USQ student a hero to local village

A USQ student has led an incredible effort to air-freight more than 130 kilograms of donated books to his local village in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Joel Silas was born in the remote district of Kerowagi, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, an area without many learning resources.

He understood the difficulties of the village and wanted to help the local school.

'When the teachers, the children and their parents heard of the news of books being sent from USQ in Australia they were filled with both joy and tears,' Mr Silas said.

'Without doubt the books will go a long way to fulfilling the lives of these children. The book donation from USQ is a first overseas gesture to the school.'

USQ Faculty of Arts Librarian Ms Vivienne Armati said she was eager to assist Mr Silas in his efforts to help his local community.

'Mr Silas approached me with this idea and I was keen to assist him with procuring books,” Ms Armati said.

'The books were donated by USQ staff and the Vice-Chancellor’s Office funded the shipment of 130 kilograms of books.'

The books arrived at the nearest township and due to the remoteness of the village, members of the local population helped carry the books to their final destination.

Mr Silas was able to complete an undergraduate degree in PNG despite growing up in a disadvantaged community and developing a hearing disability.

He is currently studying a Master of Professional Information Technology at USQ on an AusAID scholarship.

Mr Silas will complete his Masters degree at the end of Semester 2 this year and will return to Simbu where he will continue to help his local community.