Scholarship builds next generation of leaders

A SCHOLARSHIP programme funded by Oil Search Limited through Oil Search Foundation (OSF) is contributing to building the next generation of PNG leaders, according to the foundation.
The programme is focused on leadership and good governance, enabling students to reach their potential to contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea, the foundation said in a statement.
OSF partnered with The Voice Inc, a local youth organisation that works with young people, to build their confidence and create avenues for them to contribute to their communities.
“Through the partnership, each scholarship recipient undergoes leadership training assignment to help them contribute positively to self-development, future workplace and governing the nation,” OSF said in a statement.
“After completion, graduates will be placed in organisations with strong governance so that they can further practise their leadership skills.”
Foundation executive director Stephanie Copus Campbell said: “Our dream is to one day support up to 300 young men and women every year through the scholarship programme in a way that creates a cadre of leaders who can support each other to drive change for their communities and country. We invite others in the private sector to join us.”
One of the scholarship recipients, Jonathan Mesa, a 2018 final-year medical student at the University of PNG, said his scholarship was timely in more ways than one. Through the scholarship, Mesa could focus on his studies without worrying about school fees and other related financial challenges.
This year, the foundation and its partners aim to award 26 scholarships in the fields of health and education.