Friday 1st April 2022 marked the 35th graduation ceremony for the 2021 graduating class of Port Moresby Business College at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
Port Moresby Business College Principal Mrs Carmela Mokulabeta congratulated the 539 graduands on completing their respective diploma courses.
She said it is only fitting to celebrate the 2 years of hard work and effort each student has put in to make it this far.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not easy for the students and the teaching staff of Port Moresby Business College but they all pulled through and have come this far, she said.”
Mrs Mokulabeta said she is happy and proud of her teaching staff that have stood and maintained their standard of delivering quality education to the students.
She said, 2020 & 2021 were tough years for the college because most students were infected by Covid-19 or were just sick but despite of this, continued their studies at home with the online learning programs and the school also had the teachers on in-service to teach on modules.
The school principal said, “Whether sicknesses or other circumstances comes your way, always stand up and strive to overcome them and that’s exactly what the school and students have done, through the graduation witnessed today.”
Students were encouraged to return back to further their education studies with the first degree program to be offered by the school as of 2024 onwards.
Mrs Mokulabeta said, as per the strategic plan launched in 2020, a first degree program will be offered most likely for accounting program because UPNG has already accredited their program in Diploma in Accounting.
She added that they have already written a couple of diploma courses in preparation for the school to get the degree course.
Meanwhile, many graduating students expressed their joy and happiness over the great achievement they had accomplished after 2 years of studies.
Hosea Manas from East New Britain and East Sepik expressed his sentiments of joy and said he wished his mother was there to witness his special day.
“My mum is my root and my everything, I owe it all to her. I wish she was here today but I know she’s happy and looking down with a smile, he said.”
While giving her final remarks to the graduating students, Mrs Mokulabeta encouraged them to press on no matter what.
She said, “I believe that you are willing and more than able to do anything and always allow God to be the centre of all your plans. When you face challenges, it’s an opportunity to redefine it and improve a particular process whether in the workplace or somewhere else after you leave today.”