LAE, 27 November 2025 — Balob Teachers College in Lae on Thursday, 27 November 2025 marked a major milestone in its history, celebrating its 60th Anniversary and the 58th Graduation Ceremony in a year that also coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
More than 300 new teachers graduated at a ceremony held at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Stadium, attended by church leaders, state representatives, college staff, and families. The event highlighted Balob’s long-standing contribution to teacher education in PNG.
The keynote speech was delivered by Australian Mr Frederick Stolz, the college’s founding principal, who first served at Balob from 1965 to 1979. His return for the historic occasion brought a strong sense of continuity and reflection.
Mr Stolz recounted arriving in Lae on 6 January 1965, when Balob Teachers College was still under construction and operating with limited facilities.
“There were eight of us on the teaching staff — six Australians, one American, and one German,” he said. “Meals were cooked outside because the kitchen was not finished, and the women’s dormitory had not yet been built. We had to accommodate 20 female students with help from nearby residents.”
He said Balob began with about 100 students, most entering with only Grade 6 education for a one-year teaching certificate. As education needs grew, Balob shifted to a two-year program, and standards continued to rise.
By the time he left in 1979, the college had expanded to more than 300 students and had already trained over 1,500 teachers.
Stolz reminded graduates of the Balob motto, “To Serve”, adopted in the college’s first year.
“As teachers, you will serve your pupils, parents, communities, and your country. There will be difficulties — challenging pupils, lack of parental support, poor facilities — but always remember the college motto.”
He emphasised the crucial role teachers play in the nation’s next 50 years, especially in ensuring literacy and shaping young Papua New Guineans.
Mr Stolz receives a gift from Balob officials.
“A teacher must be patient and encouraging. You will be role models wherever you are posted,” he advise
Mr Stolz shared a personal story from a recent visit to the Western Highlands, where he met a Balob graduate from his final teaching year in 1979.
The woman, originally from Siassi, has been teaching in Enga since graduating and is still in the classroom at age 66.
“Her dedication and faithfulness over more than 40 years deeply impressed me. She is a great model for any beginning teacher,” Stolz said.
Three major awards were presented:
- Academic Excellence Award: Dickson Yas (Section 304)
- Outstanding Citizenship Award: Neshain Tonde (Section 306)
- Leadership Award & SRC President: Lasiel Eliuda (Section 301)
Diplomas were then presented across Sections 301 to 308, followed by the formal conferral by the Governing Council chairman and the TSC regional director.
College Principal Mr Jerry Hendingao, Governing Council Chairman Mr Bob S. Aaron, and ELCPNG Head Bishop Rt Rev Dr Jack Urame delivered remarks emphasising Balob’s growth over six decades, its strong partnerships with churches, and its continued leadership in PNG’s teacher education system.
Mr Stolz and officials and guests at the graduation.
More than 300 graduates will now take up teaching positions across the country — from remote island schools to rural highland valleys and urban classrooms.
“You have all worked hard to achieve this qualification,” Stolz told them. “Wherever you are posted, see it as a calling to serve. I wish you God’s blessing in the years ahead.”
