ExxonMobil PNG Limited, operator of the PNG LNG Project, began its Science Ambassadors program for 2016 by visiting Lealea and Boera Primary Schools in early April.
Staff of ExxonMobil PNG spoke to the grade eight students about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as encouraging them to consider a career in these fields.
Students participated in the discussions and observed oil and gas experiments that can be used to further explain the origins and locations of oil and gas beneath the earth’s surface.
ExxonMobil PNG’s Integrity Engineer at LNG Plant Josedech Siotama said that he was pleased to have participated in the programme.
“Science Ambassadors programme is a good initiative that utilises ExxonMobil PNG staff to motivate students to think more seriously about their education and make the right career choices while they are in school. Motivating students to value their education is a driver that students here in PNG need,” said Josedech.
Each year ExxonMobil PNG staff volunteer to be science ambassadors and undergo training to be eligible to visit and teach lessons covering geology and the origins of oil and gas using prepared science kits.
The Science Ambassadors program was originally developed by ExxonMobil in 1990 in Houston, Texas. In 2013 it was launched in primary schools around Port Moresby. The program provides students the opportunity to receive fun hands-on experience through practical experiments.
This year, the program will be conducted in eight primary schools in Hides, six schools around the LNG Plant site and six schools in Port Moresby.