A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 5 for the future site of Southern Highlands Adventist College in Papera, Mendi District (Papua New Guinea).
An initiative of local church members, the college will be affiliated with Sonoma Adventist College and aims to provide faith-based education to students in the region.
Papua New Guinea Union Mission president and Sonoma Adventist College chairman Pastor Malachi Yani, officiated the ceremony and delivered a keynote address highlighting the role of education in supporting both spiritual and community development.
Western Highlands Mission chief financial officer Roger Nori and church member Ruth Yang were also present and shared words of encouragement regarding the project’s significance for the local community.
“The college campus is expected to support academic achievement while nurturing Christian values among students,” said Bunya district elder Joseph Wandi, who has been instrumental in initiating the project.
Community members, church representatives and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the occasion, describing it as an important step toward expanding educational opportunities in the Southern Highlands Province.
