Education & Adult Literacy

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) recognises that education is vital to community development.
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The people of the Star Mountains and the Fly River have traditionally learned their culture, language, knowledge and skills as part of village life.

Now, since the mine has opened the area to outside influences, education is widely accepted by the Western Province communities as a way for children to improve their self-worth and a pathway to obtaining quality employment and a career, and as a way of improving the long-term economic and social conditions in Western Province.

OTML has been a long-term supporter of the local schools and through the Tax Credit Scheme (TCS), has constructed and refurbished many new school classrooms and teacher houses across the Province including Telefomin District.

The transfer of the Community Education Service (CES) function to the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) from OTML has consolidated community development initiatives for all mine associated communities. The OTDF has improved coordination of educational services with various partners including the Provincial Education Department and other development partners.

The goal is for the children of the mine associated communities to have access to quality education through improved curriculum, teacher education and training and management, in line with national and Western Province education plans.

Education programs and projects are funded from a range of sources including the CMCA Trusts which contribute to the achievement of indicators of success in line with national and provincial sector policies and plans.

Scholarships

A significant education investment is made through scholarships for mine community students to undertake secondary, post-secondary and tertiary courses in PNG and overseas to support priority skill needs in the Western Province.

Flexible Open Distance Education Program

OTDF manages nine Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centres operating in the Western Province. These centres provide access to secondary studies for hundreds of out of school youth and adults, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications to meet tertiary institution enrolment requirements.

School Construction and Improvements

Education infrastructure is essential for delivering education outcomes. The OTML Tax Credit Scheme has recently funded building improvements for the Montfort Primary School and the construction of Oksapmin High School for students in the North Fly and Teleform Districts.

In 2017, the Tabubil International School was reopened with support from OTML, the community and an innovative community business initiative, to provide alternative higher quality schooling for children from the local communities.