Divine Word University (DWU) is marking 30 years of service to Papua New Guinea with anniversary celebrations taking place across the country, including a series of activities in the nation’s capital.
The celebrations are being held under the theme “Serving the Nation with Quality Education for 30 Years”, recognizing the university’s contribution to education and national development since its establishment in Papua New Guinea.
The university operates four campuses across the country, with its main campus situated in Madang, alongside campuses in Port Moresby, Rabaul and Wewak providing education and training in various fields.
Divine Word University says more than 15, 000 students and alumni have passed through the Port Moresby campus alone, with graduates now working in leadership, management, health, education, and other sectors across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
Port Moresby Campus Administrator Dr. Jerome Oko stated that the capital-city campus has developed a role as a hub for flexible learning and professional development.
The campus caters mainly for working professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications through flexible learning, while also offering a full-time Business Studies program.
It currently has approximately 850 students, including flexible and full-time students, supported by full-time staff and part-time lecturers.
Dr. Oko noted that the university’s flexible learning model demonstrates its commitment to innovation and creating opportunities for Papua New Guineans who may not be able to pursue conventional full-time study.
He emphasized that Divine Word University remains strongly service-oriented, with its graduates contributing to sectors such as health, education, and leadership, including in rural and remote communities.
The university has also built partnerships with government, churches, the private sector and international universities, supporting its broader role in national development.
The Port Moresby anniversary program will begin on Friday, August 14, with a Mass, followed by a series of activities leading into the main celebrations.
On Saturday, August 15, the Port Moresby Campus will host a colourful motorcade through the capital, featuring vehicles decorated to represent Divine Word University’s past, present, and future of the institution’s growth over the past 30 years.
The public is encouraged to come out and support the motorcade as it travels through the streets before returning to the campus for formal acknowledgements and a cake cutting ceremony.
The major public event in Port Moresby will be held on Friday, August 21, at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, with an Exhibition and Entertainment Day.
The exhibition will run from 9:00AM to midday, which will bring together sister institutions, financial institutions, and other organizations. More than 20 sister institutions have accepted invitations to participate.
According to the university, the exhibition will also provide opportunities for students to connect with institutions and financial organizations on areas including internships, professional development, and financial literacy.
The afternoon program will celebrate Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity, with students representing different provinces taking part in performances.
In addition, a major feature will be a student skit taking the audience through Divine Word University’s journey from its establishment to its present-day programs and campuses, and into its vision for the future.
The Exhibition and Entertainment Day is open to the general public.
Celebrations in Port Moresby will conclude on Saturday, August 22, with a corporate gala dinner at Dynasty Restaurant at Vision City.
The dinner will also serve as a fundraising event, with tables available for K5, 000 to assist the Port Moresby Campus with infrastructure development as student numbers continue to increase, as well as supporting the need for additional teaching and administrative staff and improving accommodation.
Alumni, corporate organizations, and business houses are being encouraged to support the fundraising dinner.
The event will include entertainment, guest speakers, a presentation on the history of Divine Word University, and finally, an alumni discussion panel.
As Divine Word University celebrates three decades, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to Papua New Guinea while looking ahead to the role education will play in developing the country and the Pacific.
For the Port Moresby Campus, the anniversary activities provide an opportunity for the capital city community to celebrate the university’s history, its students and alumni, and its continuing commitment to serving the nation through education.
