By Jack Lapauve Jnr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Half of the K3 million budgeted for tuition fees for students in Southern Highlands Province, has been released to the accounts of higher learning institutions in the country.
Governor William Powi says despite recent setbacks, the Provincial Government is confident of honoring its commitment.
Nearly 4 thousand Southern Highlands students are enrolled in tertiary institutions around the country.
The Southern Highlands Governor and Administrator were present this morning(September 20), to announce the release of K1.5 million as payment for tuition fees.
Governor Powi said human resources is one priority area, to educate the next workforce of the province.
Student representatives from both Government and Church-run institutions were present to witness the announcement.
According to the Southern Highlands Provincial Government, each student will receive K800 toward their tuition. Students enrolled at PAU, UPNG, UNRE, Unitech, and Divine Word University among others, will benefit from the financial assistance.
Meanwhile, Governor Powi said the province is slowly recovering from the disaster and recent unrest in the province. But says, priority areas in health, education and law and order, including agriculture, will be supported.
The K1.5 million is part of the K3million allocated in the 2018 Southern Highlands Provincial Budget. The remaining will be released upon completion of paperwork and reports from the first payment.
