Introduction to FODE:

Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) is the dedicated entity that offers open and distance learning pathway as an integral part of the National Education System. It comes under the FODE and Inclusive Education Division of the Department of Education. It is a School at home, where students study the same secondary education curriculum in their own time, in their own homes, and at their own pace.

The main objectives of FODE are:
- To improve access to higher education
- To increase gross enrolments (GER)
- To provide opportunities for lifelong learning

Flexible Open and Distance Education has a rich history dating back to 1957 when it was known as the College for External Studies offering Queensland-Australian curriculum intended to upgrade the education levels of the then public service employees of Territory of Papua and New Guinea and of the newly independent country Papua New Guinea. Since then it had transformed into the College of Distance Education (CODE) in the 1980s and recently into Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE). The college now offers courses from Grades 7 to 12 and provides an alternate learning pathway for students to meet their education goals.

Based on the enrolment figures available at the Department of Education (refer to current Statistical Bulletin) there appears to be a natural attrition at every Grade level. This attrition is exacerbated at the student transition points under the 3-6-4 system. The total enrolment for Flexible, Open and Distance Education is less than one percent (1%): It appears that those that fall out of the system are not being captured through the distance education modes.

The Flexible, Open and Distance Education Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 was developed against the backdrop of the transition in the National Education from the 3-6-4 system to the new 1-6-6 structure. The success of Flexible, Open and Distance Education going forward will be highly dependent on its ability to manage the new challenges as well as to capture the emerging opportunities.

Core Values

* Accessibility – an easily accessible alternate pathway for students to achieve their education goals
* Quality – contents and qualification on par with the regular education delivery modes
* Partnership – collaborative approach through public-private-church partnership to deliver contents
* Human Capital – high caliber students ready to advance to their next level of their education goals and vocations

Core Values and Goals

These are the foundation for Flexible, Open and Distance Education’s program:
* Vision: A literate Papua New Guinea that leaves no child behind.
* Mission: To provide and facilitate increased access to all students seeking to gain quality secondary education and to foster a transformational educational experience and responsive student services that ensure institutional excellence and effective student learning.
* Goals: 2021-2025: To provide equitable access to innovative and high-quality learning opportunities and student support services that empower students to achieve their educational goals.
* Long Term Goal: To become Papua New Guinea’s pre-eminent provider of quality distance education.
* Motto: We are your school of choice – anytime, anywhere.