Investing in sustainable education initiatives throughout New Ireland Province.

New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea’s far northeast, is a region defined by its remarkable natural beauty and vibrant cultural identity. Stretching across more than 150 islands, the province is home to rainforests, coral reefs, pristine beaches, and rich highland landscapes. While the economy is supported by agriculture, fishing, mining, and tourism, the true strength of New Ireland lies in its people - their resilience, innovation, and commitment to shaping a better future.

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Together with the Provincial Administration and Department of Education, with close coordination with district offices, we’re working to improve access to education across the islands, from the integration of Early Childhood Education to providing ongoing learning opportunities for the province’s cohort of teachers while navigating the realities of island geography and limited infrastructure.

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New Ireland is a region full of potential, and our work here reflects what’s possible when partnerships are grounded in trust, responsiveness, and a shared vision for the future.

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New Ireland snapshot:

• Population 232,000  - like Tasmania’s Hobart, but spread across hundreds of islands;

• Dinghies and ferries are essential transport, with roads running down the north coast of the ‘mainland;’

• Economy is driven by agriculture, fishing, mining (gold on Lihir), and great tourism potential;

• Youth bulge, with almost half the population (44%) under 18 years.