Envoy: India wants to train citizens

Normal, Youth & Careers
Source:

The National, Wednesday 22nd August 2012

By YVONNE HAIP
INDIA is interested in training Papua New Guineans to become specialists in their fields and establish stronger relationships between the two countries.
It especially wants to train current doctors so PNG has its own specialists instead of hiring expert doctors from India and other countries.
High Commissioner for India Dr A M Gondane raised the subject during a luncheon last Thursday at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen to commemorate India’s 66th Independence.
Also at the luncheon, hosted by Indian company Essar Projects (PNG) and the Indian community in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, were Governor Paias Wingti, administrator Malcolm Culligan, Divine Word University governing council chairman Fr Garreth Roche and local businessmen.
Gondane said although India was a developing country like PNG, the two countries could help each other.
“India has some of the best doctors because of the medical schooling being provided in India.
“And Papua New Guinea could benefit from this if there is some sort of an agreement in place,” he said.
Wingti was interested in the training of medical doctors to become specialists in various fields but did not say if he would embark on an agreement with India for the province.
Earlier in the day, Gondane also visited Mt Hagen Secondary school to present a server that would connect the school’s three computer laboratories.
He said students and Papua New Guineans were fast learners but did not realise their full potential because students did not spend much of their time and effort studying, and did not aim higher than a diploma and degree.
“Here, students do not take their studies seriously.
“And mobile phones are being used full time by students even though they are a distraction that hinders student’s progress in school,” he said.
Gondane said in India, only the best were selected for further studies and given jobs, and students could not afford to play up with their education and studies.
He also raised concern over the cost of using the internet in PNG, describing it as “sky high” compared to other countries in the world.
He said in New York, USA, it costs US$25 (K52) to use the internet for a month on a 24-hour basis or on a no time limit frame.
“I am sure that with increased internet users in Papua New Guinea, the price will decrease.
“But in the meantime, it is very, very high,” Gondane said.