Nukindi vows to continue sponsorship of students

 By FRANCIS POKA

THE Kitip Lutheran Secondary School, in Dei district, Western Highlands, can make substantial improvements now, thanks to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

O’Neill made available K250,000 for the school and a cheque for the amount was presented by local MP Wesley Nukundi during graduation last Friday.

Nukindi announced a new 10-seater four-wheel drive vehicle for the school’s administration.

Nukundi urged the 565 students graduating from grades 10 and 12 to be more competitive in their approach to school work.

“You all will be our good ambassadors when you put more effort in your studies and score good marks,” he said.

“I will continue to sponsor tertiary students and all lower primary schools, high schools and secondary schools – the government is responsible for the free education policy.”

School principal Robert Kauna thanked O’Neill for the money and said it would be used for the maintenance of  classrooms.

Kauna said O’Neill’s free education policy was a major relief for parents who had been struggling to pay school fees.

He said the policy was having a ripple effect.

“We are now starting to see many development taking place in the school,” he said.

Kauna said his school would have internet access from   next year and they would be using computers to do their research.

Higher education representative Miti Pea announced that 119 Grade 12 students were selected to continue their studies in colleges and universities.

Miti encouraged those students who would not venture into colleges and universities to find alternative institutions like technical colleges.

“When you dropped out from studies, it doesn’t mean that it is the end of your life but you have other opportunities and chances to continue with your education,” he said.

He said 85 % of students were selected for colleges and universities for 2014.

The overall Grade 12 dux was awarded to Juki Nentip, dux for science to Philip Lucas and Ruth Kuri was the social science dux.