More than 375,000 children in some of the most underserved communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will benefit from a new landmark education project that will improve classrooms, support 9,000 teachers, and raise the quality of early learning across the country.
The Learning Enhancement and Access Project (LEAP), supported by US$100 million in financing from the World Bank, is one of the largest education investments in the country’s history. It represents a major step towards building skills that will enable children to take more productive and better-paid jobs in the future.
PNG continues to face serious challenges in education. An estimated 72 percent of 10-year-olds are not able to read or understand age-appropriate texts, and only 18 percent of 20- to 24-year-olds have completed secondary or some tertiary education. This project will help PNG reach its goal of providing basic education for all children, from elementary to grade 12, by 2050 and improve the quality of learning nationwide.
“Education is how we unlock the potential of our people,” said Hon. Lucas Dekena, PNG’s Minister for Education. “This major investment gives real momentum to the PNG Government’s efforts to strengthen the education system. Since 2022, we’ve leveraged our strong partnership with the World Bank and the Government of Australia to deliver our ambitious National Education Plan.”
The project will support 3,500 schools across eight provinces, reaching 43 percent of students from preparatory to grade 2. This includes upgrading classrooms, access to better teaching materials, and strengthening school management. In addition, 200 secondary schools will become education hubs, equipped with internet access, digital tools, and training to support at least two nearby schools. Around 500 teachers will receive training to upgrade their qualifications, helping to improve the quality of education for thousands of children and contributing to job creation in the education sector and beyond.
“This large-scale investment can transform early learning in PNG,” said Khwima Nthara, World Bank Country Manager for Papua New Guinea. “By investing in teachers, classrooms, and materials, we are helping turn PNG’s youth into a driving force for long-term growth and development.”
LEAP marks a new era in education reform by scaling up proven interventions that equip teachers with structured daily lesson plans, continuous training, and diploma-level qualifications. With more than US$80 million dedicated to improving teaching practices, the project will significantly increase the proportion of grade 2 students achieving minimum proficiency in reading and math, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The project will directly address learning poverty, gender-based violence, and fragile service delivery in underserved communities. It will also promote inclusive, safe, and quality learning environments, especially for girls and children in conflict-affected areas.
LEAP is financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and will be implemented by the PNG Department of Education.
