MAF uses its global network to find international teachers that can give the best education possible to national as well as international students in PNG.
Story by Tajs Jespersen
Finding international teachers to come to the highlands of PNG is not easy. That’s why Highlands Christian Grammar school (HCG) partners with MAF to find qualified staff to aid and lead the school.
“We are blessed to have the Jespersens here together with Mr Engedal, our new principal,” said Jonah Dikinsep, the Deputy Principal of HCG.
Both families come from Denmark, are employed by MAF and then seconded to HCG. They know how important it is to enable quality education in Mount Hagen, where MAF has its main PNG base.
”It's very important (to have HCG) for the parents who want their kids to go to a school with a high level of education,” said Rebecca Jespersen, one of the MAF employed teachers at the school. “It enables them to invest in Mount Hagen and in the Highlands with their jobs and with their businesses.”
If the kids grow up knowing what is right, that can really change this country.
The new principal, Steffen Engedal, brings in vast experience from a different educational background. He thinks that can be one of the keys to improving HCG even further.
“When you're in a Danish educational system, you do it in one way that is very different from, for example, the PNG way. If you can put these two things together and find the best from both sides, it will be very effective,” said Mr Engedal.
Mrs Jespersen also highlights the Christian foundation that is essential in forming the future leaders of PNG.
“They need a Christian education where they can learn values that this country needs from their leaders too,” she said. “If the kids grow up knowing what is right, that can really change this country.”
For MAF, investing in HCG aligns with the vision and mission of MAF. The vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ and the mission is serving together to bring help, hope and healing through aviation.
“HCG is an important member of the MAF family. This is where your (MAF staff’s) kids can go to school,” said Mr Engedal. “MAF is an organisation where they need pilots and other staff. HCG makes it possible for these families to come.”
Mr Dikinsep reflects on the shared vision of MAF and HCG.
“Putting Christ at the centre,” he said. “We place that seed in them (the students), that they will make a difference in this country."
Watch the video to get a peek into the growing partnership.