Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, yesterday (Thursday 10 November 2022) launched the E-Library and ICT Learning Centre at Kwikila Secondary School, as part of the government’s commitment to progressing ICT throughout the country.
In his remarks, Mr Masiu said the presence of an E-library for Kwikila Secondary School will allow students to access research material and teaching content “that would not otherwise be available in a physical school library.”
“Through the internet the school will be up to date to with the latest news and information. In fact, it brings the world to your feet. At the press of a button, you have access to a wealth of information.”
Mr Masiu emphasized to the students, and the surrounding community, that utilizing digital technology for education has become a reality.
“The use of ICT today is important, because it permeates all aspects of life, providing newer, better, and quicker ways for our people to interact, network, seek help, gain access to information, and learn.
“Besides its presence everywhere, Information and Communication Technology has an immense economic significance.”
He adds, ICT is a tool to be used, and services such as the internet and e-library are only meaningful when they are fully utilized.
“Therefore, the school must endeavor to make full use of this facility. This facility is provided to the school with the intent that it will be available for use for students and staff.
“With the right training and skills in the use of ICT, the services can be extended for supervised use to the local community.”
Mr Masiu reiterated Prime Minister, James Marape’s statement in Parliament on his reelection, that “In education we must ensure that no child is left behind. Every PNG child must be educated, it is their right. We must utilize digital technology to educate our children”.
The facility is made available through funding by the National Information Technology Authority (NICTA).
Mr Masiu said the Government through his Ministry and NICTA has provided such facility to students and the community in order to improve themselves.
“ICT in education improves engagement and knowledge retention: When ICT is integrated into lessons, students become more engaged in their work.
“This is because technology provides different opportunities to make it more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching the same things in different ways.,” Mr Masiu added.
Mr Masiu further emphasized the need to maintain and sustain the project and urged the school to budget for the operational and maintenance cost of this learning center,
He also urged the local member and community leaders to support the school and keep the learning center open.
“This learning center is here for your benefit and presents you with the opportunity to connect with the outside world.”
He added that , the government through his Ministry, the Department of ICT and NICTA, have policies and strategic plans in place for schools, health facilities, district, and provincial administration to have better access to ICT service particularly in the rural areas, and we will work towards bring this service to the people of Papua New Guinea.
“Kwikila Secondary school should take pride in being one of the first schools in Central Province to have ICT services and we look forward to seeing ICT embedded as one of the curriculums for the school and as a result more productive output from the school and the community.”
Mr Masiu earlier in the day, opened the inaugural Conference on digital transformation, highlighting the move towards transforming the country using ICT including ICT in education.
“It is a critical infrastructure for education and other important communication purposes and you all must be proud and I again emphasis the need to look after this important facility for our children and into the future.”
Minister for Mining, Hon. Ano Pala, Governor of Central Province, Mrs Rufina Peter and members of the Provincial Assembly and Administration, Provincial Police Commander and community leaders, were present during the launch.
