By Bruce Teke
The recent post on PNG Loop titled: "No Benefit in Free Education Policy: PM" [Source: https://bit.ly/37mQTk1 ] implored me to ask the following questions which many will have as well.
These pressing questions needs urgent and immediate clarification from either the Office of the Prime Minister or the Department of Higher Education, Science & Technology on whether the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape's newly introduced scheme known as HELP to assist PNG tertiary students fees in 2020 and perhaps beyond.
Further, to the supporters of Prime Minister JM, please don't take these questions as political. This is from a good citizen who honestly seeking answers for and on behalf of poor parents, students and stakeholders subjected to the the questions below.
Questions are as follows:
- Will the HELP scheme also ensure tertiary Papua New Guinean students attending Private Institutions like Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU), International Training Institute (ITI), Mapex Training Institute (MTI), Asia Pacific Institute of Applied Social Economics and Technological Studies (APIASETS), Kumul Training Institute(KTI), etc?
Most of the students who could not pursue their studies in the system tertiary institutions through MSU selections due to the competitiveness in securing spaces ends up undertaking their studies in the private/church run institutions. Thus, the concerned authorities must plainly make known to the general public through such media as to whether the private institutions would also be eligible to apply for HELP scheme to ease their school fee burdens. - Would the HELP Scheme also students studying abroad to apply for loan?
- Would the HELP Scheme has any GPA cut-offs? News are speculating that the GPA cut-off is 2.8 to be eligible for securing HELP successfully.
- Would the SELF SPONSORED STUDENTS be eligible also to apply for fee assistance through HELP Scheme?
- How well is Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology (DHERST) prepared with the roll out of this HELP Scheme, in terms of man-power, policy & guidelines, website and database, time and resources?
- How well is National Statistical Office prepared in conjunction with the DHERST to ensure all the PNG Tertiary Students have their NID Cards on hand on time in order to qualify for applying for their fees through HELP Scheme before their enrollments commence?
In order for the subject of questions above to prepare in advance, the authorities need to clarify the citizens plainly clear as soon as possible.
PLEASE SHARE TO BIGGER AUDIENCE IF YOU THINK THESE QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT.
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