NINE students sponsored under the Mineral Resources Development Company’s (MRDC) Education Subsidy Program were among the 793 graduates who received their qualifications during Divine Word University’s (DWU) 44th Graduation Ceremony in Madang on March 6.
The group included three students who graduated with Masters qualifications and six who completed Bachelor degrees, with one student earning the University Prize for Highest GPA.
The students were sponsored through various landowner company boards under MRDC, representing project areas across the country.
MRDC General Manager for External Affairs, Bartholomew Yacop, attended the ceremony to witness their achievements, commending the commitment of the trustees and families who continue to support education as a long-term investment for their communities.
Mr Yacop said the Education Subsidy Program is creating vital opportunities for students to attain professional qualifications that would otherwise be out of reach. “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.
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 with improving development endeavours,” he said.
Master of Business Administration graduate, Roni Boli, 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. This success belongs to the community, and I look forward to heading back to my community and giving back,” he said.
The graduating students included Aimee Wenis (Bachelor of Communication Arts), Shannilla Samuel (Bachelor in Accounting), Vero Kurupani (Bachelor in Health Management), Valentine Oma (Bachelor in Management), Amos Yolakeng Bachelor in Environmental Science recipient, Clyde Masere (Bachelor of Information Systems) and Masters graduates Ronnie Boli (MBA), Ben Aselai (Master of Education Leadership), and Junior Rody Ukin (Master of Leadership in Development).
They are part of the more than 1,000 students currently supported under MRDC’s Education Subsidy Program across higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea.