N.Z. Man In P.n.g. Teaching Row (Press, 16 September 1981)
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Summary: N.Z. Man In P.n.g. Teaching Row (Press, 16 September 1981)
A British teaching couple, John and Elizabeth Menzela, along with New Zealand colleague Marek Koscielecki, are embroiled in a controversy in Papua New Guinea that has significantly impacted Keravat National High School. The situation escalated after they lodged complaints regarding the school inspectorate's procedures and raised allegations about the sexuality of certain senior members of the Education Department. These issues led to unrest among the school's students, resulting in a near riot involving the institution's 440 students. Keravat National High School, located approximately 70km from Rabaul in East New Britain and one of the country's three premier pre-university schools, was officially closed on 15 September 1981 until the end of the term on 25 September 1981. The protests stemmed from the students' support for their foreign teachers, who had been dismissed by the Education Department on 25 August 1981. The unrest included violent incidents, with school property being stoned and 200 students facing charges of unlawful assembly. In response to their dismissals, the Menzelas and Koscielecki submitted their resignations through a lawyer. Additionally, they received eviction notices from the principal, Robert Smillie, instructing them to vacate their residences or face forced removal. The disputes originated when the teachers challenged the methods of a school inspector who allegedly evaluated teachers by taking students aside. These evaluations can significantly influence a teacher's career trajectory, which raised concerns among the educators. The situation intensified with the teachers' allegations that the inspector was homosexual and claimed that a cabal of homosexuals held prominent positions within the Education Department in Port Moresby. In defence of the terminations, the Education Department's secretary, Paul Songo, stated that the teachers did not meet the standards required for educators in Papua New Guinea. However, the teachers argued that their contracts were terminated due to their insistence on highlighting what they perceived as "moral problems" within the inspectorate and the broader education system. As a result of these conflicts, the international community and observers have been drawn into the debate regarding the treatment of foreign educators and the implications of such accusations in Papua New Guinea's educational system. The controversy raises significant questions about the intersection of cultural values, educational efficacy, and the rights of teachers within the nation.
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