Papua New Guinea urged to adopt Australian teacher recruitment model
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 21:31 · Archive
Papua New Guinea needs 124,000 teachers by 2033 but can only train 2,200 annually, a Lowy Institute report says.
Papua New Guinea faces a critical teacher shortage despite recent education reforms that have expanded school access to millions of students. A Lowy Institute report released Monday found that the country will need up to 124,000 teachers by 2033, yet training institutions can only accredit 2,200 people each year.
The report's author, Serena Sasingian, noted that PNG spent more than $1.5 billion in its recent education budget without addressing the workforce crisis. Australia has contributed about $1.2 billion to 170 education projects in PNG between 2008 and 2024, but learning outcomes remain weak. The report states: 'PNG's challenge is now structural: it must shift from expanding access to delivering learning under a school system that requires far more qualified teachers.'
Ms Sasingian recommends PNG develop a 10-year plan to increase teacher numbers and make teaching an attractive profession for talented graduates. The report suggests Australia as a model, noting that despite its more developed economy and education system, Australia has treated teacher shortages as a national workforce problem requiring direct financial intervention, offering incentives and career pathways to draw graduates into teaching.
How it is being reported
- Aussie approach touted to fix PNG teacher crisisReforms in Papua New Guinea have led to millions of students now attending school, but the changes have created shortages in its workforce.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 21:03
- Aussie approach touted to fix PNG teacher crisisReforms in Papua New Guinea have led to millions of students now attending school, but the changes have created shortages in its workforce.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 21:02
In this story: Papua New Guinea · Australia · Lowy Institute · Serena Sasingian
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