Madang tertiary students told to become ‘agents of change’
Tertiary students from Madang Province have been encouraged to become 'agents of change' for their province.
Final year Social Studies and Religious Studies student at Divine Word University, Nicholas Gamuna, issued this challenge yesterday during the students' first Back- To- School Meet and Greet at Madang Technical College.
The students are members of the Madang Tertiary Students Network.
The aim of the gathering is to help students get to know each other and strengthen networking among tertiary students from across the province.
"Madang students are spread across Papua New Guinea but share a common purpose.
“But today, we are united by a common goal, to uplift our province and empower our people.
“Students, let’s stand together, build connections, collaborate, and drive development in Madang. We have the power to create change. Let’s work together, share ideas, and support each other," Gamuna said.
He also encouraged students in universities and colleges to support the Madang Tertiary Students Network and become agents of change for the province.
MTSN President Advent Yamsob thanked the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Ramsey Pariwa for its continued support towards tertiary students and wished all Madang students a successful academic year.
Meanwhile, Special Projects Officer with the Madang Provincial Government, Janis Poe encouraged the students to take the Sir Peter Barter Tertiary Education Scholarship seriously.
She urged the students to start planning their future careers while still in school and to think carefully about what they want to become.
She also highlighted other opportunities available through provincial programs, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that students can explore after their studies.
Poe explained that Governor Pariwa has also supported the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) program for students who did not make it into universities and colleges.
“If you have relatives who did not make it this year, there are FODE programs available under this scholarship support,” she said.
Poe added that the Madang Provincial Government has allocated K10 million to fund students under the Sir Peter Barter Scholarship Program.
She also acknowledged MTSN student leaders for their continued efforts in ensuring students receive support from the provincial government and encouraged ongoing communication between students and the scholarship team.