Education for All

Building Bridges for Second Chances in Papua New Guinea

EDUCATION is a universal right and a transformative tool, whether it happens in a classroom, under a tree, or through life’s challenges. It is the cornerstone of equality and opportunity, as emphasized by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

Formal education, with its structured curriculum and guidance, remains a vital pathway for personal and societal growth. Yet, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), many students find themselves excluded from this system due to disciplinary actions, leaving them at a crossroads.

The Systemic Gap

In PNG, expelled students often face bleak prospects, with little to no structured avenues for reintegration into the formal education system. This harsh reality disproportionately affects vulnerable youth, pushing many into cycles of poverty or antisocial behavior. The lack of second-chance programs starkly contrasts with the SDGs’ vision of equal educational opportunities.

Shaniel Waravi’s story offers hope but also highlights the systemic gaps. Expelled from the Sogeri School of Excellence in 2022, Shaniel’s life could have taken a downward spiral. Instead, through determination, prayer, and the support of a dedicated teacher, he re-enrolled at Mt Hagen Park Secondary School and excelled, earning the Dux award in the science strand.

“I told myself, I messed up the first time. I will not do it the second time,” Shaniel reflected, demonstrating the power of personal resolve. His story is a testament to the potential of second chances when individual effort meets systemic support.

Global Perspectives on Rehabilitation

Globally, education systems increasingly recognize the need for rehabilitative approaches to discipline. In Finland, schools use restorative justice practices to address misconduct, ensuring students remain engaged in learning. Similarly, Australia offers flexible learning centers and vocational programs for students who struggle in conventional settings, providing pathways for reintegration.

PNG’s education system can draw lessons from these models by implementing alternative education programs, mentorship initiatives, and counseling services for expelled students. Such measures align with international commitments under the SDGs and can help transform punitive practices into opportunities for growth.

Experts Call for Change

Educational experts stress the importance of balancing discipline with inclusivity. “Expulsion should not be the end of a student’s journey,” says Dr. Amanda Kaluwin, an education policy analyst. “Systems must be designed to guide students back on track, ensuring they don’t fall through the cracks.”

Shaniel’s success is a rare outcome. Many expelled students lack the resources, support, or motivation to return to school, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of current disciplinary policies.

The Path Forward

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach:

Policy Reform

Introduce frameworks for second-chance education programs and reintegration pathways.

Community Involvement

Leverage local resources and mentorship to support expelled students.

International Collaboration

Partner with global organizations to fund and implement alternative education initiatives. Shaniel’s journey from termination to triumph is a beacon of hope, but it also underscores the urgency of systemic change. PNG must ensure that no student is left behind, fulfilling its commitment to SDG 4 and creating a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

By turning setbacks into stepping stones, PNG’s education system can build bridges for its youth, ensuring that education truly becomes a universal right and a transformative force for all.