Airways Helps University Arts Students

Arts students at the University of Papua New Guinea could now be able to learn more effectively with new equipment underway. The Melanesian Institute of Arts and Communication (MIAC)at the waigani campus was a proud recipient of a K50,000 cheque from the Airways Hotel this week. At hand to witness the cheque presentation by Airways Hotel General Manager Kevin Yaxley was Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Ross Hynes, MIAC Director Daniel Waswas, Executive Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) Prof. Betty Lovai, Bursar Wilson Go, staff members and students of MIAC.

Mr Yaxley said it was a priviledge for his organisation to assist MIAC as this contribution would go a long way in helping the students academically as well as develop their creative talents. He said a lot of people saw courses such as art, theatre and journalism as less important, but he said these courses are communicating tools in their own unique way.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean, Prof. Betty Lovai thanked Mr Yaxley for responding positively to the request for assitance by MIAC. She said the assistance would improve teaching and learning environment for both staff members and students. Prof Lovai said this presentation was made possible as a result of mutual communication between Mr Waswas and Airways Hotel. "There is potential in the private sector supporting government institutions" she said. She commended MIAC Director Mr Waswas for showing great leadership quality since taking office in Feb this year.

Meanwhile, Mr Waswas thanked Mr Yaxley for his presence and support to MIAC. Vice Chancellor Prof. Ross Hynes said the university, through MIAC looks forward to a strong partnership with Airways - Five Star Hotels, in the future. He said the standard of artists within MIAC has reached a higher level and must be further developed. VC said the students will work hand in hand with Airways and be able to contribute to the hotel in terms of artwork, sculpture, paintings and design of uniforms for staff members; as reached in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two, during the presentation. In recieving the cheque, VC said the money would be used in the best way possible to benefit all.

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