Supporting students vital: Powi

By JINA AMBA
HELPING and supporting students who have been pushed out of the education system to become someone in life is important, says Southern Highlands Governor William Powi.
He said this during the 16th graduation of Mapex Training Institute in Port Moresby on Friday where more than 600 students graduated.
Powi said Southern Highlands, under his leadership, had identified students who have dropped out of school and had sponsored them.
“We identified the students who had the capacity and potential to become a better person but the education system pushed them out,” he said.
Powi said they had identified about 9,000 people who had the potential and drive and had sponsored them to private schools, such as Mapex, around the country.
“They have potential but I think there is a limit in tertiary institutions where people are being forced out to become useless, not productive and so life becomes meaningless,” he said.
“I am happy that some people who had no hope are graduating and will be somebody now. The purpose is to make a difference.”
Mapex chief executive director Marcus Kara encouraged students to go out and perform well in the workforce.
“One of the goals I set was to reach out to the people so that they can access quality training right at their doorsteps at an affordable cost,” he said.
“I started small in 2015, with only one purpose in Port Moresby.
“I’ve opened campuses in Lae, East New Britain and other provinces.
“I am now thinking of going international starting next year as interest is coming from our neighbouring countries such as the Solomon Islands.
“I want to work in partnership with the Government, churches and NGOs (non-government organisations).”