagi, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest unveiling the signboard for the launching of the Early Childhood Education Centre at UOG

 

The University of Goroka’s new programme in Early Childhood Education was launched last Friday.

 Dame Kidu said she was “very passionate about early childhood”. 

She commended UOG on its breakthrough course that focuses on the most valuable resource of PNG (small children).

 Dame Kidu also advised the gathering that the curriculum for the course needed to be flexible with a holistic approach, as early childhood care and practices were a community concern.

 She was very excited about the program and thankful that it was giving another career pathway to students.  Dame Kidu closed her speech by giving the highest congratulations to UOG and encouraging all Ita Eboda (Motu for “all of us can do it together”).

Two special guests from the University of New England were also present for the occasion: Professor Margaret Simms and Dr Rhonda Forrest.

 Both visitors were very supportive of and excited by the new programme and also gave valuable advice and specialist knowledge to the gathering.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Goroka Dr Gairo Onagi remarked that “a child is the only known substance from which a responsible adult is made” (Thomas Lickona) and UOG had a responsibility to train young people to help shape children into better adults.  Dr Onagi announced that UOG was the first university in PNG offering training for teachers in early childhood education.

 He announced that funding had been granted for two lecturers to teach the Early Childhood programme at UOG. 

Dr Onagi also thanked Dame Kidu, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest for their continuing support and advice to UOG and the new programme.

Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr Kapa Kelep-Malpo said the most crucial time in a child’s life was from conception to eight years old. 

Dr Kelep-Malpo said she was happy for UOG to join others to promote and cater for this special age group through support from the government and UNE.

The launching, held at the Steak Haus, was witnessed by a number of special guests including representatives from NGOs, elementary school teachers and trainers, UOG staff and the first intake of students for the programme.

The one-year diploma programme is a positive step forward for the Education Faculty at UOG, and is testament to the recognition and importance of education at the elementary level. 

The programme commences this year, with hopes of expansion for the future.

The programme concluded with the unveiling of the Early Childhood Education Centre signboard for the Faculty by Dame Carol Kidu, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest.