Something special is happening in Papua New Guinea. Across the country, adults are getting a second chance at an education.

In Moreguina, 220km southeast of the nation’s capital of Port Moresby, a group of men and women raise their certificates proudly.

They are the graduates of the Moreguina Literacy School – adults that can now read and write, something many Australians take for granted.

On 20 May this year, 8 men and 8 women graduated in Moreguina, in a ceremony attended by local community leaders, business owners, representatives of the Education Board, Moreguina Primary School and Correctional Institute Services.

The graduates included two members of the Melanesian Brotherhood, two inmates from the Correctional Institute Services, and a correctional officer.

Across Papua New Guinea, the Adult Literacy Program has a further 318 students enrolled in locations across Port Moresby and Popondota Dioceses. The program is supported by ABM AID through the Australian Government’s PNG Church Partnership Program.

“The literacy school has helped me more than I know,” says Ronald, a learner from Sorovi literacy school in Popondetta.

The story of Ronald’s interrupted education is common in PNG – growing up, he attended primary school until Grade 6, but was forced to leave early when his parents, cash croppers, did not have the money to pay for school fees, uniform or even shoes.

“I felt like I was homeless,” says Ronald. “Education was not ending forever, but it felt like it.”

But now, Ronald and his classmates have been given a second chance. When a literacy school started up in his community, he jumped at the chance to learn again. As vice-captain of his class, Rodney’s leadership abilities have grown, and he takes pride in assisting the teacher and keeping the classroom tidy. “It has helped with my confidence, public speaking, English and leadership skills,” he says, smiling.

Ronald is now planning to start a piggery project to support himself and his family. His life is one of many lives that have been changed for the better through the long-running literacy program.

Literacy is a vital skill and a stepping stone to further opportunities in life. In PNG, the adult literacy rate is only 63 per cent, and 67 per cent of students drop out of school before completing Grade 8 (*Devette-Chee & Magury, 2022, p. 1).

The Anglican Church of PNG’s Adult Literacy Program focuses on functional literacy.

Once students complete literacy and numeracy modules, teachers work from a flexible curriculum that is led by learners’ interests. Students may learn skills in community development, develop businesses, undertake the Agents of Change course (developed by Anglican Alliance) or Healthy Island activities, transition to formal employment, or bridge into formal education.

ACPNG’s Adult Literacy Program receives funding from the Australian Government, through the PNG Church Partnership Program and PNGAus Partnership.