The academic excellence of graduating Arawa Secondary College students was again recognised by Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) last week with the presentation of two laptop computers to the top students in science and social science.
BCL senior projects officer Genevieve Itta attended the school’s graduation ceremony and presented the new laptops on the company’s behalf to Sherol Dupansi who was the top science student and John Leonardie Moses who was the top student for social science.
Ms Itta noted the invaluable role Arawa Secondary College and its staff, led by principal Martin Takali, played in providing a supportive environment for students and preparing them for the future.
“Through their hard work and dedication both Sherol and John have achieved outstanding results and BCL was delighted to attend the graduation and to recognise their efforts throughout 2018 as well as the efforts of all the other graduates,” she said.
“Laptops are a valuable tool for learning and we are sure that both Sherol and John will put them to very good use.”
BCL was particularly pleased to be able to recognise the achievements of both a female and male student and Ms Itta said encouraging young leaders today would pay dividends in the future for Bougainville.
“Recognising academic achievement is an extremely important thing and we encourage other students who will be graduating in future years to follow the wonderful examples of Sherol and John and do their absolute best,” Ms Itta said.
Sherol, 20, from Topinang village, just outside of Arawa Town, said she was thrilled to have received a laptop from BCL and the computer would go a long way in assisting her especially as she intends to study at the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) science foundation next year in preparation for a career as a doctor.
“I am very happy to receive the laptop as it will come in handy as I pursue further studies at UPNG,” she said.
John, 20, from Rorovana village said that he was looking forward to using the laptop next year in his human resources management studies also at the University of Papua New Guinea. He said he is yet to open his new computer as he wanted the excitement of owning one to last as long as possible.
“But I am definitely looking forward to using it during my studies at UPNG next year. It’s not often you get presented with something like a laptopand I thank BCL for this award,” he said.
BCL has a long track record of supporting worthwhile community activities in Bougainville and is in the process of implementing a new community investment program to support initiatives in areas such as education, health, sport and culture.