PROVIDING EDUCATION IN GOILALA IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE – SAY TAPINI SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL – Mr Ason.

Does this kids need solar powered kits?
I think they need a better classroom.

Providing Education and Health services in Goilala is a major challenge due to various factors including poor or non-existent road networks, lack of support services and the rugged terrain.

Despite these impediments, the Catholic Church plays a pivotal role in ensuring schools and health facilities remain operational to serve the people.

Fr Brian has initiated a number of programs to build capacity and develop new schools in widely accessible areas -(eg. Construction and opening of St Mary McKillop C/S @ Koiava in Sept).

A number of Goilala students have been sent to Bomana Sacred Heart Teachers’ College to come back home and teach after they graduate.

The sad fact is that the government is not working in partnership with the church to deliver these critical services. In reality, we dont have a District Education Sup, there has never been any permanent Standards Officer to monitor/promote standards.

Basically, Goilala district does not have a sense of government presence. The way forward is for the Church and Government officials to work in partnership to provide these basic services.

There has to be constructive dialogue between relevant stakeholders to chart a strategic plan to develop education and health services. Elementary education for Goilala is not viable because of obvious reasons.

Government technical officers need to acknowledge and support the work of the Catholic church which is the key player in providing these two basic services.”