The Issue in Brief

Because of rapidly changing technological advances, not only is basic literacy a fundamental human right, but it is also fast becoming a necessity for participation in a changing world. Many adults and children around the world do not receive basic literacy schooling. Until they do so, they will be excluded from many facets of the global economy. With the ability to read and write, people can increase their access to information concerning political, health, and other issues. Basic literacy can indeed help improve lives worldwide.

Numerous countries around the globe are faced with the issue of providing basic education to their citizens who may maintain different cultures and speak different languages. Another problem faced by many in teaching basic literacy is the training and equipping of teachers. These classroom teachers can face many difficulties in dealing with building, supply, and attendance issues. They need effective pedagogical strategies that can answer these questions. Flexibility and creative use of resources are just some of the many ways that can help teachers instruct basic literacy students. After a close examination of the local school context, many different obstacles can be overcome to achieve a better education and future for all.

back to top

The Context in Papua New Guinea

Located north of Australia and east of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, with Irian Jaya, part of Indonesia, on the western half. The country is divided into 20 provinces and is possibly the most culturally diverse on earth, with over 700 languages and tribes, many of which remain untouched by outside influence. Half of its over four million inhabitants are literate, and many still live in village communities. Roughly 450,000 sq. km. in size (about the size of Morocco, or slightly larger than Japan or California), its terrain is predominantly marked by mountains interspersed with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills. The land of Papua New Guinea is dominated by tropical forests with very little temperature variation throughout the year. Natural resources include gold, copper, silver, timber, natural gas, and oil. Deforestation, earthquakes, and mud slides are some of the environmental concerns that Papua New Guinea must face.

Since many Papua New Guineans are subsistence farmers, they are tied to PNG's harsh topography and climate. Mountains, monsoons, and earthquakes dominate most Papua New Guinean life. Against this backdrop, PNG is making economic strides to lessen its dependence on the land. In order to achieve the technological level of an industrial economy, an educated populace is a necessity. At the same time, with over 700 languages, PNG does not want to diminish its cultural diversity by extinguishing certain language groups.

As with many nations around the world, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is trying to improve its role within the global economy. While rich in natural resources, many of these resources are in mountainous regions, making them difficult to extract due to technological or financial concerns. Since many of its inhabitants are subsistence farmers, PNG must look towards other sources of national revenue. In order to industrialize and improve their standard of living, PNG has realized that their populace must improve their educational status.

Educational needs are dictated in PNG by two conditions: many diverse cultures and languages exist in the country and there is intense competition for available resources. The Tok Ples Literacy Training Program seeks to address both these issues. Tok Ples encourages teachers of primary age children to teach their students in their local native language. By doing so, the program is protecting the nation's rich cultural heritage. In addition, Tok Ples teachers use their student's imagination as well as the natural world around them to teach, thus attempting to make up for the lack of resources in some areas. Not only are the Tok Ples students learning how to read and write, they are practicing their listening, thinking, imitating, and observation skills. In all, the Tok Ples Literacy Training Program looks to make its students life-long learners by making its lessons student-centered and meaningful to their everyday life.

To look at an overview of the program, program activities, or program outcomes and implications, click on the corresponding heading.

back to top