MEDIA RELEASE
10 December 2007
For immediate release
Thirteen Papua New Guineans win Leadership Award scholarships
Thirteen Papua New Guineans have been awarded prestigious Australian Leadership Award (ALA) scholarships and will soon be leaving to take up placements at a number of Australian universities.
The group includes three conservationists, a pharmacist from the Western Highlands, a clinical nurse from New Ireland Province, and others from different fields from all over the country.
At a small reception marking the announcement of this year’s awards, the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, told the recipients that they had a unique opportunity to not only increase their knowledge and skills base but to also make a significant contribution to PNG.
“You have been identified by your respective organizations as individuals who will make the most of this opportunity to study in Australia, who will come back and push for positive social and economic change, who will set the standards and demand good governance in your work places, your provinces and in the country,” Mr Moraitis said.
Mr Moraitis said he was pleased to see such a diversity of subject areas including marine conservation, climate change, health, security, media and education – areas which have a significant impact on a nation’s development.
ALA is a regional programme within the Australian Scholarships initiative. It aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific, and address priority regional issues.
The ALA programme is comprised of scholarships and fellowships. Award recipients are drawn from the public, private and community sectors within countries with which Australia has a significant aid programme.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 304, Mobile: 693 1097