Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) - a second chance at secondary schooling in Western Province.

For many in rural Papua New Guinea, getting a full education isn’t easy. Long distances, limited school places, and family responsibilities mean many young people leave school early - especially at the secondary level.

But if we want enough local teachers and health workers in remote areas, we need to create other ways for people to finish their education. That means opening up flexible, second-chance pathways so they can return to school, complete their studies, and go on to further education.

The current school system doesn’t have the space to meet the needs of PNG’s growing, mostly rural population. Many students drop out after primary school or between senior grades. While the government is working to address this, more options are needed to provide universal education for all.

That’s where KTF comes in. In partnership with SDP, we offer a second-chance pathway through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), a PNG government-endorsed program that helps early school leavers re-enter formal education and finish Grade 12. It’s a key element of the PNG government’s strategy for making education truly accessible - for everyone.

KTF offers two flexible learning options for people in rural and remote areas:

One pathway helps early school leavers pick up where they left off and work towards finishing Grade 12.
The other gives people a second chance to improve their grades so they can get into tertiary study.

FODE plays a vital role under PNG’s new education reforms. To become a teacher or health worker, you now need a Grade 12 qualification and a minimum GPA of 2.8 to get into tertiary study.

FODE gives people the chance to meet those new requirements—while still working and supporting their communities. It’s flexible, practical, and helps build a stronger local workforce.

WESTERN FODE in 2025

FODE students supported with fee-free secondary education.

of FODE students are female.

of FODE students sat final exams.

of FODE students are on teaching & nursing pathways.

46%

58%

56%

2,124

Marilyn Duwava, Primary School Teacher & Grade 12 FODE upgrading student, Western Outreach FODE

“With this upgrading it actually helps us boost our teaching in the class. What we learnt, some twenty years back in the classroom is kind of outdated so when we do upgrading we are aligned with the current trends in education. So it’s very helpful. I feel that after re-doing my Grade 12 again that I am well-versed in these subjects, I can help the students passing through my grade.”