Led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Glynn Galo, it includes Dr Tracie Mafile’o Director of Research & Postgraduate Studies and Ben Thomas Dean of School of Business.
Dr Galo, from Solomon Islands and who was the former University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Campus Director, said the trip is two-fold.
“First to meet with the education authorities in the country and share our interest to help in the education sector.
“At the same time we want to speak with students during the Ambassadors’ Congress currently underway at Marantha Hall, Burns Creek in Honiara,” he said.
He also said Solomon Islands is the second largest island group at PAU with about 37 students.
There were also local staff who were working at the university, bringing the local community to 100.
Dr Galo said given the importance of education nowadays, the university is exploring ways to assist Solomon Islanders attained a tertiary education.
“In the long term we are interested to develop and support the education sector in Solomon Islands,” he said.
He said PAU is currently working with Atoifi Hospital to affiliate its program with the university.
“This will provide two benefits for students doing the Diploma of Nursing at the hospital. They will graduate with a PAU testamur, and they will be able to stream seamlessly in the degree level program in PNG,” he said.
Dr Mafile’o said that during the trip they were able to speak to young students who are currently attending the Ambassadors congress about the courses offered at PAU.
She said there are new postgraduate and masters programs which are on offer, with additional programs in the planning stages.
Dr Mafile’o said that PAU is developing relationships with several Australian
universities, and is currently engaged with James Cook University in research activities.
She said PAU had grown over the years.
Mr Thomas added ttheir plan is to increase enrollment from 500 to 1500 students in the next 6-8 years.
He said currently the university has a total enrollment of 750.
The team encouraged local students to choose PAU as their alternative place to further their education in a Christian institution.
Dr Galo said there are plans to expand the university to cater for increasing students both single and married.
He said that the Seventh-day Adventist church makes a significant contribution to education in the Pacific, from primary schools through to several tertiary institutions.
Mr Thomas said that as a private institution, the cost of running such institutions is challenging given the global impacts.
However he said the support from outside and PNG government continued to play an important role to keep them going.
PAU has about 50 academic staff and six faculties.
Since their arrival the team has visited the Ministry of Education, Solomon Island Mission staff, SICHE officials, UPNG Open campus boss, PNG High Commissioner, and the USP campus.
Dr Mafile’o on Wednesday also conducted a public lecture at the USP Campus on a topic “Doing it the ‘Pacific Way’? Indigenous Pacific helping systems and contemporary social services”.
The team met caretaker Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua yesterday in response to his (PM) visit to PAU recently.
Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) Associate Education Director Samson Panda said the visit is very important for the local students who have decided to choose their next place of study in the tertiary level.
Mr Panda had accompanied the team to the various meetings.
And he thanked the team for their time to come out and promote the university to the local students.
Following the visit, a lot of students finishing off their form six students this year are planning to apply for a placement at PAU next year.
By Moffat Mamu
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