Welcome Remarks
Dear Esteemed Members,
Greetings and welcome to the Divine Word University Alumni Association’s (DWUAA) new Webpage. On behalf of my Executives and I, we take this opportunity to welcome you all and hope you are all as excited as we are about these new developments in line with our efforts to re-brand the face of our Alumni Association come 2022 and beyond.
In these exciting, yet unprecedented times, we believe there is lot more we can do as members to inspire, encourage change and bringing about mutual growth among those within our spheres of influence. Port Moresby Chapter has always been the face of DWUAA in Papua New Guinea over the years, however, it the view of the newly elected Executive that we must now work in unison, in a more coordinated and deliberate fashion with all Chapters and their respective Executives in order to encourage and empower centers in the likes of Lae, Madang, East New Britain and those showing increased interest namely AROB, New Ireland, Goroka and Wewak.
We acknowledge and value the work and contributions of former and current Executives of the DWUAA since its formation in 2002. To become an Executive member of the DWUAA, ultimately as a volunteer, comes with its many sacrifices and a level commitment that many whom have gone before me can attest. I am honored to carry the legacy forward in my tenure as President, embracing the true spirit of oneness, hardwork and dedication, leading upfront – an undertaking which is easier said than done whilst juggling both personal and professional responsibilities against those of the association.
As leaders on the frontline, we serve as a reminder to our members far and wide of who we are and where we come from. To the Alumni faithful, it has been a journey of ups and downs yet we remain steadfast in our mission, never losing hope of a vision derived through the unique bond we share and the values embedded in our “Pasin Diwai” culture. We envision great things for the DWUAA and a renewed sense of responsibility to our members and Papua New Guinea, serving as a beacon of hope as did the missionaries before us who give selflessly so that we may enjoy a richness of life that many only dream of. To our faithful – you all have been an important part of our journey to date and we appreciate and recognize your overwhelming support over the years and look forward to maintaining and building our relationships even further into the future.
The Divine Word University has been an integral part of our existence for many years through its founding fathers and indeed the teeming Diwai Community which has extended beyond Univeristy walls. It has been through these relationships that we have remained in tact after so many years. Over the years, we have engaged with numerous strategic partners at arms length in an unofficial capacity, however, we are resolute that going forward we be recognized by our peers and partner networks as a serious contender for Service Delivery, Business Engagement and ultimately Nation Building. Having said this, towards the end of December 2021, we signed an MOA with Agri-Tech Organics (PNG) Ltd (a DWUAA first) as our preferred ICT and Web Development partner illustrating our committment to change, embracing a digital future and technology in bolstering our membership efforts.
We have always been grateful for the ongoing support from various professional bodies; Divine Word University, Pacific Corporate Security and National Maritime Safety Authority; including some of the formal businesses and SMEs namely Wau Accountants, Melton Consultancy, Uma & Co. Ltd, Abus Na Kumu, SmartBiz Pacific, Trinity Engineering & Construction and many individuals. We are also excited about building a new social and professional relationship with the Lasallians Alumni Association who have made their intentions clear with regards to working closely with us in inspiring a brand of intelligent and ethical leaders to take Papua New Guinea into the future with promise.
To our families – your patience and understanding is the reason why we get up every morning and continuously venture outside our comfort zones as we strive to build on our capabilities in close collaboration with other like minded individuals, whilst touching the lives of those we come into contact with through the work we do, giving confidence to those who come after us knowing they too carry “Pasin Diwai”.
As we embark on the future, we are also confronted with many challenges. Despite the obvious socio-economic hurdles which we anticipate going forward, we are confident that with these challenges a new set of opportunities will present themselves in the wake of the strategic partnerships and programs we have put forward as part of our annual workplans and KPI’s.
We are building a bigger and better DWUAA in the next 5 to 10 years and we want you along for the ride!
To achieve this vision our approach is simple yet clear:
Engage more with our stakeholders and members physically or by virtual means in a professional, social and spiritual setting in fostering equal participation.
Rebrand the DWUAA within the professional and technological space to be realized through its membership registration and other online resources.
With the inception of the new website, we are building a reliable database for our members and promoting transparency/accountability in the manner with which we handling financial transactions and source documentation with the use of an automated management system.
Identify business opportunities and put in place strategies in creating income streams and building the DWUAA investment portfolio.
Identify projects to support and build new opportunities for our members and fellow Papua New Guineans.
Establish more formal partnerships with our Corporate and Strategic partners through MOA’s for long term engagement and a mutually beneficial co-existence.
Elevate the DWUAA to corporate body brand status, to govern itself through its own set of principles, procedures and policies – to run its own affairs independently and be financially self-sufficient.
We believe in a results-driven approach, hard work and commitment in building something special and worthwhile for our members which they can take ownership off and call their own.
In closing, it has been an absolute pleasure, on behalf of my Executives and I, and we look forward to your support and ongoing participation in building a bigger and better DWU Alumni Association – the race is on; let’s run to win.
Mr. Pokana Clive Gima.
Interim President
DWUAA