Education is said to be a tool to address corruption in PNG. However, our education system is in dire strait with numerous issues to address as institutional corruption is a reality for PNG.
John Roka was a loving father who did not think twice about his own life when he traveled back to be with his family during the peak time of the ten year crisis in 1993. John, from Bali in West New Britain Province, married Theresa Pokamari from Enamira in Panguna, Central Bougainville in 1977. And both with their children lived in the mining town of Arawa. Stories from people who knew John personally often articulate John of a person who never held back anything; he was a very generous man.
The crusty old teacher with more than 30 years under his belt sits on his hauswin and reaches for a buai. He is engaged in a serious conversation about education standards in the Oro Province.
“I’m talking about standards that have declined,” he emphasizes in impeccable English. I didn’t say declining. They have declined.
We need to think about whether development brings any benefits to those who are largely self-sufficient – like many of the world's 150 million tribal people including many Papua New Guineans
One of the promises of a good education is to get a good job and be successful. For those who have got their certificates, diplomas and degrees, the search begins for that dream job. As for folks like me who drop out, well... they look down on us. The education system likes calling folks like me - failures.
“I’m talking about standards that have declined,” he emphasizes in impeccable English. I didn’t say declining. They have declined. 
