‘We believe in you’: Kumura challenges subsidized students to rebuild Usino-Bundi

MP Vincent Kumura (in suit, seated) with Usino-Bundi student association in DWU *(Image: NBC News)*

Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura, has delivered a blunt message to tertiary students receiving district school fee subsidies: 'the local government is investing heavily in your minds, and you have a clear duty to bring that knowledge back home'.

The District Development Authority, has officially begun rolling out its K1.5 million Tuition Assistance Program for 2026, disbursing a total of K150,000 yesterday across Madang’s major tertiary institutions. The funding leg included Divine Word University [DWU], the PNG Maritime College, Madang Teachers College, and Madang Technical College. Under the district’s co-funding policy, the DDA is absorbing 40 percent of the student fee burden, while parents meet the remaining 60 percent.

Taking time out of his busy schedule to meet face-to-face with the student body at DWU, Kumura said funding is not a standard political handout, but a calculated investment in the district's future development capacity.

"Amidst my busy schedule, I have to find time to come out and meet you to remind you that you have a duty to your district," Kumura challenged the students. "But the onus and the responsibility is on you. We trust you, and we believe in you. That's why we are investing in your education. We trust that you will go back to the district and help develop it with the knowledge you will gain from your studies."

Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura presenting the cheque for Madang Teachers College students to the principal yesterday *(Image: NBC News)*

Of the total K1.5 million budgetary allocation, K1 million has been locked in for long-form tertiary institutions, while K500,000 is earmarked for specialized short courses. The nationwide rollout began last week targeting tertiary institutions in Eastern Highlands and Morobe provinces before expanding to Madang this week.

Kumura said the tuition assistance was a strategic 'little push or extra push' to complement the immense financial sacrifices already made by parents on the ground.

He left the students with stern, practical lifestyle advice, urging the future professionals to choose their friends wisely, protect their academic pathways, and maintain strict personal discipline.

"Always do the right thing at the right place, and at the right time," Kumura told them, reiterating that they can never go wrong when maintaining that focus. "We are investing in your education because we believe in you."