The new Operation Food For Life (OFFL) early learning centre in the remote Papua New Guinea (PNG) village of Kivori-Poi is continuing to grow, after its official opening in February.
Located three hours west of Port Moresby and accessible only by helicopter or four-wheel drive, the village is one of many along the coastline with no direct access to education.
“OFFL identified an urgent need for a Christian early learning school to serve the villages,” said OFFL president Dennis Perry.
“It is estimated that some 6000 families live in the area, and we were aware that at least 60 children would immediately benefit from the school plant. Education at this school is free for the children, all who live in very poor communities.”
On the first day of the temporary “bush school” more than 120 children and two Seventh-day Adventist teachers were ready to commence the school year. [pullquote]
Now, only three months later, enrolments have risen to 150 students, with a third Adventist teacher recently commencing work. The children are being taught seven subjects—all recognised by international learning standards.
“You cannot imagine the screams of happiness when a child receives a ruler, an exercise book and a pencil,” Mr Perry said. “These children have a school and education due only to God’s abundant blessings as we serve the less fortunate.”
The independent ministry has plans to extend the facilities to accommodate the growing number of students, and will build two permanent classrooms with an additional first aid room to serve the school and the community.
