Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – More than 500 primary and secondary school students at Paradise College, Port Moresby are taking part in a hands-on, STEM-focused education program this week, with integral support from Airbus and Air Niugini. The program is part of a powerful initiative striving to end energy poverty, led by global impact organisation SolarBuddy.
A highlight will take place at Paradise College on Thursday, 21 August, where students will learn about renewable energy, explore the science of solar technology, and personally assemble solar-powered study lights. These will be gifted to children residing in communities without access to grid electricity and light to study at night.
The event is supported by Airbus, a longstanding partner of SolarBuddy and Air Niugini, with the delivery of aviation workshops to the students and highlighting the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education.
This educational initiative is part of a broader commitment to equip young students across the Pacific with critical STEM knowledge that will empower them to become agents of change in their communities, and future leaders.
Throughout the program on 21st August, students will participate in:
• Understanding renewable energy solutions and solar technology
• Development of practical, hands-on STEM and critical thinking skills
• The role of STEM careers in building sustainable futures
Each student will assemble a SolarBuddy light that will then be distributed to the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and gifted to students that do not have access to suitable lighting so they may study safely at night.
Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific said:
“We are very proud of our partnership with SolarBuddy, and thankful to our local partners for the opportunity to share this meaningful work with the people of Papua New Guinea.”
“Energy in all its forms powers progress and doing it sustainably helps our planet – every bit counts. Giving students the chance to use their time to study will help them to achieve more for their communities. And hopefully, some of the students who benefit from the lights we are all building and transporting to their homes will be able to apply their studies to uplift others in their community.
“We especially thank all those who have worked so hard to support this programme and look forward to continuing our contribution to Papua New Guinea in the future.”
Gary Seddon, CEO of Air Niugini, said:
“At Air Niugini, we believe education is the runway to opportunity, and STEM is at the very heart of building a brighter, more connected future for Papua New Guinea. Through the collaboration with Airbus and SolarBuddy, we are helping to ignite curiosity, innovation, and ambition in our young people. These students represent the next generation of scientists, engineers, aviators, and leaders — and we are proud to play a role in empowering them to reach their full potential as part of this important sustainability initiative.”
STEM Education comes full circle
Guest speaker Christopher Odorry, a proud alumnus of Paradise College, will share his inspiring journey and the transformative role education – particularly STEM-based learning has played in shaping his life and career. Through his story, Christopher aims to empower and motivate students to pursue their aspirations and dream boldly, not only for themselves but for the betterment of their communities
“There’s a massive disconnect between the industry and academia – STEM bridges that gap, students need to grasp the fundamental importance of understanding concept rather than memorizing to pass exams and tests – that puts them in a pivotal position to excel academically and transition flawlessly into industries where these theorized concepts have physical applications” says Christopher.
“It will be an honor to be part of the initiative to light up homes in some of the most marginalized communities in the world, notching up a level in giving equal opportunities to students in Western Province who will be recipients of these donated assembled lights. My journey tells a story; these lights manifest it in reality”
The distribution of assembled solar lights after the STEM workshop will be carried out by Christopher to students in the Western Province. Together, partners in this initiative are helping shape the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers — powered by the delivery of STEM education programs in Pacific regions such as Papua New Guinea.
