[Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – September 20, 2024] – In a significant effort to support local schools and students, IBSUniversity, in partnership with the Nadesalingam Foundation for Education Limited, donated K5,500 worth of essential stationery, including A4 paper reams and exercise books. The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Mateulo Olewale, a second-year student from the School of Economics and Development Studies. The initiative reached over 13,000 students and staff across five schools in the nation’s capital.

The schools that benefitted are:

• Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School – 3 cartons of A4 paper reams and 3 cartons of 64-page exercise books.

• Wardstrip Primary School – 4 cartons of A4 paper reams and 4 cartons of 64-page exercise books.

• New Erima Junior High School – 4 cartons of A4 paper reams and 4 cartons of 64-page exercise books.

• Evedahana Primary School – 4 cartons of A4 paper reams and 4 cartons of 64-page exercise books.

• Bomana Primary School – 3 cartons of A4 paper reams and 3 cartons of 64-page exercise books.

Positive Feedback from Schools

The initiative received an overwhelming response from the schools, with heartfelt gratitude expressed by the educators.

Mr. Peter Wemin, Deputy Head Teacher of New Erima Junior High School, shared his thoughts:

“I’ve taught in various community and primary schools around the country for the past 49 years, and I’m about to reach 50 years of teaching. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Although there are several universities and colleges in Papua New Guinea, this is the first time I’ve received such a visit. I’m truly grateful for IBSUniversity and its students for this initiative, and I hope it becomes a regular event.”

Similarly, Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School’s Head Teacher, Mr. Eluda, said:

“This is a major initiative and the first of its kind at Holy Rosary. We’re grateful for this timely visit, especially during a period when government funding is delayed. The donation of much-needed stationery supplies will help us complete the final term of this year successfully. The students from IBSUniversity clearly understand the struggles of Papua New Guineans, and this initiative reflects that awareness.”

The Birth of the Initiative

When asked how the idea came about, Mr. Roddy Rinniky, the coordinator and team leader of the initiative, shared his inspiration:

“Growing up in Papua New Guinea, I’ve seen the need for such assistance firsthand. During my studies at IBSUniversity, I realized that I could take action. The idea came during a project proposal assignment where we were encouraged to support IBSUniversity’s community service initiatives. With the support of my course mates, we submitted our proposal to the Founder of Nadesalingam Foundation for Education Limited, who approved it, with a stern challenge, ‘How do we benefit these schools meaningfully?’ Our sights were set on providing immediate, practical support to these schools, by donating stationery. This was timely, given the current economic climate we’re in.”

Mr. Rinniky further emphasized the impact of the donation:

“We served over 13,000 students and staff across the five schools. These supplies will help ease their day-to-day operations and support their educational goals.”

This initiative is part of Nadesalingam Foundation for Education Limited IBSUniversity’s broader commitment to community service, empowering students not only academically but also instilling in them the importance of giving back to the community. The Nadesalingam Foundation for Education Limited, which sponsored the initiative, continues to play a vital role in supporting education in Papua New Guinea.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Lawrence Frank

COE Operations Team Leader

IBSUniversity Center of Excellence

E: Lawrence.Frank@ibs.ac.pg   

W: +675 7311 3144

H:+675 7411 4100

Jobin M Scaria

(PhD),M.TECH(IT),MCA,PGDCA,CIC

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academics)

IBSUniversity

M: +675 7411 4100

E: jobin.scaria@ibs.ac.pg 

PC: IBSU Media Editing & ND: IBSU Library & Information