STEPMAS Project Nears Completion: Partners Convene for the 8th Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting

The 8th Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the “Project for Strengthening Primary Teacher Pre-Service Education in Mathematics and Science (STEPMAS)” was successfully held on 13 March 2026 in Port Moresby. The meeting marked one of the final milestones of the STEPMAS, which began in 2021 and will conclude by the end of March 2026.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Department of Education (DoE), Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and project experts. The group gathered to review key achievements and discuss strategies to sustain outcomes beyond project completion.

The project aims to improve how future primary school teachers in PNG learn to teach mathematics and science by providing colleges with high quality teaching materials and strengthening lecturer capability. It focuses on improving the quality of mathematics and science lectures in Primary Teachers Colleges (PTCs) through the development and use of standardized students’ modules and lecturers’ manuals.

In the opening remarks, Mr. Lonnie Baki, Secretary for DHERST and the Chairperson of the JCC, acknowledged the project as a successful technical cooperation initiative. Mr. Paul Ainui, Deputy Secretary for DoE, emphasized the road map for PNG’s Education Transformation Vision 2075 to reform and improve access, quality, and governance of education, and highlighted the importance of partnership between DoE, DHERST, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the successful launch of the PNG Partnership Compact 2025–2028, with JICA as the coordinating agency and UNICEF as the grant agent. Mr. Ainui also commended the Government of Japan for its ongoing support to PNG’s education sector, particularly in strengthening mathematics and science education and building the capacity of officers, lecturers, and teachers. He further noted the gender equality dimension of the project, which seeks to break harmful stereotypes and encourage girls to excel in science and mathematics.

Also speaking at the meeting, Ms. Bathsheba Mald from the Embassy of Japan emphasized Japan’s long-standing support to the PNG education sector through various initiatives. She noted that, in addition to JICA’s technical cooperation, the Embassy has provided approximately K43 million through the Economic and Social Development Program (ESDP) since 2018. This support has already yielded significant results, including the printing and distribution of nearly two million national textbooks and teacher manuals across all 22 provinces. These materials reached 103 designated sites—such as provincial education offices and 15 teacher training colleges—helping to equip the next generation of educators with essential teaching resources. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting PNG in human resource development and advancing education.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the STEPMAS Project Completion Report, including findings from the Endline Survey. The project team consisting of JICA experts and their counterparts at DHERST and PTC showcased substantial progress in enhancing the competencies of PTC students in mathematics and science instruction, aligned with the revised Primary Standard Based Curriculum (SBC). Discussions included the revision of the Project Design Matrix (PDM), sustainability strategies, and the need for continued collaboration among DHERST, DoE, and PTCs.

The project received strong support from JICA through the dispatch of experts, training programs, and continuous guidance from the JICA Education Policy Advisor, who worked closely with DHERST and DoE throughout implementation. JICA experts led material development, training, monitoring, and technical guidance, significantly contributing to strengthening local capacity. Planned updates—such as PSD revision, improved digital systems, and ongoing lecturer training—will support the long-term use of STEPMAS materials across all PTCs.

In closing the 8th JCC meeting, JICA PNG’s Chief Representative, Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, reiterated that the STEPMAS Project set out to improve the quality of mathematics and science lectures in Primary Teachers Colleges nationwide by developing and institutionalizing student materials and teacher guides aligned with national standards. He noted that most planned field activities were successfully implemented and encouraged continued partnership and collaboration beyond the life of the project.

The STEPMAS Project has built a strong foundation for the future. With all teaching materials now approved and DHERST and DoE teams trained, PNG is well positioned to continue strengthening teacher education.