Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, stands on the ancestral lands of the Motu and Koitabu people - traditional landowners with a proud heritage shaped by the Hiri trade, rich cultural practices, and deep community ties. Today, ten coastal villages form the heart of Motu-Koitabu identity, represented by the Motu Koita Assembly, which continues to advocate for better access to education amidst the pressures of urbanisation.

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In this context, education is not a luxury - it’s a pathway to opportunity, and participation in the city’s growing economy. With surprisingly few places available in the formal school system in this urban context, forging education pathways is essential. Continuing to secondary school and matriculating  Grade 12 opens doors to meaningful employment and further study, especially in Port Moresby, where the demand for qualified teachers, health workers, and skilled professionals is high. For Motu and Koitabu youth, access to education is not just about individual success; it’s about ensuring their communities can thrive in the city built on their land.

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Working in partnership with Motu Koita communities and Assembly, we’re improving access to education in this urban centre, vital for its future.