MP increases subsidy for Imbonggu students

STUDENTS from Imbonggu district in Southern Highlands studying in tertiary institutions will continue to benefit from a new education subsidy scheme,  MP Francis Awesa says.
He said K3 million would be allocated specifically for this purpose in 2017, an increase from the K2.8 million this year.
Awesa last Friday paid K123,000 to the University of PNG in Port Moresby for Imbonggu students studying there.
The money is part of the second batch of payment totalling K1,229,000 to assist 1084 students in PNG and abroad that missed out in the first batch payment earlier this year.
He said assistance for students in other universities and learning institutions would be made in the coming weeks.
“We’re grateful of the Government’s TFF (tuition fee free) education policy that is paving the way forward for Imbonggu district,” he said.
“In line with this, we’ve allocated the money because with TFF education policy, many students are leaving the system with limited opportunities for future challenges in life so further education provides for that strong foundation and gives them the opportunity to make a good living after they graduate.
“Imbonggu is making substantial investments in education and human resource development because we do not have mineral and hydrocarbon deposits or big coffee and tea plantations.”
In March 2016, K1,590,200 was paid for 650 students in 80 institutions in the country plus those studying abroad.