It is that time of the year to think matters of schools and education again.

The government has directed that all school-age children must be in school completing basic primary and secondary education from preparatory school through to Grade 12 by 2027.

The Education Department has taken on board the Prime Minister’s mantra that “No child must be left behind”.

It has taken over school and project fees so that no parent or guardian should be unfairly burdened. It is hoped money saved here can be invested elsewhere to improve livelihoods.

In schools, no teacher or school must be ill-equipped to meet the pressures of increased student population, of the changing curriculum and of changing circumstances.

These are all spelled out in the Education Plan 2020-2029.

So the Government has committed to pay school fees, pay project fees, offer a line of credit through loans for tertiary students, build classrooms and other infrastructure, buy textbooks and train and retrain teachers to teach the new standards based curriculum.

What can the parent, the guardian, the student, the teacher and the schools do in return.

What are the obligations of the citizen in this social contract with the government.

As the former late Education Minister Jimmy Uguro said once: “We are all indispensable parts of the education process. We must all pull our weight, to carry our fair load of the burden.

“How can you do your part today to deliver a well-educated, fully competent and physically, mentally and spiritually wholesome man and woman of tomorrow?”

It is appropriate to ask ourselves the late Uguro’s question and answser it as best we can.

In return for what the government is doing in the education sector, including apportioning the largest slice of the 2026 national budget to education, each student, each parent, each teacher, each school board and management, and every other stakeholder in the wide area of education has an obligation in the social contract to perform.

So much is spent on the mental, physical and spiritual development of the student so it is to the student that the finger must point when apportioning obligations.

The obligation of the student is to:

BE obedient, courteous and respectful to all at home and at school;

BE punctual and manage time and resources wisely;

LISTEN, ask, cooperate, participate and follow up in all lessons;

READ out the library and not play phone games;

SAY NO! to alcohol, drugs, fighting, cult activities, and criminal activities; and

SAY NO! to sex, pornography, and time wasting.

The student must do that because it is the development of the student that the country is investing hundreds of millions of kina and so many people from all shades and walks of life are dedicating time and energy.

The social contract of the parent is also important. If the Government is putting money back in the pocket of the parent then that parent should save or invest the money in Small to Medium Enterprises or to acquire a home or other means which lifts the living conditions of the entire family. This will in turn put lunch money, uniforms and schools stationery for the child.

A parent is to do family planning so the education sector is not burdened with too many children from one couple.

Parents must volunteer in cash and kind to help the schools and teachers.

The Teacher’s social contract  is to be a good role model for the student.

In speech and conduct, in maturity of character and discipline, the teacher must impart lessons that must last a lifetime in a student and even assist fellow younger teachers.

Schools boards and management are critical to preparing a school environment conducive to learning.

Schools should manage discipline and ensure both teachers and student needs are catered for.

PNG’s must be an education system that is underpinned by a shared responsibility charter between the Government, the parents, the schools, and provincial, and district authorities.