Petroleum Resources Gobe (PRG) and Gas Resources PNGLNG Pipeline (GRP), both subsidiaries of Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), officially launched four new e-libraries in the Kagua-Erave District of Southern Highlands Province. These e-libraries were co-funded by the two subsidiaries at a total cost of K1. 4 million.
The new e-libraries were commissioned between 24 and 25 September and are located at Wemi Primary School, Gobe Agro High School, Marorogo Primary School and Erave High School in Erave District.
The four facilities are fully powered by solar energy, ensuring reliable operation in remote locations. High schools have each received 25 computers, while primary schools have been equipped with 15 computers each.
The e-libraries are equipped with a dedicated classroom and an offline learning system.
The e-libraries store thousands of digital books, articles, educational videos, lesson materials and learning resources, enabling students to learn and explore subjects to complement their textbooks while promoting independent learning, research, and knowledge-building. The platform also serves as a valuable teaching tool, assisting teachers with lesson preparation, curriculum delivery and access to a broader range of educational materials.
The facilities are expected to benefit more than 2,000 students and teachers across the four schools, while also providing opportunities for supervised access by surrounding communities, enabling broader access to educational resources in areas where internet connectivity remains limited.
MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano encouraged students and communities to embrace education as a pathway for lasting development.
“Change comes if our mindset changes. Change does not come if money comes, and change does not come if politics comes. Change comes from knowledge, education, and the willingness to learn.
These e-libraries will help shape that change. They will give students and teachers access to information, learning resources and new ways of thinking. When young people are exposed to knowledge and opportunities, they develop the confidence and skills to improve their own lives and contribute positively to their communities.”
Mr Mano said PRG has continued to invest in its project communities for the past 17 years and emphasised that education and human development remain critical to sustaining progress beyond the life of oil and gas operations.
Supporting the initiative, PRG Board Chairman Mathew Sisimolu highlighted the long-term benefits of investing in people through education.
“Investing in human resource is a long-term benefit. Oil and gas can one day run out, but education and knowledge stay with a person for life. By investing in our students today, we are investing in the future of our communities and our country.”
Mr Sisimolu urged students, teachers, and surrounding communities to take ownership of the facilities and ensure they are properly maintained.
With the launch of the four new facilities, MRDC has now established a total ofseven e-libraries since the program began, with the first facility opened atKikori Secondary School in Gulf Province. The program has delivered a total of155 computers to rural communities, significantly enhancing access todigital education across PRG project areas.
