A primary school in Markham District, Morobe province is being prepared for a major change, with the near completion of a new classroom block that could see it take its first Grade 9 students next year.

The four-in-one classroom building is being constructed at the Waritzian primary school with K200,000 funding from the Markham District Development Authority. The new facility is expected to provide the space needed for the school’s planned transition to junior high school.

The expansion could create a new opportunity for children from Waritzian and surrounding communities to continue their education without having to leave their area after primary school.

Local carpenters and workers have been engaged to build the classrooms, keeping the construction work within the community while giving local tradespeople an opportunity to apply their skills.

School officials are now looking towards 2027, when the first Grade 9 intake could begin if construction is completed and the necessary approvals are granted by education authorities.

The planned expansion is also expected to increase access to secondary-level education for children in nearby communities, particularly those who may otherwise have to travel further from home to continue school.

The new classroom is therefore not only adding infrastructure to Waritzian Primary School but also creating the space for the school to serve students beyond primary education.