Building an inclusive workforce in Papua New Guinea
Story highlights
- Kerry and Bianca, two young women with disabilities, are breaking barriers and shaping their futures through education and employment.
- Inclusive education and workplaces are creating opportunities for young people to reach their full potential and fuel economic growth in Papua New Guinea.
- The Papua New Guinea Education Advocacy Network (PEAN), supported by GPE’s Education Out Loud, the largest fund for education advocacy in the world, is driving policy change on inclusive education and employment to ensure that everyone can contribute to the country’s development.
“For Papua New Guinea, we consider education a driver—it can make or break a nation. Education provides the knowledge and technical skills to ensure everybody can contribute toward the country's economic growth.”
Shaping futures through inclusion
Kerry and Bianca are two young women charting their own paths in Papua New Guinea, each navigating life with a disability but filled with determination and hope.
As a procurement trainee at the Hilton Hotel, Kerry demonstrates daily that talent is not limited by physical ability.
Supported by an inclusive workplace, she is thriving.
“At Hilton, I feel free, I feel included. The space is accessible, everybody is friendly. Every other company should be doing this.”
Bianca, a final-year law student, has faced obstacles such as inaccessible classrooms and transport and has transformed these into a mission: to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
“My interest in law is because I want to see justice and equality in my society—to stand up for the vulnerable and the unheard. Education gives people the confidence and skills to contribute.”
Through her resilience, Bianca has become a role model in her community.
“People have witnessed me go through something difficult and still move forward. I believe that inspires others to do the same.”
Barriers to education for children with disabilities
In Papua New Guinea, many children with disabilities are not formally identified, meaning they often miss out on the targeted support needed to help them succeed in school. Without early screening and proper assessment, their needs remain unseen.
Across the country, many children with disabilities face barriers that prevent them from fully exercising their right to education.
Schools frequently lack accessible infrastructure such as ramps or handrails, learning materials are rarely adapted for children with visual or hearing impairments, and few teachers receive training in inclusive education practices that support students with different learning needs.
Without supportive environments, many of these children drop out before completing basic education. Church-run and private schools sometimes provide alternative pathways, but large gaps remain.
Around 1.2 million people in Papua New Guinea live with disabilities, many of whom are excluded from education and employment—representing a significant missed opportunity for the country's development.
“It is important to employ persons with disabilities in every sector.”
The role of advocacy in inclusion
Kerry and Bianca’s journeys reflect the promise of Papua New Guinea's National Employment Policy, developed with the support of the Papua New Guinea Education Advocacy Network (PEAN)—a civil society coalition funded through Education Out Loud.
PEAN and its 25 member organizations have been instrumental in advancing inclusive education and employment policies nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Civil society engagement plays a vital role in amplifying marginalized voices and ensuring their rights are recognized in national policy.
They also monitor the implementation of such policies, ensuring the realization of inclusive education beyond laws and policies.
Through sustained advocacy—consultations, policy dialogues and collaboration with ministries—PEAN helped ensure that the National Employment Policy includes clear provisions for the employment of persons with disabilities.
These efforts create pathways for young people like Kerry and Bianca to overcome barriers, access education and pursue meaningful employment—turning potential into lasting impact.
“PEAN participated in consultations for the national employment policy. We engaged so that the rights of people with special needs were included, so they can be employed.”
Ongoing dialogue between government and civil society remains essential to ensuring the policy continues to meet the needs of Papua New Guinea’s evolving workforce.
“There will be a need for constant dialogue so that the policy is reviewed, updated and remains relevant for Papua New Guinea's economy.”
Investing in inclusive education and employment
Strengthening inclusive education lays the foundation for employment policies that ensure no one is left behind, equipping all young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities to participate fully in society and the economy.
“Investing in education is important because it drives skills development for employment, boosting productivity and innovation, reduces unemployment and underemployment, and promotes inclusive economic growth.”
Education unlocks transformative impact and multiplies progress across all development goals, including economic growth, jobs and skills.
Embedding accessibility and inclusivity into employment practices also encourages employers to rethink workplace design, support systems, and recruitment—creating environments where everyone can thrive.
“Personally, and from a Hilton point of view, it is incredibly important to be inclusive and create opportunities within our community and for those with disabilities.”
While progress is being made, many schools and workplaces in Papua New Guinea remain inaccessible.
Continued advocacy, policy enforcement and community support are critical to sustaining change.
By creating inclusive schools, workplaces and communities, Papua New Guinea can ensure that young people like Kerry and Bianca are recognized for their talent—bringing a future where every ability is valued and every voice heard.
“I want every young person to be able to have the opportunity for education, to participate in their community, and to help drive meaningful change.”
GPE has been supporting Papua New Guinea since 2010 and the country has received US$40.6 million in grants.
In line with the National Education Plan 2020-2029, Papua New Guinea’s Partnership Compact identifies completing the rollout of the 1-6-6 school restructuring reform as a priority for improving learning and increasing completion rates.
The compact also emphasizes gender-responsive sector planning and inclusive education, identifying inequitable resources and barriers to access as key challenges.
As part of GPE’s support to the country, Education Out Loud supports civil society networks like PEAN to influence real and sustained change.
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