Free scholarships for Pacific students

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday announced a 20-full scholarship to be made available annually for youths and students in the Pacific region.
Students will attend tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea for the next five years.
“Students will be trained in science and technological subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, mathematics, information communication technology and medicine,” Sir Michael said.
He said the Pacific Island Forum secretariat would implement the scholarships and organise bidding from Pacific countries for a scholarship to study in PNG.
“This will ensure that we continue to develop and expand skilled human resources for a better, happy and prosperous Pacific region.
Speaking during the official opening of the 8th forum education ministers meeting in Port Moresby’s, Sir John Guise stadium, Sir Michael said PNG was committed to playing its part in ensuring that Pacific youths were equipped to “compete in today’s globalised environment”.
He also added that he was concerned about the sustainable livelihoods of the Pacific people.
“Our people are generally finding difficult to sustain their lives because they lack access to markets that result in poor standards of living,” Sir Michael said.
He said these were complex issues that created enormous challenges for Pacific Islands governments and the people.
“Added to these are challenges of globalisation that is also affecting the Pacific way,” he said.