Fisheries graduates create history in Kavieng

Captions: 1.Tumbuans performing at the inaugural National Fisheries College and University of Vudal graduation last Friday. 2.  Diploma students with guests after last Friday’s graduation in Kavieng 3. Dux of the graduating class Gove Francis receiving his diploma from University of Vudal chancellor Sir Rabbie Namaliu. 4. The official party led to the dais. 5. Tumbuans lead guests and graduating students at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng last Friday.

 

History was made at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng last Friday  when the first-ever diploma in fisheries and marine resource management students graduated.

The seven students were Barry Glenda, Galuwa Augustine, Gove Francis, Jahak Leornard, Kenove Robert, Michael Jack amd Yasi Tava Mark.

It was the result of a collaborative effort between the National Fisheries Authority, University of Vudal and the German Development Assistance Agency GTZ that has seen this programme bear fruit.

Guests including UoV Chancellor Sir Rabbie Namaliu, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, NFA deputy managing director John Kasu, UoV vice-chancellor Professor Philip Siaguru and Dr Uwe Lohmeyer of GTZ were present for the occasion.

Sir Rabbie said the graduation signified four momentous achievements.

“Firstly,” he said, “seven young people will be graduating to take their place in the fisheries and marine resources sector, which is one of the most-important sectors in the Pacific region.

“Secondly, it has brought together professionals from Germany, PNG and the Pacific nations to enable it to get this far.

“These men and women must be complimented for the foresight and dedication provided to allow the first graduation to occur.

“The third occasion is for this province, New Ireland, to host a university graduation ceremony.

“This compliments the fourth achievement of this occasion which is the further expansion of the university into the New Guinea Islands region as desired by the university council, of which Governor Sir Julius Chan himself in his capacity as the then chancellor helped lay the foundation.”

Sir Rabbie said that fisheries and marine resources were vital commodities for PNG and the UoV, in partnership with the NFA, could stand tall for the contribution they were making to the region and the international community.

“Three years ago,” he said, “there were many critics who thought otherwise about this programme.

“I am indeed happy to see that notwithstanding some obstacles, Vudal University in conjunction with GTZ and the National Fisheries Authority, is now graduating its first batch of trained technical scientists who have a job ahead.

“When the other seven students move on to the main campus at Vudal in East New Britain to complete their degrees, the full cycle would have been achieved and this programme can be reviewed to assess its success.”

Sir Julius said UoV could have a greater impact and role in PNG and the Pacific as indicated by interest from neighbouring Solomon Islands.

He said it was his vision that the NFC could follow suit and one day become a university of its own.

“With foresight,” Sir Julius said, “I hope this college, which I helped launch 20 years ago, will one day excel beyond diplomas, degrees and become a campus of its own.

“I look forward to the day when my people can call this University of New Ireland

The need to re-introduce the professional education program in the fisheries discipline at the university tertiary level has been very much triggered by the increase growth in investment in the PNG domestic fishing industry.

The course was developed in a consultative process between the NFA including NFC, the UoV, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and GTZ.

 GTZ contributed to the program by putting together subjects relevant for the degree and diploma program while the rest was done by NFC, UOV and UPNG.

A technical working committee was established since 2006 to annually review progress and work plans for curriculum development and coordination of the program.

 The committee consists of participants from key participating government institutions, namely GTZ, UOV, NFA, Office of Higher Education, UPNG, National Planning & Rural Development.

Diploma and Degree in Fisheries and Marine Resource Management is a three to four years program respectively and courses are offered both at the University of Vudal, East New Britain campus and National Fisheries College-Kavieng.

Year 1 and 4 students are enrolled at UOV and the second and third years’ courses are conducted at NFC in Kavieng.