Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the greatest legacy he wishes to leave behind for the next generation—especially the children of his Tari-Pori District and the wider Hela Province—is quality education.
Speaking at the opening and handover of three brand-new staff houses at the Hope Institute in Tari, the Prime Minister said material possessions such as money and wealth come and go, but education remains the key to a better future and must always be every parent’s top priority.
“Our plan and aim are to give hope to the children,” Prime Minister Marape said. “They must feel that they are valued and that they can continue to learn and improve their lives through the formal education system.”
A Vision of Hope for the Next Generation
Prime Minister Marape thanked Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu and the Hela Provincial Government for supporting the Hope Institute, describing it as a “second-chance school” for students who have completed Grades 8, 10 and 12 but were unable to progress to secondary or tertiary institutions.
He said the school, once located on swampy land, has been drained and rehabilitated for new infrastructure.
“The decision by Governor Undialu and his education division is highly valued and appreciated,” the Prime Minister said. “Thank you for giving us the three staff houses to accommodate our hard-working teachers who are shaping the next generation of good citizens.”
He noted that the original school buildings were damaged by a major earthquake, and development had been delayed by landownership issues. These have now been resolved, with the land placed under State ownership and managed by the Tari-Pori District and Hope Institute.
Upgrading Facilities and Building for the Future
With these challenges resolved, construction will now proceed on new classrooms and staff housing, including a four-in-one double classroom funded by the Hela Provincial Government. Because the site sits on reclaimed swamp, all future classrooms will feature reinforced concrete foundations to withstand seismic activity.
Prime Minister Marape also announced plans to elevate Pai Hope Institute to university status in the future through the establishment of Hope Polytechnic College, catering for Grade 10 and 12 graduates.
“Dreams start small, and already there is a big ray of hope at Hope Institute,” the Prime Minister said. “That is my dream for Tari-Pori and Hela Province—to give hope to our children.”
Promoting Discipline and Moral Values
The Prime Minister stressed that both Hope Institute and the planned Hope Polytechnic must uphold discipline and moral values.
“We want our schools to be non-betel-nut and smoke-free,” he said. “Teachers and staff must be role models—no smoking, no drinking, no betel nut. Our students must be well- mannered, God-fearing and respectful of the law.”
Supporting Teachers with Modern Housing
The three new staff houses, valued at over K700,000 each, were prefabricated homes installed by the Hela Provincial Government. Each comes fully equipped with solar power, gas stoves, washing machines, and white goods—providing 24-hour electricity even during blackouts.These homes form part of 50 houses procured by the provincial government for police and essential service personnel, with three allocated to Hope Institute.
Local Leadership and Gratitude
Chairman of the Hope Institute School Board, Pastor John Marape, expressed gratitude for the development, describing it as “a timely act of divine intervention.”
He said teachers have persevered for years under difficult conditions and called for an additional 20 staff houses to cater for all personnel.
“I thank God for the wisdom He has given to our leaders to look into this school,” Pastor Marape said.
Governor Philip Undialu reaffirmed the Hela Provincial Government’s commitment to build the four-in-one double classroom and to donate a vehicle to assist with administration.
Education as the Foundation for Change
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring no child is left behind.
“We want to turn this swamp into a place of learning and transformation—a university one day. From elementary to Grade 12 and onwards to tertiary education, students can complete their entire journey here in Tari at a lower cost to families.”
He also urged parents and youth to embrace technical and vocational training.
“As a former Education Minister, I want our young people to learn trade skills. When Hope Polytechnic is built, enrol and learn. Turn your skills into livelihoods.”
Graduates from Hope Institute’s FODE Second-Chance Programme have already advanced to national colleges, universities, and even employment overseas— proof, he said, that hope is alive in Tari-Pori.
“We do not want any child to be left behind. Here at Hope Institute, we give them a second chance and a bright future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Together with the Hela Provincial Government, we will make Hope Institute, Hope Polytechnic and one day Hope University a living symbol of our people’s resilience, faith and determination.”