A call for personal change, peace, unity and education took centre stage at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) last Friday as the UPNG Kandep Students Association launched its Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program.
The program, held at the UPNG New Lecture Theatre (NLT), was hosted by the UPNG Kandep Students Association under the leadership of President Lakari Limestone and the 2026 executive team.
The dual program featured the Patron Orientation Night and the official launching of the Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program, aimed at motivating, inspiring and empowering people in Kandep District, particularly those who have had limited access to formal education.
The association president Limestone told PNG SUN that university students had a responsibility to take the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through higher education back to their communities and use them to educate and empower others.
The message of personal transformation was emphasized during the program, with participants reminded that meaningful change in families, communities, districts, provinces and the nation must begin with individuals.
“True change begins with you and me,” he said, drawing on Romans 12:2 and its message about the transformation of the mind.
Mr. Limestone said its mission was to promote peace, unity, education, positive mindset transformation and community development among the people of Kandep.
He continued students could serve as a bridge between education and their communities by using their education not only for personal advancement but also to serve and uplift their people.
A key highlight of the Patron Orientation Night was the appointment of Enga Provincial Deputy Administrator and Chairman of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, Kenneth Andrew, as Patron of the UPNG Kandep Students Association.
An academic Mr. Kolly Alange was also officially appointed Assistant Patron.
Mr. Limestone welcomed the appointments, saying it was privileged to work with leaders who supported youth empowerment and community development.
He said the partnership would focus on unity, peace, education and the future of the people without political interference.
Another significant highlight was the official endorsement and signing of the Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program by UPNG President Epharaim Kliwolo and newly appointed Patron Kenneth Andrew.
He further said their endorsement marked an important milestone and demonstrated support for its commitment to promoting peace, unity, education and positive mindset transformation among the people of Kandep.
He thanked everyone who attended, supported and contributed to the success of the program.
The president also encouraged its members and the wider community to choose peace over conflict, unity over division, education over ignorance and positive transformation over old ways of thinking.
“Be friendly to everyone and an enemy to none,” he said.
It said the change people wanted to see in their families, communities, district, province and nation must first begin with themselves.
“Romans 12:2-Transform your mind, transform your life, and transform your community.”