A 'university for the community'

The University of Natural Resources & Environment (UNRE) is known to the people of Maprik in East Sepik province as the ‘university for the community’.

Speaking highly of the integrated agricultural training programme (IATP) of the university that is being conducted in their area, many locals expressed their appreciation for the university which they said had contributed immensely to sustaining and improving their livelihood.

Maprik/Wora LLG ward member, Danny Lingin Raminibi, who was one of 25 participants at the program’s recent interview techniques and extension skills workshop in Maprik, said the training had greatly assisted him and his two colleagues (ward members).

He said the workshop had changed their mindsets, and enabled them to effectively plan and strategise programmes and projects to sustain and improve their people’s livelihood.

Mr Raminibi said the training was timely.

With the technique and skills he gained, he said he was now able to follow up on other trainings his people have received.

“Mi hamamas olsem Sepik go kirapim ples blong yupla na yupla kam bek na helpim mipla,” Mr Raminibi said.

A division of primary industry officer Betty Ninawale said the training she has received had boosted her morale to continue her extension work.

Ms Ninawale said many times she felt like giving up, particularly because of the lack of resources, but the university through IATP had given her courage and the confidence to work with relevant stakeholders including UNRE to continue delivering farmer training as well as other basic training to women.

Monica Otto of Foundation of Women in Agriculture Development appealed to all stakeholders to work in partnership with the university to sustainably improve the lives of the people of Maprik as well as East Sepik. 

“Yumi kolim UNRE olsem em university blong komuniti na yumi olgeta mas wok bung wantaim,” said Ms Otto. (We call UNRE as the University for the community so we must work in partnership with it).