A club formed recently to develop and foster a reading and writing culture among students had a timely boost, thanks to donations from a renowned literary competition anthology.
Divine Word University Writers and Readers Club was a proud recipient of nine The Crocodile Prize Anthology 2015 books at the university’s main campus in Madang yesterday on Monday.
Social and Religious Studies Lecturer and founder of the club Fr Harry Gahare said the articles of Papua New Guinean writers compiled in the book is likely to motivate the students who are engaging in this club.
Fr Gahare said the 22 members comprising of staff and students engaged in the club will contribute to the competition and help promote a reading and writing culture in PNG.
Fr Gahare said one of the students Amanda Yeou who was a contributor to the PNG Attitude blog brought the club’s plight to one of the editors, Keith Jackson’s attention who supportively donated the books as compliment for spreading the writing culture.
Not only have students been involved in spreading the writing culture but staff of the university are also involved. Lecturer in International Relations and a member of The Crocodile Prize Organizing Group Mr. Bernard Yegiora recently returned from a trip to Simbu from this year’s Crocodile Prize Awards. He shared experiences of how having a club would assist more in developing writing and reading.
Mr. Yegiora donated two books on behalf of the club to the Friendship Library afterwards.
Books donated by Mr. Jackson have been distributed among students and staff.
Fr Gahare is optimistic the club would soon be contributing stories to the future Crocodile Prize Anthologies and also venture into publishing its own stories through the university’s publishing arm DWU Press.
Although the group has just started, they have been tasked to organize next year’s Crocodile Prize Awards and Seminar which is to occur at Divine Word University.
Meanwhile, the club is working towards registering the club as an association who works independently in the university however under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Divine Word University is a National University, open to all, serving the society through its quality of research, teaching, learning and community service.
For more information, contact us on telephone 422 2937 or fax 422 2812 and ask for the Public Relations Officer – Rhonda Clement or email at rclement@dwu.ac.pg
Photo: Fr Harry Gahare and Ms. Katherine Epikana all smiles while showing The Crocodile Prize Anthology 2015.
