Nun recognised for 30 year service

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday July 24th, 2013

 SISTER Frederika Alhers of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart has been recognised for her services to the people of New Ireland.

She was being recognised by the New Ireland provincial government for her 30 years of service as teacher and hospital administrator in New Ireland and East New Britain.

Last week, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan presented her with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

The medal was among those presented by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio to public servants and others in New Ireland province last month.

Sir Julius thanked Sr Alhers her for “selfless and dedicated services to the church and the people”.

“My being here demonstrates my sincere appreciation for the time, effort and commitment you have put in to educating many young people in New Ireland as well as an administrator of health services at Vunapope Hospital,” Sir Julius said.

Sister Ahlers left Germany in 1965 and received teacher training in Australia before arriving in Papua New Guinea in January 1968.

She taught at the Lihir Vocational School for 12 years and another three at Lemakot Vocational School.

Sister Ahlers also served the Kavieng Diocese for nine years as financial manageress.

Apart from serving in New Ireland, she was also the administrator for Vanapope Hospital in East New Britain.

From 2007 to 2011, she was involved in raising funds to build a single mothers’ hostel and child care centre in Port Moresby’s Gerehu suburb.

Restricted in movement and physical work outdoors, Sister Ahlers now helps make bed sheets, mattress covers and does other indoor work.