The University of Papua New Guinea Kerowagi Students Association has sought support from Education Minister and Kerowagi MP Francis Kikin Siune to conduct educational and political awareness during the Christmas holiday.
The association’s executives presented their Community-Based Educational and Political Awareness Proposal to the Minister’s office last week at Vulupundi Haus in Port Moresby.
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The proposal was received on behalf of Minister Siune by his Policy and Research Officer, Gol Karal.
UPNG Kerowagi Students Association president Peter William acknowledged the Minister’s office for its continued support and commitment to making education a priority in Kerowagi District.
Mr. William said the proposal had two components: community-based educational awareness and political awareness.
The educational awareness programme will target eight schools: Kerowagi Secondary School, Rosary Secondary School, Moroma SDA High School, Kewamugl Lutheran High School, Kunabau EBC High School, Muru High School, Neregima High School and Binag Junior High School.
“We will be providing reliable information to students from the total of eight schools who are interested in furthering their studies at UPNG.”
“We will highlight the key requirements and the courses that are offered by the university so that students can be well informed and make the right decision when applying for UPNG,” Mr. William said.
He said the initiative, under the theme “Empowering Minds and Strengthening Communities in Kerowagi District,” reflected the association’s commitment to giving back to the communities that had supported them.
“We believe that education is the most powerful tool that can transform mindsets and improve communities,” he said.
The second component will promote peaceful, safe and violence-free participation in the 2027 National General Election.
Mr. William said the awareness would address problems experienced during previous elections, including bloodshed, loss of innocent lives, destruction of major infrastructure and disruptions to people’s access to basic government services.
“The previous national general elections there has been blood sheds and innocent lives have been lost. Major infrastructures have been destroyed, and people have been affected from accessing basic government services.”
“We want people to change their mentality and be responsible citizen when choosing their leaders,” he said.
The programme will also address law-and-order concerns, health issues and other social problems affecting communities.
Mr. Karal commended the association for developing the initiative to contribute to the development of Kerowagi District.
“For students to come up with such ideas, it is a milestone achievement for the family you represent, tribe, district and Simbu as a whole,” Mr. Karal said.
He said the initiative had the potential to influence positive changes in community attitudes and behaviour.
“As future upcoming leaders and ambassadors of change, let’s work hand in hand and make positive impact on the communities,” he said.
Mr. Karal said the Minister’s office was willing to support the initiative in whatever way possible to help make it successful.
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The association has also called on Kerowagi’s business community, prominent individuals, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations to support the proposed awareness programme.
The students said the initiative was a way of giving back to the communities that had helped shape their education, growth and success.