The Madang Tertiary Students Network (MTSN) held its first Back-to-School Meet and Greet yesterday at Madang Technical College in the Madang Province.
The gathering aimed to help students get to know each other and strengthen networking among tertiary students from across the province.
Special Projects Officer with the Madang Provincial Government, Janis Poe, attended the event and encouraged students to take the Sir Peter Barter Tertiary Education Scholarship seriously.
“You students are fortunate to have a Governor who prioritizes education first,” she said.
Ms. Poe urged students to start planning their future careers while still in school and to think carefully about what they want to become. She also highlighted other opportunities available through provincial programs, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that students can explore after their studies.
She further explained that Madang Governor and Provincial Member, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, has also supported Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) programs for students who did not make it into universities and colleges.
“If you have relatives who did not make it this year, there are FODE programs available under this scholarship support,” she said.
Ms. Poe added that the Madang Provincial Government has allocated K10 million to fund students under the Sir Peter Barter Scholarship Program.
She also acknowledged MTSN student leaders for their continued efforts in ensuring students receive support from the provincial government and encouraged ongoing communication between students and the scholarship team.
Student leader Nicholas Gamuna, a final-year Divine Word University student studying Social Studies and Religious Studies, said Madang students are spread across Papua New Guinea but share a common purpose.
“Madang students are scattered across PNG, studying in various institutions. But today, we are united by a common goal, to uplift our province and empower our people,” he said.
“Students, let’s stand together, build connections, collaborate, and drive development in Madang. We have the power to create change. Let’s work together, share ideas, and support each other.”
He also encouraged students in universities and colleges to support the Madang Tertiary Students Network and become agents of change for the province.
MTSN President Advent Yamsob concluded the event by thanking the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Hon. Ramsey Pariwa for its continued support and wished all Madang students a successful academic year.
