SILAG HOST 4TH GRADUATION CEREMONY

BY SHARON AGAVI

UNDER the theme “Transforming Public Service Education for a Stronger Papua New Guinea,” the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) held the first day of its 4th graduation ceremony for certificate students at the Grand Chief Dr. John Momis Hall.

A total of 162 students were expected to graduate; however, only 137 students were present and receive and formally conferred with their certificates.

The remaining students either graduated in absentia or did not meet course requirements.

The certificates awarded included Human Resource Management, National Certificate Level 4 in Government Leadership and Management, and Accounting.

SILAG Chief Executive Officer, Michael Barobe, encouraged the graduating students to uphold strong values and leadership qualities.

“SILAG has trained you to become leaders. As leaders, you are writing your own life stories. The knowledge and skills you have gained over the past three to six months should guide you in making good decisions and becoming effective leaders,” he said.

The CEO of the Ijivitari District Development Authority, Kila Sibolo, also addressed the graduates.

Ijivitari District in Northern Province, under the leadership of Member for Ijivitari David Arore and CEO Kila Sibolo, has partnered with SILAG to sponsor local students and public servants to undertake training programs.

Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management and Chairperson of the SILAG Board, Taies Sansan, congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of applying their knowledge.

“Today we celebrate an achievement and mark a very important beginning.

Congratulations to all of you on your graduation,” she said.

“The certificates you receive are only the starting point. What truly matters is how you apply what you have learned moving forward.”

“This foundational training equips you with the tools to perform your duties effectively. It teaches you how to organize information, communicate clearly with citizens, and follow procedures so services can reach people when they need them.”

The second day of graduation for Diploma students is scheduled for Friday, April 10th.

Those ceremonies marked the 4th and last graduation held under the name “Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance”