The Yegiora Files

The Bachelor of Arts (Papua New Guinea and International Studies) program has been a springboard for diverse career pathways, equipping graduates with the skills to thrive in public, private, and academic sectors. Data from the Tracer Study Report 2021, authored by Leonie Baptiste, offers valuable insights into the program’s impact on employment outcomes. Out of 84 graduates surveyed between 2018 and 2019, 58 provided detailed information about their careers, showcasing the program’s wide-reaching influence. Public Sector: A Leading Employer The public sector remains a significant employer for graduates, with a strong emphasis on governance and national development. Key placements include: Department of Foreign Affairs: Thirteen or more graduates have secured positions, demonstrating the program’s relevance to PNG’s foreign policy and international engagement. PNG Customs Services: An increasing number of graduates have joined, highlighting the program’s alignment with national trade a...

In today’s competitive job market, practical experience is just as important as academic knowledge. Recognizing this need, the Bachelor of Arts (PNG and International Studies) program integrates a robust work placement component, ensuring students graduate with the skills and experience to excel in their chosen careers. The 2021 Tracer Study Report underscored the importance of practical experience for students. Alumni and stakeholders alike voiced their recommendations for integrating hands-on learning opportunities into the curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering partnerships and building professional networks. In response, the program has revitalized its placement component, a critical step in aligning academic learning with the demands of the workforce. Starting in their second year, students are required to complete a 20-day work placement during the six-week holiday period. This component is more than just a graduation requirement—it is a stepping stone to professional rea...

In an ever-changing world, understanding the intricate interplay of culture, politics, development, and international relations has never been more critical—especially for a country as diverse as PNG. This is where our multidisciplinary Area Studies Program steps in, offering a specialized focus on PNG's unique challenges and opportunities. With its roots in the nation's Vision 2050 Strategic Plan and the university's Third Decade Strategic Master Plan, this program equips graduates to address the pressing needs of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Program Overview and Aims At its core, the program delves into four key disciplines—culture studies, political studies, community development, and international relations. These disciplines are interwoven to provide students with a holistic understanding of PNG’s societal fabric and its interactions on both domestic and international fronts. PNG is home to an incredible mosaic of indigenous peoples, each wi...

In the ever-evolving field of international studies, staying ahead of global trends and ensuring academic excellence requires adaptability, critical reflection, and the willingness to embrace change. Our program at Divine Word University has undergone a transformative redesign, incorporating valuable feedback from external experts in 2022 and benchmarking against leading international universities. The result is a more robust, contextual, and forward-looking program, aligned with global standards and tailored to the unique needs of PNG and the Pacific region. Listening to Expert Voices: External Review and Feedback Two external overseas experts conducted an in-depth review of our program in 2022, offering insights that have profoundly shaped its evolution. Their critiques centered on three key areas: decolonization, staff development, and program structure. The first reviewer highlighted the importance of decolonizing the program—moving away from a Western-centric academic framework to...

The area studies program offered by the Department of PNG and International Studies at Divine Word University (DWU) is a unique and groundbreaking initiative, not only within PNG but globally. It is the only program focusing specifically on PNG and its regional dynamics, equipping graduates with essential knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to both local and international contexts. However, while the program’s distinctiveness is clear, rigorous market research to assess its demand has yet to be conducted. This research is a priority for the department and is expected to guide future reviews, ensuring the program meets the evolving needs of stakeholders. Despite the absence of formal market analysis, the program’s success in preparing graduates for diverse career pathways is evident. Many graduates have secured positions in both public and private sectors, reflecting the versatility of the program’s offerings. In the private sector, graduates have joined the Graduate Developme...

In the wake of Hon. Dr. Lino Tom's recent remarks about the looming disintegration of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a united nation, it is crucial to delve deeper into the structural issues that underlie the challenges he highlights. Dr. Tom’s call to reflect on PNG’s future, particularly as we approach our 50th anniversary of independence, draws attention to the growing cries for dismemberment and the widespread disillusionment with how the nation’s wealth is distributed. While Dr. Tom’s analysis is heartfelt, it offers a limited view of the complex socio-economic forces that drive the inequality he so rightly condemns. In his commentary, Dr. Tom focuses on the unequal distribution of resources and wealth, especially the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few elites. He criticizes the failure of the nation to live up to the National Goals and Directive Principles (NGDP), which advocate for inclusive development, equality, and participation. These principles were enshr...

The publication of Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Policy White Paper marks a milestone in defining the nation’s place in a complex and rapidly changing global environment. However, the process behind this document, which should have been a transparent and inclusive national effort, leaves much to be desired. At the heart of this issue is the ineffectiveness of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, which has failed to provide the level of oversight and accountability necessary for such an important initiative. The Role of the Committee: Oversight or Oversight? The Permanent Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence exists to scrutinize policies, processes, and expenditures within the domain of PNG’s foreign policy and national defense. It should serve as a critical body that holds the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) accountable for how public funds are used and ensures that such processes adhere to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and quality. Unfortunately,...