The project seeks to contribute to improving the quality in elementary education in PNG by strengthening teaching around literacy and numeracy, focusing on girls’ education and girls’ retention in schools and supporting gender-inclusive and effective education management and coordination. The education, especially of girls, is critical to enabling a stronger, more prosperous Papua New Guinea. Investing in girls and overall early childhood education contributes to the overall development and strengthening of communities and individuals. Elementary education and early childhood education provides an important foundation for a child’s pathway to contribute meaningfully and respectfully to society.

The Pikinini Kisim Save project was developed by consortium partners and is managed by Care International. The project was created to support the Papua New Guinea Department of Education in addressing gaps in elementary education by strengthening skills and capacity of teachers, communities, existing education stakeholders and service providers. The project works in four provinces including Jiwaka, Simbu, Western Highlands and West New Britain with the overall goal of improving access to quality education and teaching resources for both children and teachers alike.

To support the delivery and implementation of the project Care International works through a number of consortium partners. Consortium members include the University of Goroka that leads the upgrading of elementary teacher qualifications; The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) that coordinates implementation in West New Britain; Queensland University of Technology (QUT) that develops and manages the interactive educational hub and Church Education Agencies including Kimbe Diocese, Kundiawa Diocese, Mt Hagen Archdiocese, Nazarene Education, Adventist Education, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church as key service providers. Working through existing government and Church education structures is a key approach of the project, with the Provincial Division of Education the key partner in each province.