Papua New Guinean AusAID scholarship recipient, Paula Fore, has worked for over a decade to improve the lives of remote PNG communities, and this week graduated from Bond University in a special ceremony held in her honour.
Ms Fore, who works as an aid worker within the PNG Government, completed a Bachelor of International Relations at Bond University on scholarship from AusAID, the Australian Government agency that provides higher education opportunities to people from developing countries.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, presented Ms Fore with her degree testamur in an individual ceremony celebrating her success attended by her family and teachers.
Ms Fore said she was graduating from Bond University with more than just a degree.
"Studying at Bond has opened my mind to a world of opportunities available to me, both personally and professionally," she said.
"In my role within the PNG Government, I am part of a team who coordinate Government aid within the local communities, a role I worked in for ten years before taking the last two years to complete my Bachelor degree in Australia.
"In my job it is my responsibility to ensure PNG communities who receive aid are getting the maximum benefit, and that communities are taught to take care of the various programs implemented in order for them to be sustainable into the future.
"I am passionate about being able to equip Papua New Guineans with the right skills and knowledge to live better lives and to be self-sufficient, and through my studies at Bond I have tapped into new ideas and ways to do this.
"On a personal level, my studies have given me the confidence to strive to take my career to the next level."
Professor Brailsford said he wished Ms Fore much luck and great success in her future endeavours and ongoing career.
"I am delighted to present Ms Fore with her Bachelor of International Relations from Bond University, and offer her our sincere congratulations and best wishes," he said.
"Paula is known to her teachers as a keen, insightful student with a thirst for knowledge, and it has been our pleasure to have her study as part of the Bond community.
"We are also very grateful to AusAID for its continued support of our students, particularly students from our neighbours in the Pacific region.
"Bond has had a very long standing relationship with AusAID and has seen a large number of scholarship recipients come through the University and return to their home country to share the knowledge they have learned here. Like Paula, many use these new skills to help improve the lives and wellbeing of others."