NCEC Partners with DFAT
- Nigel Akuani
Port Moresby: Thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the National Churches Education Council has endorsed its Constitution and Management Policies before its official launching set for 6th November.
The endorsement was approved at the end of a weeklong meeting held from 5th to 9th October outside of Port Moresby at the Sogeri Lodge, that had the presence of thirteen representatives of the National Church Education Secretaries.
According to Mr Michael Ova, Chairman of NCEC and National Catholic Education Secretary, the endorsement and launching would enable the Council to take ownership of funding from the Australian and PNG Governments, and other disclosed partners. “Both the endorsement and launching are necessary to make NCES more self-reliant and to pave the way for a Secretariat that functions directly under PNG Council of Churches,” he said.
Mr Ova said that the achievement by NCEC would not have been possible if it were not for their Legal Officer from the Department of Education, Mr Dominic Maelin. “Much appreciation goes to our Legal Officer because he gave in a lot of input in clearing the way from any legal issues that would have otherwise hindered our progress of having the NCEC Constitution and Policies endorsed,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to Education Secretary, for approving the release of the Legal Officer to work with the NCEC.
The launching is expected to have the presence of the Education Minister, Hon Joseph Yopyyopy; Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra; Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Jon Philp; and heads of the nine Mainline Churches.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade since 2019, has assisted the NCEC in its efforts to gain recognition as an organization capable of operating under the umbrella of PNGCC.
Among other matters discussed and sessions given, a day was also dedicated to teaching participants basics in Information Technology, facilitated by Ziko Mark, IT Officer of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNGSI.