Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure boom must be matched by equal investment in education to secure the nation’s next 50 years.

Speaking at the University of Goroka last night, PM Marape linked the Government’s Connect PNG Trans-National Highway program to the urgent task of connecting every child to quality learning.

“A road can connect a village to a town, but education connects a child to a future,” the Prime Minister said.

Drawing on his own journey, PM Marape recalled walking for hours to attend Grade One in 1978 in his rural community.

“My father told me: ‘Never leave the education path. Education is your highway into life,’” Mr Marape said.

“That highway has taken me from a remote rural community to the nation’s highest political office.”

He said children in remote areas have the same talent and potential, but must be given equal opportunity.

“If I can come from the rural enclaves of our country with absolutely nothing to be where I am, I know the children of my countrymen and countrywomen are equally capable,” he said.

The Prime Minister said physical connectivity must translate into real access: quality schools, qualified teachers, and pathways beyond Grade 12.

Every child should have opportunity in academics, sports, music, arts and technical and vocational fields, he said.

PM Marape also threw his full support behind Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) to give young people a second chance to complete schooling and enter training or employment.

With PNG entering its 51st year of Independence, the Prime Minister said the coming decade will define the country’s future.

“The next 10 years, we must all work to give quality education to the children of our country,” PM Marape said.

“That is how we build a K200 billion economy — not just with roads and ports, but with educated, skilled Papua New Guineans.”