Nine graduates sponsored through various landowner subsidiaries under the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) were among the 793 graduates who received their qualifications during Divine Word University’s (DWU) 44th Graduation Ceremony in Madang on March 6.

The group included three graduates who completed Masters degrees and six who earned Bachelor qualifications, with one graduate receiving the University Prize for Highest GPA. Their achievements highlight the growing impact of MRDC’s Education Subsidy Program, which continues to open pathways for students from project areas across the country to access higher education.

MRDC General Manager for External Affairs, Bartholomew Yacop, attended the ceremony to witness the graduates’ achievements and acknowledged the commitment of landowner company boards and trustees whose investment in education has enabled many young people to pursue professional qualifications.

He said the Subsidy Program continues to play a vital role in reducing financial barriers for students from resource project communities.

“The Subsidy Program is a privilege for many students and their parents, and the Boards and their trustees must be commended for the investment in their students. Many students from the impacted communities are often disadvantaged by high tuition fees, and this investment helps them achieve these credentials. Our hope is that the students return to their host provinces and communities and help with improving development endeavours,” he said.

Master of Business Administration graduate, Ronnie Boli, who was sponsored under the Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) trustee, said the financial support allowed students to focus fully on their academic commitments. “It is not an easy feat, but many of us managed to complete these studies knowing our board and community have invested in our education.

This success belongs to the community, and I look forward to heading back to my community and giving back,” he said. The graduating students included Aimee Wenis (Bachelor of Communication Arts), Shannilla Samuel (Bachelor in Accounting), Vero Kurupani (Bachelor in Health Management), Valentine Oma (Bachelor in Management), Amos Yolakeng (Bachelor in Environmental Science), and Masters graduates Roni Boli (MBA), Ben Aselai (Master of Education Leadership), and Junior Rody Ukin (Master of Leadership in Development).

They are among more than 1,000 students currently sponsored by the subsidiaries through the MRDC’s Education Subsidy Program across higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea.