Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa has delivered a strong and heartfelt Back-to-School message to students from the province attending universities and higher learning institutions across the country as they begin the 2026 academic year.
Speaking both as a leader and a parent, Governor Rapa extended his warm greetings and best wishes for success in their academic journey.
“To all students of Western Highlands Province attending various universities and higher learning institutions throughout Papua New Guinea, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes as you begin another academic year,” he said.
Governor Rapa urged students to take their studies seriously and work diligently to fulfil the hopes and expectations of their parents, communities, and the province.
He emphasized that the responsibility of shaping the future of Western Highlands Province and Papua New Guinea will one day rest in their hands.
“You must prepare yourselves now to be men and women of positive change,” he stressed.
Highlighting the rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global environment, Governor Rapa reminded students that education is a privilege that must never be taken for granted.
He called on them to recognize the sacrifices made by parents and guardians to ensure they have access to higher education.
The Governor reiterated that Western Highlands Province’s greatest strength lies not in its natural resources, but in its people.
“Our greatest asset is our human resource. That is why, as a leader and as a parent who understands the sacrifices our parents make to pay school fees, the Western Highlands Provincial Government under my leadership has allocated K10 million annually since 2023 to subsidies your tuition fees,” he stated.
He stressed that the tuition fee subsidy is strictly intended to support students’ academic development and not for irresponsible activities.
“This support was not provided for social activities such as alcohol consumption, drug use, or excessive time spent on social media. It was provided so that you can focus, concentrate, and excel in your studies,” he said in a statement.
Governor Rapa encouraged students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed, urging them to become skilled, intellectual, and responsible leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the development of the province and the nation.
“Make your parents proud and serve your province and nation with knowledge, integrity, and responsibility,” he concluded.
The Governor wished all Western Highlands students a successful and productive 2026 academic year.