While schools are primarily recognised for preparing students academically, a secondary school in the Morobe Province is taking an extra step by equipping young people with practical musical skills before they complete their formal education.
Over the past nine years, the Markham Valley Secondary School in the Markham District has been offering students the opportunity to learn music apart from academic activities.
Students are taught on playing electric instruments, stage presentations and sound system setups through a volunteer led program coordinated by self-taught musician, Jed Kayo.
Although this is not part of the formal curriculum, the program has become an avenue for students to develop practical skills that could benefit them long after they leave the classroom.
Kayo, who is also a former grade 12 student from the school, has been providing his services since establishing the program in 2017.
His vision is to ensure students leave formal school with more than just academic qualifications.
"I want students to have another skill they can use after completing school," he said.
"Not everyone will find formal employment or continue to university, but music and sound system skills can help them become useful in their respective local communities."
Beginning with just ten students, the program has grown to 24 participants who meet outside normal schooling hours to learn keyboard, guitar, live singing, stage performance and the operation of electronic sound equipment.
Students are also introduced to setting up public address systems, connecting amplifiers, mixers, speakers and microphones, giving them hands-on experience with equipment commonly used at church gatherings, cultural events, community functions and public ceremonies.
Kayo, who learned these skills through years of self-study and practical experience, continues to volunteer his time and wants to see local communities filled with productive youths.
He believes the greatest reward is seeing former students use what they have learned after leaving school.
Several graduates have continued developing their musical talents while pursuing further studies, while others are involved in church worship teams, live sound engineering, studio recording and performances with established bands.
Beyond music itself, the program encourages discipline, teamwork, commitment and self-confidence, which Kayo believes are equally important as students prepare for life beyond secondary school.
He also acknowledged the support of the school administration for embracing a program that complements academic learning because without the school's encouragement, many students would never have had the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities.
As schools across Papua New Guinea continue exploring ways to better prepare students for life after graduation, Markham Valley Secondary School's music program demonstrates that practical life skills can successfully complement classroom education.
For the school, the goal is not simply to produce musicians. It is to help produce capable young men and women who would leave school equipped with confidence, practical skills and a willingness to contribute positively to the society.
