Master in Asian and Pacific Studies
Australian National University, ACT
Matilda is a senior teacher and teacher trainer. Prior to her Masters, she held the position of Course Coordinator at Balob Teacher Training College in Lae, Morobe Province, where she oversaw delivery of gender studies, Papua New Guinea history and geography courses for student teachers.
Matilda has been a key resource in establishing a vernacular language Accelerated Christian Education school in conjunction with the National Department of Education. Prior to this, she worked as Head of Social Science at a local secondary school. In this role Matilda was responsible for curriculum implementation and professional development, including the oversight of eight staff. She also coordinated cluster in-service training with the National Department of Education on developing outcome-based syllabuses.
Matilda is a strong proponent of the role of education to empower women and other marginalised groups, and reduce discrimination. She is particularly interested to use education and awareness raising to tackle gender-based violence and sorcery related deaths in Papua New Guinea, noting an increased number of murders in urban areas over the past five years. Upon her return to Papua New Guinea, Matilda is keen to pursue a career either in the education sector or with a development agency, and to work towards reducing these statistics.
