DWU students, staff receive masks sewn by volunteers

STUDENTS and staff of Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang are beneficiaries of washable face masks sewn by a group of volunteers led by Sr Monika Steinberger.
This was one of the measures DWU took to safeguard the university community from the coronavirus pandemic.
The project was supported by non-government organisation Bread for the World.
Sr Monika, who works as a counsellor at DWU, said the project began early last month and 3,400 masks were completed and distributed to students free while staff paid K3 for one.
She said: “By May 11, all students received one mask each and we aim that by June 1 all students will be provided with a second one.
“Thus, in case the virus reaches Madang at any time, students are prepared to wear the protective masks.
“A total of 400 masks have been sold to DWU staff and employees of Diwai Enterprise Ltd, the business of the university.
“We hope to complete our project by June 5.”
The masks are being made from household materials.
Precautionary measures are taken to ensure the materials are good enough to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in lecture rooms, students’ mess and other public places on campus.
“Bread for the World is covering the cost for the students’ masks.”
The volunteers sewing the masks include DWU staff, female students, sisters from the Catholic Church and Catholics from the communities.