Youth advocate recognised

KIM Allen, a Papua New Guinean from Tubetube Island, Milne Bay, was among selected Japanese graduating students at Nagoya University in Japan to receive the Nagoya university president’s award.
“I am humbled and give glory to God for his grace and the opportunities,” he said.
“It is an honour to receive the Nagoya University president’s award, to encourage fellow students to be positive change makers in their fields.”
Allen, is a masters student studying International Development at Nagoya University.
In 2021 he was selected to study at Nagoya University’s graduate School of International Development.
Allan was awarded the scholarship through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Scholarship Programme (JSP).
“I thank every individual and organisation that has supported me in this journey,” he said.
Allen, is also the chairman of the Commonwealth Youth Council, advocating for youth development, leadership and empowerment of young people across 56 Commonwealth countries.
He is also engaged in the international student exchange programmes and youth forums while studying at Nagoya.
“Papua New Guineans can do greater change,” he said.
“Every person has potential, which must be harnessed to realise and create positive change.” The Graduate School of International Development at Nagoya University offers students practical fieldwork experiences overseas and domestically.
“The university offers excellent learning and practical experience that students apply to improve their knowledge and skills in community engagements and communication,” he said.
“I have been fortunate to participate in the fieldwork in Japan to learn the culture, systems and lifestyle.”
“This engagement allows me to reflect on my development challenges in PNG.”
At the community and national level, Allen supports his community in Tubetube, by addressing water and sanitation and education through library books.
He said that with his exposure he now thinks of, “how I can improve the situation in my community and country within my influence and role”.
Allen encourages students interested in doing masters in Nagoya to apply through the ADB-JSP, Japan’s Mext Scholarship or Japanese International Cooperation Agency.