Students call for face masks, gloves

MORE than 1,000 students living in the University of PNG campus need a supply of face masks, sanitisers and gloves, plus security officers to man the gates.
Students spokesman Adrian Taranu said their safety and wellbeing were important.
“This coronavirus gives no chance to anyone,” Taruna said.
“Our lives are important. We can continue our education when this situation is contained.
“More security personnel are needed to man the gates, garden foods to boost immune systems.
“WiFi must also be increased to each residential hall with school buses, ambulance and clinics to be available daily to keep the students safe on campus.”
Since the suspension of classes on March 16, the students had remained on campus.
They also called for balanced meals.
Student Kim Roary said about 80 per cent of students wanted to go home, according to a survey.
“Most students want to be at home with their parents which they say is much safer than being on campus.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof Frank Griffin told students on Friday that a council meeting would be held today.
Vice-chancellor Academic and Student Affairs Prof Paul Fleming said UPNG had no proper online system to cater for classes during the pandemic.
He said it would take up to four months to process an online learning system.
Meanwhile, a Divine Word University student in Madang is concerned about his education this year because of the state of emergency and suspension of classes due to Covid-19.
Cameron Mamadeni, a final-year PNG Studies and International Relations student from Milne Bay, told The National that he wanted to go home when domestic flights were allowed.
But his parents urged him to stay in school and complete his studies.
He is grateful that his tuition fee for this year was paid by the Government but is worried about next year’s fees.
“My parents are subsistence farmers and are not in a better position to allow me to go home and come back next year because they do not have the capital to sponsor me,” he said.