Women’s club continues scholarship tradition

THE Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPWC) of Port Moresby has made many young girls’ dreams come true through the awarding of scholarships to further their education.
The BPWCs school fee support programme has helped women to pursue their education and training for the past 20 years.
Most of the recipients currently sponsored are in vocational training centres, high schools, universities and the college of distance education.
Over the years, BPWC membership grew significantly and now has 70 members, including some of the recipients who benefited from the scholarship and are now in the workforce.
Two representatives of BPWC’s executive committee, who were present at the All Nations Women’s Group (ANWG) annual general meeting yesterday, were handed a cheque for K10,000 from the group to help continue their efforts in fulfilling the education needs of young women.
The announcement of the financial assistance surprised BPWC members Judith Bona and Margaret Aila, who were thankful and inspired by ANWG’s kind gesture.
“It’s fantastic and I think it reflects that the money is spent wisely.
“It can be relatively small but it can go a long way and make a difference to a girl’s life,” Mrs Bona said.
This is the second time the ANWG has helped BPWC.
The same amount was given to BPWC last year.
The BPWC has embarked on a partnership with the PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd to fund the scholarships worth K250,000 for five years.
Mrs Bona said the recipients were recommended by their respective schools for the scholarships.
“Most of the recipients come from low-income families or have struggled one way or another to acquire an education.
“BPWC has started a mentor programme, particularly for the recipients in Grade 12, to help prepare them for job opportunities.
“They are taught how to prepare their curriculum vitae, application letters and what to do during a job interview,” she said.
BPWC was formed in 1982 by Community Development Minister and Moresby South MP Dame Carol Kidu.