Synod Report 2008

Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea - Synod Report No. 2 - January 6^th -11^th, 2008

I)    Introduction

The Lutheran University is proud to present the following report (No.2) regarding the progress of establishing the Lutheran University. This report is for the consideration and deliberations of the ELC-PNG general membership.

II)    Background

In 1528 – 1530, Dr. Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) wrote to the Christian Leaders of the Church and proclaimed to them both of the fundamental and prevalent need to provide Christian education – Martin Luther – “Dispela graun i karim bikpela hevi bikos yumi ino kamapim gut skul na lainim ol pikinini blong yumi.” LUPNG for the Church in PNG is in one aspect a fulfilment of the mandate of the Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea as envisaged by Dr. Martin Luther.

At the Wasu Synod of ELCPNG held between 9th -13th January 2006, the Working Establishment Committee (Committee) submitted a Report on the work in progress and advised that the Committee was awaiting approval from the National Government of the concept and process for development of a Lutheran University at Lae, Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea.

The Wasu Synod formally recognised and gave endorsement of the work of the Committee and its composition. The Committee is constituted by:-

(i) Mr. Rimbink Pato - Chairman;
(ii) Pastor Giegere Wenge - Acting Deputy Chairman and Principal of Martin Luther Seminary in place of Dr.Kemung on leave;
(iii) Mr. Kautil Mileng - Principal, Balob Teachers College;
(iv) Mr. Manasupe Zurenouc - Provincial Administrator, Morobe Provincial Government;
(v) Mr Jonathan Soten - Financial Controller, ELCPNG;
(vi) Pastor Gary Mangiri - Director, WTD ELCPNG;
(vii) Mr Murika Bihoro - PPA Education, Morobe Provincial Administration.

On 6th October 2006, the National Executive Council (NEC) formally approved the process of establishment of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea.

The NEC consent followed a comprehensive submission put to the National Government (the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Culture) in consultation with the Head Bishops of the ELCPNG, GLC PNG and the Governor of Morobe Province through the Office of Higher Education. The Office of Higher Education is fully supportive of the LUPNG Project since 2005.

III)     Legal Process of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea

In the final and November 2006 Sittings of the National Parliament of PNG, legislation was passed governing ownership structure, administration and the powers functions, duties and responsibilities of the Lutheran University. The law is entitled, Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea Act (the Act).

Prior to Parliamentary passage of the Act between 2005 – 2006, the draft Lutheran University of PNG Act had been circulated to stakeholders and interested Lutherans throughout PNG before finalisation of it and its submission to the National Parliament.

The Act was passed on voices with no opposition demonstrated by Members of Parliament, on the clear understanding that the Lutheran Church was a leader in the provision of education in Papua New Guinea noting the “record/fact” by the Parliament itself from the sponsors speech that more than 50% of all learning institutions in PNG were either owned, or operated by the Lutheran Church.

The Act was certified into law on 18th December 2006. Despite its certification, the Act is not yet in force by arrangement between the Committee, Office of Higher Education and the Government in that all preparatory work to prepare the institution into a fully pledged University remains to be undertaken before the Act can be brought into force by gazettal notice. Committee will not seek to bring the Act into force until all issues of concern to all stakeholders are addressed and all requirements are met relating to the establishment of a University of high quality.

To obtain full University Status, the Committee embarked based upon the advise of the Office of Higher Education and the other Government Departments.

1. Curriculum Development for Primary Education Degree
2. Theological Degree

Further courses to be developed are the Nursing Degree, Agriculture Degree and Commerce Degree. There will be others as well. Curriculum development work is expected to be completed in 2008.

Strategic Plan – this plan addresses issues such as costs of developing the curriculum or courses, the methods of selection of faculty members that will have the opportunity to advance academically to be in a position of readiness to teach at LUPNG when it opens, need for immediate personnel, position of Vice Chancellor for LUPNG and the process of selection of the Vice Chancellor and other staff, the development of Library, Master Plan, Maintenance, Construction, and Security, etc.

The Strategic Plan is a document that requires constant review by the Committee and the University administration over the ensuring years to determine if goals are being achieved or if not whether those objectives need to be reassigned or altered on present conditions and future prospects.
( i) Master Plan – being developed to address the future of the make up of the LUPNG over various periods of time in terms of:- outcomes that promote attraction o f students and staff;
(ii) the creation of image for Lae City in terms of LUPNG’s contribution to the life and character of the people, region and city
(iii) plan for best use of physical resources available both new and old and etc, etc.

Upon passage of the Act by Parliament, the Committee negotiated and signed an Agreement with the Bishops of ELCPNG, GLCPNG, MPG and Murdoch University of Western Australia to work together to develop the academic aspects (curriculum development etc) of LUPNG.

IV)     Contributions of the Morobe Provincial Government and the National Government

The Morobe Provincial Government agreed to finance the initial costs of development of LUPNG and signed an agreement with ELCPNG, GLC and the Committee to that effect in 2006 upon careful discussions and negotiations with the Committee. It is on the basis of this agreement that LUPNG has a legal and financial basis for its present work and operations. The Morobe Provincial Government would have provided to date more than K1 Million from 2005 to date to fund the work relating to the process of establishing LUPNG and more funding of K400, 000 provided in the Morobe Provincial Government budget in 2008 for the project.

Early part of 2007 saw the Committee put a detailed project submission for Funding to the National Government.

In mid 2007, meetings held with leaders of Government (Prime Minister, Minister for Treasury including Heads of Department) by the Committee and Governor for Morobe Province and as a consequence of those representations, the National Government has appropriated towards LUPNG K3 Million for the planning and preparatory work in the National Budget for 2008 passed by Parliament in November of 2007.

The National Government has also provide K3 Million to Balob Teachers College for rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure which the Committee has agreed to expend at the College consistent with the overall (master plan) objectives for development of LUPNG.

Since appointment of the Committee, in June/July of 2005, there have been three (3) quarterly meetings in each year. By the end of 2007 more than 200 individuals’ decisions/resolutions have been made by the Committee impacting on the development of LUPNG as a Project.

In 2008, due to the increase in funding of the Project, it has been decided by the Committee that it will meet once every two (2) months to expeditiously deal with the increase in work load to complete the programmes set for this year and beyond.

In 2008, plans are underway to spend more than 50% of the funds provided by National Government to further the qualifications to Masters and Doctors Degree level of the existing staff of Balob Teachers College and Martin Luther Seminary. These staff will take the courses from Murdoch University of Western Australia under the existing partnership agreements in place with all the Stakeholders, ELCPNG, GLC, MPG and the Working Committee.

V) LUPNG Development Plan From 2008 Forward.

In 2007 and 2008 the full spending plan for the University of the K3 Million plus was developed by the Committee. This has been submitted to the National Government and this document with necessary modifications will be submitted to Donor Agencies present in PNG. Through out 2008 Project Officers of the Committee will be visiting donor agencies to obtain all information required by t hem and then prepare the paperwork these Agencies consider relevant to consider funding certain components of the LUPNG Project in 2008, 2009 and beyond.

In 2008, detailed submissions are being prepared for Department of Labour and Employment concerning recruitment of relevant staff and development of an appropriate localisation plan for LUPNG. It is expected that majority of Lecturers will originate from Australia, USA, Canada and Europe.

In 2008, application is being made to Telikom and Pangtel concerning licensing broad band facilities at LUPNG to ensure progression of online advanced Degree courses for existing staff at Balob Teachers College and Martin Luther Seminary which will be offered to them by Murdoch University of Western Australia in anticipation of obtaining teaching positions at LUPNG when it opens its doors in 2010.

In 2008, plans are underway for a LUPNG newsletter to be published to inform Stakeholders and others interested in the LUPNG Project and to attract interests of individuals and organisations particularly overseas partner churches for purposes of understanding the project and further for them to provide resources support.

In 2008, fresh approach is made to professional Lutherans to contribute ideas/comments on the progress of the work of the Committee to date by circulating information that has so far been put together by it (Committee).

In 2008, costing for New Building repairs and maintenance are being re-examined and reviewed so that no massive costs overruns are experienced in preparation for construction work to commence in 2008 - 2009.

VI)     The Objective toward the Development of LUPNG?

To continue to impart the Lutheran Teaching and Doctrines to the Lutheran Student.

Help staff our primary schools with well trained teachers.

Prepare and develop more PNG professors with advance degrees.

Develop human resources of Lutherans and all Papua New Guineans.

To improve facilities and financial support for our Seminary (MLS) and Teacher’s College (BTC).

To give the church a new and much needed development and as such ELCPNG, GLCPNG and MPG will benefit greatly from this development.

At the same time Lutheran Grade 12 school-leavers and thousands of young people in PNG will benefit from the University as well.

Lecturers at MLS and BTC will benefit from the University.

VII)    Conclusion

The Establishment Committee has a plan, the funds and the support of the Governement to establish the Lutheran University in Lae.

The funding is in place to mover froward the the Strategic plan of the University.

Work must move forward without delay so that the University will be ready to open in 2010.