PNG Students Graduate in US Through Yer Foundation Support

PNG Students Graduate in US Through Yer Foundation Support/Photo supplied

Four young Papua New Guineans have proudly graduated from a tertiary institution in the United States under a scholarship program funded by the Yer Foundation, opening a new chapter for students from less privileged backgrounds in PNG.
The students completed their studies at Southern Maine Community College in the United States last Sunday, becoming the first group to graduate under the foundation’s overseas education initiative.
Graduates David Wasun completed studies in Radiation Therapy while Dickson Paki graduated in Health Management. Lilian Simon and Joyce Pindipia both completed studies in Health Management and Nursing.

The achievement has been described as a milestone for the foundation, which was established to give struggling but capable students an opportunity to continue higher education overseas.
Yer Foundation founder Jackson Yer said the program was created with the belief that students from disadvantaged backgrounds also deserve access to quality education.
“Securing a tertiary institution outside of the country is not only for the fortunate students,” Mr Yer said.
“The less privileged ones can be given a second chance to further their studies if they match all requirements of the Yer Foundation.”
Mr Yer said many intelligent young Papua New Guineans miss out on opportunities because of financial hardships and lack of support.
“One of the ways that I can help as a concerned citizen of the country is to provide a second chance in education to the US for the less fortunate students to further their studies,” he said.
Mr Yer, an educationist based in Maine in the United States, launched the foundation in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, in 2018.
He said the graduates had represented PNG well during their time abroad and balanced their studies with part-time work on campus to support themselves.
Mr Yer said the knowledge and experience gained by the students would help them contribute meaningfully to the country in future.
“We are confident that the knowledge, skills, and exposure they have gained will enable them to contribute positively to the development of our beloved country,” he said.
“They are not just degree holders, they are nation builders in the making.”


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