Keeping Papua New Guinea Cultures Alive at the Divine Word University (DWU)

By NAOMI AISI, BENBERT WASA and ANITA KONGA*

Papuan students at the Divine Word University (DWU), Madang province, recently celebrated the 124th anniversary of the first missionaries to arrive in Central province. The president of the Central Students Association, Varage Geno, said the presentation was to tell other students about the province, its cultures and traditions, and the impact of western influence on their society.

He said funds raised for the function would go towards their youth awareness programme at the end of the year at Gabagaba village in Central province.It was a fun-filled and loud night.Students presented traditional dances, renowned Peroveta songs, drama and Pacific Island dances.

The performers divided into three groups to represent the districts of Kairuku, Rigo-Abau and Motu-Koitabu. The Motu-Koitabu group performed the famous historical Hiri trade.The Kairuku and Rigo-Abau students performed the first coming of the missionaries to their areas.

It was a successful night, with DWU students and well-wishers from around the community and Madang town filling up the auditorium to applaud and cheer the presentations.

For more pictures about the cultural activities at Divine Word University in Madang, click here.

* Aisi, Wasa, and Konga are journalism students attending Divine Word University, Madang, PNG

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@