Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

110615_MR_College funding boosts health, education and job opportunities

15 June

For immediate release

College funding boosts health, education and job opportunities.

In a further boost to the education of young Papua New Guineans, the PNG and Australian Governments have invested K2 million to expand student places and facilities in East New Britain.

Work will start this month on construction of a new health services clinic and nurse accommodation at the Sonoma Adventist College near Rabaul, under the PNG Australia Incentive Fund. Further plans for the College include more female student accommodation as well as upgrades to existing dormitories and an education centre for HIV AIDS, Health Studies and Food Technology.

“We can now offer more student places and more opportunities for study and support to female students from across the country,” said Sonoma Adventist College Principal, Dr Samson Kuku.

“The Government cannot do this alone and we recognise the valuable role churches play in partnership with the Government and our development partners in helping bring health and education services to people across the country, particularly in rural areas,” said First Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Joseph Turia.

"The school is to be congratulated for its commitment to educating the next generation of Papua New Guineans.”

The upgrade to the health clinic will not only bring improved medical services to those on campus but the 4000-5000 people living in neighbourhood plantations and villages.

“This funding supports Sonoma’s proven track record in improving local health services and education opportunities,” said Head of AusAID in PNG, Stephanie Copus-Campbell.

“This is an investment in people who can actively contribute to PNG’s future development for many years to come. As well as primary and secondary schooling, the College offers vocational and tertiary courses ranging from carpentry to teacher education and business studies."
 

“Each year we have recruitment rounds from companies across Papua New Guinea,” explained Dr Kuku.

“Last year all teaching and theology students were offered jobs, with 70 percent of other graduates now in the paid workforce. By expanding the College we can help provide more job-ready graduates to contribute to the economy.”
 

The funding to the East New Britain college follows last week’s signing by the PNG and Australian Governments for a K5.1 million expansion at the Notre Dame Secondary School in Mt Hagen.