DWU Nursing Students Promote Community Health at Pinktober Bilum Festival

Divine Word University nursing students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Benedict Wewak Campus, recently participated in the Pinktober Bilum Festival in Wewak, East Sepik Province, joining healthcare professionals and community health advocates to promote cancer awareness and provide basic health services to members of the public.

The Nursing Department, under the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, was invited by the Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF), Ms. Kimberley Kapigeno, to collaborate with the PNGCG team during the third day of the three-day festival held at Sir Michael Somare Stadium. The partnership provided students with an opportunity to contribute to a significant community health outreach initiative while gaining valuable practical experience.

Working alongside the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation and clinicians from Boram Provincial Hospital, the students supported health education activities, wellness checks, and patient referrals throughout the event. Their participation enabled them to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting while assisting healthcare professionals in delivering essential services to the community.

DWU Staff and students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Benedict Wewak Campus established a health awareness booth where they provided information on breast cancer, cervical cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, anaemia, and other health concerns affecting individuals and families in the province. Visitors also received health screenings and advice on maintaining healthy lifestyles, while those requiring further medical attention were referred to healthcare professionals on site.

Under the guidance of academic and clinical staff, the nursing students conducted vital signs assessments, assisted with outpatient triage, and supported healthcare teams in delivering services to festival attendees. The experience allowed students to strengthen their clinical and communication skills while engaging directly with the community.

Senior Clinical Tutor and Clinical Coordinator Ms. Miriam Tokilivila praised the students for their dedication and professionalism throughout the event.

“Our students demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to serving the community. They engaged confidently with members of the public and applied their knowledge in a meaningful way.”

Ms. Tokilivila said the festival provided an important platform for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to health awareness efforts in the community.

“Community outreach activities such as this allow our students to develop essential clinical and interpersonal skills while making a positive impact on the lives of others. These experiences are invaluable in preparing them for their future roles as healthcare professionals.”

The University's participation reflects its ongoing commitment to producing competent healthcare professionals who are equipped to address public health challenges and serve communities across Papua New Guinea. Through partnerships with healthcare organisations and service providers, Divine Word University continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to combine academic learning with community service.

 Sarah Sidney

DWU Student Tuition Fees increase for 2027

Divine Word University wishes to inform students, parents, guardians, sponsors, alumni, and the wider community that, following extensive consultation and a comprehensive review of its financial position, a modest adjustment to tuition and associated course fees will take effect from 1^st of January 2027. This fee adjustments and increase applies to all FULLTIME Programs across all campuses; Madang, Rabaul, Wewak and Port Moresby.

The University fully recognizes the current economic challenges currently facing all citizens including increased expenses, and broader economic uncertainties. We understand that any increase in educational costs places additional pressure on students and their sponsors, and we are deeply mindful of this reality.

The University has worked diligently to absorb increasing operational costs while limiting the financial burden on students. Through cost effective management systems, operational efficiencies and stringent financial management, the University has maintained affordable access to higher education without compromising the quality of teaching, learning, student boarding and lodging services and maintaining support on all student activities since the last review in 2015.

It is imperative that the university takes measures to steadily increase fees to ensure that the University can operate efficiently and continue to provide all students with a conducive learning environment and maintain our commitment to providing excellent education programs.

The University remains committed to its mission of providing quality higher education to all PNG citizens. We appreciate the trust and support of its students, parents, sponsors, and partners. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources as we continue to invest in the academic success and future of our students.

Further details regarding the revised fee structure will be communicated through official University channels and will be available from the Student Finance Office.

Download the documents below:

1. MADANG CAMPUS - DWU FEE SCHEDULE 2027
2. RABAUL CAMPUS - DWU FEE SCHEDULE 2027
3. MADANG CAMPUS - DWU FEE SCHEDULE 2027
4. PORT MORESBY CAMPUS - DWU FEE SCHEDULE 2027
5. WEWAK CAMPUS - DWU FEE SCHEDULE 2027

For enquiries, please contact:
The Student Finance Office on email [email protected]

 Apsie Tese