Bulolo scholarship helps teacher-trainees to strengthen rural workforce

The member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jnr presented a cheque of K250, 000 to Balob teachers college in Lae over the week, covering full tuition fees for 33 students this year, under the Bulolo Corporate Basil Scholarship Program.

Since taking office, the district under the Basil's chairmanship has supported more than 200 students through the scholarship.

This scholarship program is a continuation of the MP's late father, Sam Basil, who as a firm believer that Education is the key to every other development, started this scholarship program in 2009.

"The purpose of this program that my father and I stand on is to build human resource for the district. Right now we lack teachers in the remote areas so you lot will fill in this gap once you finish here."

"Once you graduate here as certified teachers under this scholarship program, you will go back to the district and teach for five years," Basil Jnr said.

According to James Yawing, the school's Head of Language Department and cordinator of this scholarship program, the school has enrolled more than 400 students since 2009, initially starting the program off with 10 students and gradually increasing over the years.

"We are grateful and appreciate the MP, Sam Basil Jnr's efforts in continuing his father’s legacy, with thirty three of our students, 14 first years, 6 second years and 13 third year students' fees paid in full for this year," Yawing said.

Before leaving the students, the Bulolo MP reminded them that they shouldn't take this incentive for granted and get involved in unnecessary activities.

"This chance only comes once so if you play up with it, you will be suspended or expelled from school and end up missing this opportunity," he said.