Students at Lutheran Church College, Banz, in Jiwaka Province will now have access to practical computing lessons following the dedication of a new computer laboratory equipped with 14 desktop computers.
The laboratory occupies part of a renovated, 67-year-old double-classroom building. Its opening marks an important improvement for the college, which Principal Susan Fumapa says has finally established a computer laboratory after 12 years.
The college, a campus of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea, also commissioned a solar power installation to improve electricity supply across much of the campus.
ELC-PNG Head Bishop Rev. Dr Jack Urame and Rev. Jorg Ostermann, the Northern Church’s Director for the Asia-Pacific Region, officially dedicated and commissioned the developments.
Financial support came from church partners, including the Northern Church in Germany, the Women’s Coordinator’s Office and the Office of the Bishop.
Moving from theory to practical learning
Ms Fumapa thanked the partners for supporting improvements that address longstanding challenges for students and staff.
She said the absence of a computer laboratory had limited students to theoretical computing lessons. Some students had withdrawn from their studies in previous years because practical computing lessons were unavailable.
With 14 new desktop computers now installed, students will have the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice. Ms Fumapa said the college hoped the improved facilities would also encourage increased enrolment next year.
The renovated double-classroom building accommodates the computer laboratory on one side and Business Administration students on the other.
Ms Fumapa said much of the college’s infrastructure dated back to its establishment and remained in use despite needing substantial maintenance.
She said the classroom renovation was timely, while staff housing and other facilities supporting the college’s operations also required attention. The administration was continuing to work with partners to identify opportunities for further renovations.
Solar power eases pressure on college operations
Alongside the classroom improvements, the new solar installation has brought relief to a campus that had relied on a standby generator for the previous 18 months.
Ms Fumapa said unreliable electricity had placed a financial burden on the college through fuel costs and associated casual labour expenses.
The solar installation now supplies most campus buildings, including the chapel, library, main office, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, and the houses of the dean of studies and principal.
However, additional capacity is needed to extend electricity supply to all college buildings.
Ms Fumapa said the college would welcome further support to expand the solar system and undertake renovations across its existing facilities.
Training lay people to serve the Church
Ministerial Training Division Secretary Rev. Giesa Panpan described Lutheran Church College, Banz, as an institution with a distinctive role within ELC-PNG’s education and ministry work.
While seminaries focus on preparing pastors and evangelists, he said the college trains lay people for applied ministry through courses in agriculture, church administration and business administration.
These areas of study are brought together through a holistic approach intended to equip graduates to support both church life and community needs.
After completing their studies, graduates return to their congregations, parishes, circuits and districts to contribute their skills and support the Church’s ministry.
Rev. Panpan said a three-year strategic plan had been developed to improve student welfare, academic performance and infrastructure. The academic priorities include curriculum development and teacher training.
He welcomed the progress made through the latest partner-supported developments and encouraged the college administration to continue building relationships that could support further improvements.
The new computer laboratory, renovated classrooms and solar installation represent practical steps towards strengthening the college’s learning environment and its continuing work of preparing lay people for service.
