Briefs

Two teachers graduate
TWENTY-TWO students recently graduated with bachelors in school management degrees at the University of Goroka’s (UOG) learning centre in Maprik, East Sepik. The centre’s director Thresha Dingu urged teachers to upgrade their qualifications through this non-conventional mode of learning as it was accessible, flexible and affordable.

Uni receives research grant
THE University of Papua New Guinea has received K100,000 from the Science and Technology Secretariat to begin research on biodiversity and bio-economy beginning with the Varirata National Park in Central. Vice-chancellor Prof Frank Griffin said the project was a collaborative initiative by the university and the National Research Institute to confront socio-economic impacts of conservation areas on the surrounding communities.

USAID donates books
THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 400 copies of ‘The Turtles Return’ to the Eastern Highlands Resource Centre in Goroka. The publication is about conservation efforts to protect leatherback sea turtles from extinction. USAID deputy mission director for Pacific Islands Sean Callahan said: “PNG’s biodiversity is one of the richest, yet also among the most threatened in the world. Empowering local communities with the knowledge and ability to protect and conserve their natural resources is at the heart of USAID’s mission.”

Uni farewells Basil
STUDENTS and staff from a university in East New Britain recently joined the nation in paying respects to late Bulolo MP Sam Basil. The PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) vice chancellor Prof Aisak Pue said their programme at the Vudal campus was done to celebrate the life and memory of a national leader.

Cultural barriers exist: Chief
National Maritime Safety Authority chief executive officer Paul Unas says cultural barriers exist in the country and keep women from fully participating in the industry which needed to be removed through awareness by industry experts.