The recent visit to the James Cook University by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, was to meet and greet PNG students, and to explore more on what JCU is doing with UPNG, in up-skilling teaching staff.
O’Neill had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with students to find out what they were studying and where they come from. The students had the chance to meet and chat with the Prime Minister.
He encouraged each student to study hard and return home to teach their fellow Papua New Guineans, or give back to the country once they complete their studies.
O’Neill thanked the city of Townsville, and James Cook
University, for providing such high education and opportunities to PNG citizens.
Townsville City Mayor, Jenny Hill, said the relationship between the two cities was worth establishing, and that education plays a key role in contributing to human development.
She said not only can PNG students, willing to come to Townsville, can study at JCU, but also at the newly built Central Queensland University that’s already in existence in Townsville.
She said other opportunities also exist for high school students who are willing to complete their higher education in Townsville.
O’Neill said he is pleased with the relationship between JCU, UPNG and other government agencies in PNG, and hopes that relationships will continue further.
