Taiwan gives lamps to rural students

Story by DULCIE OREKE
REMOTE schools in the country will benefit from solar desk lamps thanks to the Taiwan trade mission here.
Valued at US$100,000 (K212,765), the 3,300 units will bring light to students to study in the evenings, mission representative Daniel Hu said last week.
He said with the start of the LNG project, “the country is expecting an economic boom in the coming years”.
Hu said while the government was dedicated to developing the economy, other needs must be addressed, especially in education.
“PNG has to develop its own human resources at the same time in order to gain and sustain economic independence.”
Hu said Taiwan had great expertise to share.
“We are confident that you can do it and hopefully you will set your own path to prosperity and independence through our partnership,” he said.
During a handover presentation in Port Moresby, he said since PNG was the largest country in the South Pacific, “it is understandable that the demand will be large”.
“We have decided to continue our efforts and make a similar donation of another 3,840 to benefit more pupils,” he said.
Hu said the donation was a small token of friendliness to show PNG that Taiwan was concerned about the country’s endeavours for a better life.
“As we look into the future, we hope to be guided by the joint vision of a progressive Taiwan and PNG, and through concerted efforts, we expect our achievements will become greater year after year,” he said.
The batteries of the lamps are rechargeable by sunlight and fully charged lamps can last up to 10 hours.
Education secretary Dr Musawe Sinebare, who received the items on behalf of the department, acknowledged the mission’s initiatives that “will go a long way” in helping disadvantaged students.