New Ireland to get latest Technology through Digicel

The people of New Ireland Province and Gazelle in East Britain of Papua New Guinea will have access to the very latest ICT technologies as a result of a partnership between Namatanai, Gazelle and Digicel Group.

Digicel, the District Administration of Namatanai and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology signed an undertaking to establish a technology, vocational centre in the New Ireland Province, linked to the ‘open campus’ network under the tertiary institutions of PNG. This paves the way to ensure that the ICT vocational centres offer high standard, accredited qualifications to grade 12 students who have not been afforded the opportunity to attend one of PNGs universities.

It is intended that the Ministry will facilitate the establishment of the ‘open campus’ structures, Digicel will provide the cross country connectivity and the district administration will fund the programmes. Digicel will also provide internships and industrial placements for ICT students.

Digicel and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology agreed and complete a second MOU that will see universities across PNG explore opportunities to deliver country wide ‘open campus’ programmes over the existing Digicel network. Minister Tabar is tasked with significantly improving the capacity and standard of tertiary education in PNG. “Our universities are operating at maximum capacity and the number of Grade 12 graduates is increasing exponentially every year. We need expeditious and affirmative action to ensure that these graduates have options when they leave school. The programmes that I have seen Digicel deliver are not the only answer; however they are a partner that will help to alleviate some of the pressure.”

The Minister and the University Vice Chancellors will work with Digicel to explore options to deliver the ‘open campus’ programme before the commencement of the second semester of 2015.

The Minister and his team will also look to provide tertiary students with the necessary tools to ensure their time at university is as productive and effective as possible. Students should have access to free, filtered internet. They need laptops and tablets. They need internships. I will be partnering Digicel to achieve this.

All of these programmes are designed to improve PNGs resource pool. Gary Seddon, Digicel Government Relations Director was very satisfied with this achievement. “These agreements represent the first step in a significant undertaking between Digicel and the Ministry. Ultimately students and lecturers will benefit from access to 1st world technology and innovation. Importantly, we will be taking positive steps to assure PNGs future, by equipping students with the skills and tools needed. We are all investing in the country’s future.