One of Papua New Guinea’s biggest challenges is the huge unemployment rate of its young people.
Member for Yangoru-Saussia, Richard Maru, said he will not allow this to continue in his electorate and hinder the future of the people of his district.
He made the comments on Monday at the pioneer graduation of the Kanauki University Centre in East Sepik.
It was a community event, celebrating the achievement of the eight pioneer graduates of Kanauki University Centre.
The graduation was held at the Warasawa Primary School in the Numbo LLG.
The Kanauki University Centre comes under the UPNG Open Campus structure. It was established in 2013 and is the third and newest university centre in East Sepik province.
Guests at the historical event included Professor Harinayarana, Executive Director of the UPNG Open Campus and Dr. Steven Winduo, representative of UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam.
All eight students graduated with Certificates in Tertiary and Community Studies, under the Social Science program. Two of the eight pioneers graduated in absentia.
Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru, said the university centre was established to deal with the high number of school leavers and youth unemployment.
Student Representative Johnny Saliwa thanked the administration as well as the surrounding community for all the support during the duration of the studies.
Director of the Kanauki University Centre, Patrick Faik, said the eight students achieved outstanding results. He urged the University of Papua New Guinea to give higher consideration to students coming out of university centres.
Professor Harinayarana said being highly educated opens doors to endless opportunities.
Standing in for Professor Albert Mellam, Dr. Winduo congratulated the students and said higher education was a channel to equip yourself personally and for a positive contribution to be made to the community.
The pioneer graduates were Jonathan Caspar, Brian Klahunio, Desmond Poki, Johnny Saliwa, Canute Wari, James Yawi, Mopson Anduo and Martin Benny.
Minister Maru said K1 million from DSIP will go towards developing the Kanauki University Centre.
