The long-standing sister-city relationship between Port Moresby and Shenzhen continues to deliver tangible benefits in education, as confirmed at Butuka Academy in Port Moresby during a recent official visit.
Welcoming a delegation from Shenzhen, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, described the academy as a major symbol of cooperation between the two cities since the partnership was established in 2016.
Speaking at the school, Governor Parkop said the institution had grown into more than just an educational facility, describing it as a “manifestation” of the growing relationship between Papua New Guinea and China.
The academy, which combines elementary, primary, and secondary education, has become one of the country’s leading schools academically, ranking among the top secondary schools in national assessments.
Governor Parkop credited the school’s success to significant investments in infrastructure, equipment and teacher training, including Mandarin language education.
Students at the academy are now actively learning Mandarin and engaging with sister schools in Shenzhen through exchange programs and educational visits.
He noted that students visited Shenzhen in 2024, strengthening cultural and educational links between the two cities.
“It is an investment not only in our two cities, not only in our young people getting a good learning and teaching environment, but an investment that will strengthen the bond between our two countries.”
The partnership also highlighted broader diplomatic ties between PNG and China, which date back to 1976 when PNG formally established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“One of the first countries that we established a relationship with was the People's Republic of China.”
“Our government then made a decision that we are going to recognize the People's Republic of China as the proper and meaningful country, representing the people of China.
“We have maintained that up to now.”
The delegation was also thanked for the role played by several Chinese partners in developing the school, including China Steel Corporation and the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Development Corporation.
