DWU students donate water tank on Independence Day

By Sr. Marilyn Akonoh, MSC
DWU Social and Religious Studies - Year 3

The Social and Religious Studies - Year 3 students of Divine Word University (DWU) did a baseline survey this year at Malmal community on the Madang north coast as part of their academic assessment. The community water supply tank was the identified priority. The project proposal was forwarded to the MSC Mission Office in Kensington, Sydney, Australia with the request of K5, 788.80.  Upon approval, the amount of K5, 926.44 was received. The tank was purchased at Agmark in Madang for K4, 888.26.

On September 16, Independence Day, the Department lectures and students went to Malmal to officially present the project to the community. The celebration of the Independence Day began with the flag raising ceremony and the pronunciation of the national pledge. Then the liturgy began which the Social and Religious Studies Head of Department, Fr. Robert Laka SVD, as the main celebrant with Fr. Janus SVD as co-celebrant. After the liturgy, the blessing of the tank and materials took place as the formal presentation of the project to the local community.

Later the villagers prepared lunch for the students and lectures and performed a traditional dance. The delicious food was shared among everyone with young coconut juice. The leaders of the community made a few remarks and gave words of thanks to the DWU Department of Social and Religious studies for their support.

The Independence Day was worth celebrating with the Malmal community. In the Melanesian society people do not just say thank you by words. They show it with actions. (CBC Communications 20121003 – giorgiolicini@yahoo.com)