Foundation sponsors 39 to study in Manila

 By MIRIAM MALAWA

THIRTY-nine students from Enga have been presented a second chance to further their studies in Manila under the Ipatas Foundation scholarship. 

The 39 are mostly Grade 12 dropouts chosen for heavy diesel fitting at the Site Group Training Centre.  

The training is in partnership with the Orion Group and the Site Group Life Skills Training School. The students were selected from 700 applicants pursuing Ipatas Foundation scholarships to study heavy diesel fitting (mechanic), fabrication and catering. 

Of the 700 applications, 175 were selected for medical checks by Orion Group and 120 were chosen for the training. The 39 picked are the first batch picked for six months of theory and six months on-job training in PNG.

Enga Governor Peter Ipatas said this was the first foundation to send students overseas for life skills training. 

Ipatas thanked the Orion Group, saying with its international connection it had made it possible for the students to travel overseas for training for Australian-recognised certificates as it was an Australian school.

He told the students the foundation had spent about K5 million and they should be mindful of their training.

 “This is another opportunity for all of you to be successful in your lives. Be committed, and you can only do that if you are humble,” Ipatas said.