Nine students supported under the Mineral Resources Development Company’s (MRDC) Education Subsidy Program were among 793 graduates who received their qualifications during the 44th graduation ceremony of Divine Word University (DWU) on March 6.
The group included three graduates with master’s degrees and six who completed bachelor’s degrees. One of the MRDC-sponsored students also received the university prize for the highest grade point average.
The students were sponsored through various landowner company boards under MRDC, representing project areas across Papua New Guinea.
MRDC general manager for external affairs Bartholomew Yacop attended the ceremony and commended the trustees and families who continue to support education as a long-term investment for their communities.
Yacop said the Education Subsidy Program creates opportunities for students to attain professional qualifications that would otherwise be difficult to access.
“The Subsidy Program is a privilege for many students and their parents, and the boards and their trustees must be commended for the investment in their students,” he said.
“Many students from the impacted communities are often disadvantaged by high tuition fees, and this investment helps them achieve these credentials. Our hope is that the students return to their host provinces and communities and help improve development initiatives," Yacop added/
Master of Business Administration graduate Roni Boli, who was sponsored through the Petroleum (Kutubu) PDL 1 Trust, said the financial support enabled students to focus fully on their studies.
“It is not an easy feat, but many of us managed to complete these studies knowing our board and community have invested in our education,” he said. “This success belongs to the community, and I look forward to heading back to my community and giving back.”
The graduating students included Aimee Wenis (Bachelor of Communication Arts), Shannilla Samuel (Bachelor of Accounting), Vero Kurupani (Bachelor of Health Management), Valentine Oma (Bachelor of Management), Amos Yolakeng (Bachelor of Environmental Science) and Clyde Masere (Bachelor of Information Systems).
The master’s graduates were Roni Boli (Master of Business Administration), Ben Aselai (Master of Education Leadership) and Junior Rody Ukin (Master of Leadership in Development).
They are among more than 1,000 students currently supported under MRDC’s Education Subsidy Program across higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea.
