Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated Pacific Adventist University (PAU) on achieving 40 years of providing service to Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

The Prime Minister officiated at the opening of the “homecoming” event where the school’s alumni joined students and staff to mark the occasion at the Koiari Park campus at 14 Mile, outside Port Moresby on Thursday, 4 July. Alumni and students came from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Cook islands, and Papua New Guinea.

In his speech, the Prime Minister commended the institution for producing graduates over four decades in an holistic education approach that combines academic learning with spiritual and character development since it opened as a college in 1984.

“PAU’s focus on service, modelled on Christian values, inspire its graduates into a life of service to contribute to nation-building after their departure from this university,” he said.

“Its emphasis on Holistic Development to grow the Emotional, Physical, Social, Vocational, Spiritual, and Environmental aspects of the Human Being seeks to shape its students into well-rounded citizens of their countries and of the world,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister said good education was vital in the formation and sustenance of strong societies.

He said PAU students are making impact, leading their communities, raising good family units, and contributing to nation-building in their communities since the institution opened 40 years ago.

He further acknowledged PAU’s focus on service and community building as being vital for creating responsible citizens and leaders who contribute positively to society.

“It’s inspiring to see institutions like the Pacific Adventist University playing a role in nurturing such values in their students and this Government stands ready to support you as you continue to grow,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.

PM Marape also highlighted the support and contributions of the university’s parent body, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which has enabled a quality environment for teaching and learning.

Prime Minister Marape assured the school of his government’s support, which started under a partnership five years ago. He said this would be revised under a new MOU to cater to the university’s plans to expand its programs into medicine, opening a training hospital and several other fields.