Press Release

PNG GovernmentReleases K225.8 Million in School Grants Ahead of 2026 Academic Year

Port Moresby, January26, 2026 The Department of Education has commenced the disbursement of K225,845,619.86 in School Operationaland Functional (SOF) Grants and Project Fees for Quarter 1, 2026 ensuringschools across Papua New Guinea are well-resourced to kick off the new academicyear.

In a press release issued Monday, the Office of theSecretary confirmed that funds will be paid directly into all registered schoolbank accounts this week. The allocation includes:

·        K181,499,999.40- SOF Grant (Q1, Payment 1, Batch 1) for All School Sectors

·        K4,418,250.00- SOF Grant for FODE & IERC sectors

·        K39,117,620.46- Project Fees (Q1, Payment 1, Batch 2) for All School Sectors

·        K809,750.00- Project Fees for FODE & IERC

Total Disbursement:K225,845,619.86

Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, PhD, OBE,underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to its Free Education Policya cornerstone initiative designed to remove financial barriers and guaranteeevery child access to quality learning.

“Our mission is clear: we must ensure that no child is leftbehind,” Dr. Kombra stated. “By prioritizing these payments early in the term,we are providing school administrations with the stability they need to focuson delivering quality teaching and learning in the classroom.”

He urged all Heads of Schools, School Administrations, andProvincial Divisions of Education to manage funds transparently and accountablyand to use them specifically to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

The Department will also publish the full list of paymentsper province on its official website (www.education.gov.pg) for public scrutinyand accountability.

In a special message to families, the Secretary called onparents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s attendance andwell-being:

| “We thank everyone for working with us to build a strongereducation system for our country.”

Dr. Kombra concluded by wishing all teachers and students asuccessful and productive 2026 academic year.

Authorized for release by

DR. UKE KOMBRA, PhD, OBE.

Secretary for Education