New Ireland announces new K50,000 scholarship scheme

By ABIGAIL APINA
FOUR scholarships worth K50,000 will be given out every year beginning this year to students in New Ireland.
New Ireland government extended its policy on free and subsidised education to include a rewarding postgraduate scholarship scheme for four specific disciplines – mining, marine, environment and agriculture.
A committee was appointed by the provincial executive council to make selections guided by policies embracing the government’s vision to graduate highly skilled and qualified professionals who could contribute effectively to the province in achieving development goals and building their capacity in the workforce relevant to their needs.
“We want to encourage New Irelanders who are willing to take ownership of our vision and goals in the Malagan Declaration and undertake postgraduate studies majoring in specified skills discipline to join the New Ireland team under a bonding arrangement,” governor Sir Julius Chan said.
He also said it was a new initiative of higher order that complements their free and subsidised education policy, giving hope and future to more than 41,000 school children and students.
The selection committee will be headed by Florence Stocken and will include director of education Dr John Hamau, autonomy  committee chairman Stephen Mokis, provincial planning chief Dr Bruce Harris and University of Papua New Guinea lecturer Vincent Malaibe.
Sir Julius also said the provincial government is paying K800 course fees per unit for 40 primary and secondary school teachers taking up distance and flexible
learning courses at Divine Word University and University of Goroka to upgrade their academic ratings.