STUDENTS from Telefomin District now have the opportunity to study abroad in India at Parul University following the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Port Moresby.
The MoU will enable students from Telefomin to pursue studies at Parul University for a period of three to four years, depending on the program they choose.
Present at the signing were the Minister for Works & Highways and Member for Telefomin, Hon. Solan Mirisim, Telefomin District Development Authority (DDA) Mr. Benjamin Mano, and representatives from the Office of International Affairs India and Marketing Executive Bansi Mayani, alongside other staff and officials.
Minister Mirisim, who has been focused on advancing educational opportunities in his district, emphasized the importance of education in achieving career goals and dreams.
“We have been prioritizing education since I took office in 2012. My district is very isolated, and many schools lack teachers,” Mirisim explained.
He highlighted that his primary focus has been to improve education and bring development to his community.
“When I assumed office in 2012, I made it a priority to send teachers to colleges, leading to partnerships with institutions like Balop Teachers College, Gaulim Teachers College, and others,” Mirisim revealed.
As a result of this initiative, over 200 students have been sent to teach in the remote areas of Telefomin District.
“Education is the key to everything, and we need an educated population to lead the country,” Minister Mirisim stated.
Students intending to pursue this pathway will have the opportunity to receive support from the district and the Minister.
Mirisim further elaborated that they are working on additional MOUs with other states, including India, leveraging their geographical advantage of sharing a border.
He commended the initiative and praised the DDA for leading the negotiation process, along with his coordinating team, to bring these objectives to fruition.
