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Let this sink in: "One of the least electrified countries in the world". How can any business or institution operate without light or computers? When there is power, those few hours, the voltage spikes and harmonic effects fry all the electronic equipment. Meanwhile, the electrical engineering department at the PNG University of Technology is too slow at training power engineers with master level competences. Nothing was done to retain the only European power engineer, who was head of department, or to hire more where he was coming from, despite an agreement being in place.

Great article - so clear, so compelling

At long last, an article that draws attention to the long-standing problem of massive and life-threatening alcohol abuse by university students in PNG (not only DWU). The students' interviews reveal a frightening picture. Students all over the world drink, and sometimes to excess, but what is described here is close to suicidal. There is no trend, rather it is a cyclical phenomenon. In election years, like 2012 and 2017, "steam" production goes up, and students consume more. If nothing is done, in election year 2022 it will be the same again. As Vice-Chancellor, I found it impossible to reason with colleagues about how to effectively address this issue. It is clear that bans, punishments and repression are totally ineffective, yet this is the only approach they are willing to consider. This type of behaviour is accepted or at least tolerated in the communities where students hail from. The misbehaving students, often have a history of abuse before they come to university. It is probably time now to try something else, and, for example, start educating students about the dangers to their health, long-term of consuming steam and binge-drinking in general. It would also be time to get serious about academic quality and assessment, because a student who opts to be drunk for weeks should never be able to combine that with serious studies.

Nice blog and it's very inspiring.

Thanks for your feedback. Look forward to the next article. Wallis

Beautifully written and an excellent read - thank you.

Congratulation Lorelle. Wonderful achievement.

It is disappointing, but I would like to highlight that not all students do this. Some drink for relaxation purposes, which I will elaborate on in my second article. But yes, the way some students drink is concerning, and I hope studies like this will shed some light on the current drinking trends in universities, and get universities to address it appropriately. Thanks for the comment!

It is so disappointing to ready this because (1) The way these students start their lives is not promising. They will one day be important decision makers of the country and as such being a responsible drinker would make sense (at least limit the amounts and time taken as young adults). (2) As a parent, very disappointing as we parents work very hard to make sure they have a future and yet they waste those hard earned money on rubbish. I am looking forward to seeing a bit of what they want in life after going through University.

So the blame should be on all the Dorm Deans

Yes all about going out there is like winning a lottery!!! We are extremely desperate of coming over to work to earn and increase our standard of living.

Firstly, we should all know and agree that our constitution is not gender biased. Both men and women have the equal right to be nominated and run for elections. We are making it seem as if our constitution is biased to men only, NO!!! Secondly and most importantly, the voters will decide who they want as their representative in the parliament. If they want a woman as their rep, they'll vote for her, or otherwise for man. There is no need for such "reserved seat" policy for women. We all have the equal right and equal opportunity to run for election if we choose, it is ultimately the voters who have the power to decide. Our constitution provides equal opportunity and equal participation for both genders to run for election. Our government needs to stop such notion and focus on delivering services to the people.