Enga gives K183,000 to uni students

THERE are not enough jobs around these days and employers are looking for good students, Isaac Lupari says.
Lupari, the Ipatas Foundation Inc (IFI) chairman, said this to Engan students attending the University of Papua New Guinea while presenting K182,790 as school fee assistance to the UPNG last Wednesday.
Witnessing the presentation were foundation patron and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas, Vice-Chancellor Prof Ross Hynes and Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for academics Prof Alan Easton.
Lupari said Enga was fortunate to have a governor who believed in the value of human capital – “and someone who has dedicated his leadership to investing in human resource development”.
He said because of that Enga was now a leading province in the promotion and development of quality education in the country.
“Enga today has well over 9,000 students attending tertiary institutions in the country,” Lupari said. 
“We have the highest enrolment at the UPNG, compared to any other provinces in the country.
“According to our records, Engan students’ population is close 500 at the main campus, medical college and open campus.
“This will increase as we strive to continue our investments in quality education.”
He said the money was an interest free loan to the students, who would repay it after completing their studies and in full-time employment.
“The students are fully aware of their obligations and rationale for this scheme.
“They will take ownership because it will benefit not only them but their children.
“The Student Financial Assistance Scheme is an interest free loan scheme that will help us sustain the scheme so that those coming in the future can continue to benefit.”
He challenged the students to study hard to become the “best” in their respective professions.
“If you want to make your parents and your governor proud, be the best.
“IFI has established a Job Assistance Scheme, which will help graduates find jobs,” Lupari said.
“We will help you only if you help yourself with total dedication to your studies.”
Hynes confirmed Enga had the most students at the university.
“It only reflects the dedicated investments by Governor Ipatas and his government.
 “You can’t go wrong with investment in human resources. For any country or society to prosper, education is the key.
“Enga province has made the right decision – and it is now beginning to bear fruit.”