School Fees for Clergy and Catechists' Children in PNG

Providing basic education in a developing country is like Papua New Guinea is a challenge. Many people live in remote areas and when families are poor, they cannot afford to send their children to school. Likewise, many clergy and catechists who live in these rural areas are faced with this situation as parishes sometimes cannot pay their stipends. Some have to work for several months without an allowance, forcing them to keep their children at home.

ABM recognises the importance of supporting clergy and catechists in the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea (ACPNG) through this project. It allows them to focus on their ministry within the Church and their communities. The average stipend is AUD3,566 per annum and school fees range from AUD83 for the early years of primary school to AUD900 per annum for a boarder in the final years of secondary school. Most children have to board at secondary school since there are not enough schools available in rural areas.

The government in PNG has made the payment of school fees compulsory, and the ability to pay is not means tested. Without the help of Australian Anglicans many children, especially girls, simply will not be sent to schools.

HOW CAN I DONATE?

You can make an online donation to this project by selecting School Fees for Clergy and Catechist Children in PNG from the full project list.

Alternatively, for donations by cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission - Australia), telephone or email, view contact details here.

(Project information will be available soon.)