The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Simbu Student Society is finalized and ready to deploy in early November to deliver two vital, concurrent awareness programs across all six districts of Simbu Province.
The Simbu Society students have two programs to deliver; one is the Student Educational awareness program and 2nd is the National General Election Awareness for the communities back in the 6 districts of the province.
However, the society faces a race against time, launching an urgent public appeal for K60,000 in financial or logistical backing to make the provincial tour possible.
Speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG, UPNG Simbu Student Society Patron Mr. Michael Brown outlined the two core components of the upcoming November outreach.
The first initiative is the High School and Secondary Education Guidance program which targets secondary and high school students across Simbu Province. UPNG students will provide direct mentorship to demystify tertiary entry pathways, explain academic programs, and clarify Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements for UPNG’s various schools.
“Many students remain confused about available programs, new course offerings, and structural differences between academic schools," Mr. Brown explained. "This face-to-face awareness will guide them to correctly fill out their National Online Application System (NOAS) and school leaver forms."
The society successfully ran this educational program in 2022, 2023, and 2025, only missing 2024 due to similar financial constraints.
The second initiative is the 2027 National General Election Awareness program which is a crucial civic education campaign tailored for rural communities, ahead of the 2027 National General Election. This marks the first time the student society has taken on a comprehensive political awareness campaign of this scale.
“With the 2027 elections just months away, this awareness is critical. It is designed to educate our families in the villages to understand their constitutional right to vote without fear, favor, or intimidation. We want to empower them to analyze party policies before casting their ballots," Mr. Brown said.
The society extended its gratitude to the PNG Electoral Commission, which has officially backed the student initiative by supplying awareness kits, pamphlets, training materials, and merchandise. Supplementary sessions on law and order and community health will also be integrated into the district tours.
To successfully deploy student teams across all six districts for the two-week campaign, the society requires K60,000. Due to limited internal student dues, the group is appealing directly to Simbu elites, business houses, stakeholders, the Simbu Provincial Government, Governor, and all district Open Members of Parliament to step in.
“We are running against time and urgently appeal for assistance," Mr. Brown stated. "Beyond financial support, we warmly welcome corporate or state donations in the form of fuel, vehicle hire, PA systems, accommodation, and travel fares. Anything that contributes to the safety and movement of our students will help."
If the necessary funding is secured, the two programs will run simultaneously across the province this November. If funding goals are not met, the society will be forced to activate its contingency plan to defer the tour to the Semester 1 break in 2027.