Senator Lalita Provides Scholarships for 10 Papuan Students

Jayapura (ANTARA) - DPD RI Senator for the Papua electoral district, Lalita, has awarded scholarships to 10 Papuan students to enable them to pursue higher education. “This scholarship programme reflects my concern upon seeing many Papuan children with good academic abilities who are at risk of discontinuing their education due to financial limitations,” she stated in Jayapura on Wednesday. According to Lalita, education is the most valuable investment for the future of Papua’s children, which is why she decided to become a foster parent for a number of students deemed to have high achievement and a strong desire to learn. “I brought together the parents and the foster children whom I have been supporting with scholarships since last year. This is purely using personal funds because I want to help them,” she said. She explained that the students’ success represents a happiness that cannot be measured in material terms, and it is hoped that this assistance will help the 10 students complete their education. “Papuan children have the same ability to compete with students from various regions in Indonesia if given equal opportunities,” she added. She noted that developing Papua is not only about physical infrastructure but also about ensuring the younger generation gains access to a proper education. She hopes that more high-achieving Papuan children will have the opportunity to pursue higher education and eventually become leaders who will build the land of Papua. “I believe the future of Papua is in the hands of these children; therefore, as long as we have the means, we will continue to strive to help them. No Papuan child’s dream should be halted simply because of financial issues,” she said. The scholarship programme has now entered its second year, with the number of recipients growing from three to 10 students.