Divine Word University

Information Systems students share Tari experience

July 28, 2010

Five final year Bachelor of Information Systems students spent a week of their first semester break early June setting up the office network of the business of the father of one of the students, Roselyne Irabu. They travelled to faraway Tari in Southern Highlands Province and set up the network for GMT Enterprises Ltd owned by Tari business George Tagobe. Four students volunteered to take up the project when Roselyne request their help after she realized a need in her dad’s business. Here the students share the experiences they had in Tari.

Paul Senkai from Central and Eastern Highlands (Kainantu)

  Paul_Senkai   I’d say this was the biggest project out from the other two I’ve managed. A lot of resources were required but thanks to GMT Enterprises Ltd we acquired all that were needed. Putting it all together and pulling it off in the most remote part of Papua New Guinea within a week, just doesn’t get any better. You talk about gaining experience and confidence, that was one right there, and it was big time!
I am a city kid (of Port Moresby) but the Tari experience really had me thinking of how much PNG has to offer in terms of its natural beauty and the hospitality from the simple people. Tari has got it all and they show it to you in style. I am planning a return very soon.  Just can’t wait to mix it all up again with the Tari gang.

Grace Asunu from Morobe

  It’s my first biggest project to undertake. From the acquiring of equipment, the two days on the road and the five days of setting it up was hectic but much more enjoyable. Within these five hectic days, we had to schedule the work with our sight-seeing. It was great, fun, exciting, and enjoyable, with unforgettable memories. The team that went was the most flexible team that I had worked with and I hope we all can work together again for a similar project when we leave DWU. I am convinced that I can setup an office network if asked to do it, but if something happens, one of the team members or the whole team is likely to be sought.
The staff members of GMT Enterprise were friendly and fun to work with and the people of Tari were also friendly. GMT and his family were hospitable and we find great pleasure during the trip making our stay a memorable one.  Hey I got to see some of the famous or now-the-becoming-well-known places of Hela Province such as the Tari Gap, Hides project plant and many others. From one who hails from the coastal part of PNG, I was scared that something might happen to me when I go there but I took the risk to go there and experience it for myself. Well the trip proves it and I’m delighted to go back there if I am given another opportunity.
  Grace_Asunu

Nehemiah Sakare  from Enga

  Nehemiah_Sakare   The trip to Tari is like killing two birds with one stone. We went as a networking team but also turn out to be a local tourist team. The family and the staff of George M. Tagobe (Director and owner of the company), became the tour guide for us. We had an opportunity to visit the PNG LNG project sites at the Hela end. We visited Hides 1, 2, 3 and 4. Not only LNG sites did we visit but the beautiful Ambua Lodge and the sight-seeing of  the admirable Hela plateau and its spectacular views. I made the most of it. Hela, you have it all for PNG and abroad.
To carry out a project worth more than K20,000 in one week is amazing! Also it was my first experience to be a member of a project team. However, after the successful completion, I had a sense of relief and enlightenment. I believe it’s an achievement of milestone for the IS Department and DWU as a whole in terms of marketing the knowledge we acquire here at the University.
If I am contracted for another project like this in the near future, then the experience in Beautiful Tari is a worthy stepping stone.  

Miriam Taule from East New Britain

  A computer network setup is an integral part of every organization today and it gives me great pleasure to be able to provide this service to GMT Enterprise in Tari.
Being part of the project has given me an exciting experience and exposure to the real world and the demand for IT.
I’ve never dreamt of going to Tari, it was unbelievable! The friendly atmosphere and beautiful environment is breath taking. I would love to go back again.
  Miriam_Taule

Roselyne Irabu from Tari, Southern Highlands

  Roselyne_Irabu   Though it was my first time to undertake such a bigger project, I am happy that part of my major final year Project has been implemented within a week.  I have learnt a lot from that experience and discovered the great need of IT in the company. Therefore, I will go back and help my sponsor to extend the network to other departments after completing my studies here. I am also writing a proposal to develop Client Server Information System for GMT Enterprise which will be implemented in few months time.  It is my pleasure to contribute something back to someone who worked hard to contribute towards my education.

Finally, I’d like to thank all my course mates especially those coastal students for trusting me. Though it was their first time to travel to Southern Highlands and Hela, they took the risk. They were courageous enough to experience the lifestyle of the HuliI and see the true colours of Hela for themselves. My big thank you to my dad, GeorgeTagobe for trusting me and sponsoring the project.

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