Staff and students have gathered at the University of PNG’s Forum Square as the reconciliation service gets underway before the start of the academic year.
Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor David Kavanamur, told students that the future of this nation lies on their shoulders and it was important to move forward with trust.
He acknowledged the emptiness created at the campus by the unrest but said today was the start of a new journey. While creating trust between parties is difficult, taking the first steps towards this is important.
Vice-chancellor of UPNG, Professor Albert Mellam, described the occasion as a symbolic one signifying exactly four months when the unrest first started (May 2).
Mellam called on staff and students to be part of this occasion and to move this institution forward.
His message to students was of hope and renewal and called for all to hope for a brighter future by renewing their goals and moving forward.
He also appealed to staff and students to work together in the next few months to complete the academic year so students can earn the qualifications they deserve.
While they cannot change the past, he is happy students are back to complete their studies, said the VC.
Loop PNG noted that students were scattered all over the campus. Attendance at the service was poor.
(From left: Acting chancellor Dr Nicholas Mann, Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor David Kavanamur, UPNG VC Professor Albert Mellam, Dame Carol Kidu and other members of the council.)
