In the last week of August, OMEP funded 10 Papua New Guinean education personnel (7 lecturers, 1 teacher trainer and 2 National Department of Education officials) to travel to Cairns to learn about early childhood education which is still in its infancy in PNG.
The study tour started on Sunday evening flying in from Port Moresby. Monday was spent at St Andrews Catholic College, where the group rotated through Prep and early primary classrooms, and also visited the OSHC and Kindergarten to see different settings in action. On Tuesday, participants got to experience Barron Valley Gymnastics classes in the morning and visit the local library and playgrounds. Wednesday’s early start took everyone to Peace Lutheran College to observe OSHC, Prep to Year 3, and Kindy classes. This was followed by a story time session at the Cairns Library and an afternoon talk by Cairns Community C&K kindergarten teacher who shared insights into local early childhood education practices. Thursday featured the Trinity Beach PALS playgroup and an exploration of local playgrounds in the morning, before heading to Manunda Library in the afternoon for an interactive “Sing and Create” session. Friday wrapped up the educational visits with tours of Cairns and Whitfield Kindergartens. The participants then travelled up to Kuranda on the Skyrail and enjoyed visiting the butterfly sanctuary. Evenings were spent as a group, enjoying picnics, BBQs, and dinners that gave everyone space to reflect, connect, and share highlights from each day’s experiences.
The participants were so grateful to OMEP for the experience. Below are a couple of messages sent:
Firstly, I sincerely thank OMEP Australia for giving me this great opportunity to be part of this dynamic group of educators for the study tour experience.The study tour to Cairns was an eye-opening experience for me. Although I have been teaching the theory of early childhood learning environments, observing actual classrooms, kindergartens, playgroups, playgrounds, and gymnastics facilities—which are not commonly seen in Papua New Guinea and libraries provided a practical perspective on creating engaging and holistic learning environments. I also noted the active involvement of parents, especially fathers, in children’s play and learning, which builds confidence and strengthens parent-child relationships—something I see as vital for holistic child development in PNG.
This study tour has motivated me to:
- Train student teachers to design classrooms with functional learning stations and resource corners.
- Promote the use of outdoor spaces to maximise learning opportunities.
- Encourage PNG schools to introduce learning corners, group workstations, playgrounds, gymnastics, libraries and nature-based experiences.
- Advocate for parental involvement, especially fathers, in children’s play and learning to boost confidence and engagement.
Overall, the tour provided practical insights that will significantly inform my teaching and professional development, enabling me to better prepare student teachers to create enriching and engaging learning environments for children in Papua New Guinea.
(Amenda, lecturer)
The tour is absolutely magical! It is the best life experience and adventure for me. So amazed with the classroom setting, different learning activities and the playgrounds. The connection between home and school focusing on the child’s development was really wonderful. The extra activities were very helpful. The walks in the parks, along the white sandy beaches and sky rail was breath taking and absolutely magical. Thank you OMEP for making a difference. Thank tru.
(Serah, lecturer)
This study tour was really an ice-breaking experience! It clears the thick clouds of doubts and confusion of the traditional approaches in teaching and learning of the early learning. It enriches us, as educators, to shift our approach from the Lecture mode to the child-facilitation mode. What an insightful study tour with enriching experiences promoting holistic development. With lots of planned activities from visiting early learning centres to parks to playgrounds and many more. All were really heart-touching, learned moments, not for our individual gain but for the good of our children, institutions and the country that we represent.
(Elvis, lecturer)
