The Watom Local Level Government (LLG) in the Rabaul District of East New Britain province, has officially commissioned its first-ever Junior High School on the island.

This major educational milestone follows the opening of a new 3-in-1 classroom that will cater to grade nine students at the newly upgraded Billy Memorial Junior High School, located in the Rau-Taranata ward.

As one of the oldest educational institutions on the island- originally established in the 1960s- the school boasts a long history of producing many successful professionals over the decades.

Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony, Rabaul MP Dr. Allan Marat commended the Rabaul District Administration Infrastructure and Implementation Unit, alongside contractor Atlu Mas Construction, for successfully completing the vital project.

“As human beings, we have basic needs and having access to quality education is one of them,” said Dr. Marat.

“This new 3-in-1 classroom for Billy Memorial Junior High fulfils that crucial need for the people of Watom.”

Dr. Marat further stressed that a child’s education ultimately begins at home.

He noted that some parents fail to play their fundamental role as first teachers, only to later shift the blame to educators and law enforcers when issues arise.

Headmaster for Billy Memorial Junior High School, Mision Warpin, expressed his profound gratitude toward the District Administration and the Rabaul District Development Authority (DDA) for providing the new classroom for the grade nine intakes.

“Now our children on the island do not have to travel to the mainland to do grade nine. That has been brought closer to them, and it also lowers the risks of students commuting by boats,” said Mr. Warpin.

Looking ahead, local authorities have confirmed that plans are already in place to establish a college and a vocational center in the future to cater to the growing student population on the island.