Acting Prime Minister, Hon. John Rosso, MP, has called on former students of Passam National High School to uphold unity, service, and responsibility as they contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso made the call on Thursday (24.09.26) when speaking at the Passam Alumni Reunion hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Passam Alumni Students’ Association at the UPNG Drill Hall in Port Moresby.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso said Passam National High School played an important role in bringing together young people from different provinces, cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
He said the school helped students understand one another, respect different customs, and develop a stronger sense of national unity.
“Passam taught us unity. It brought together young people from different parts of Papua New Guinea and helped us learn how to live and work together as one country.”
He said the national high schools were established by the country’s founding leaders to help unite Papua New Guinea after Independence. The schools also prepared students for higher education and leadership by bringing together some of the country’s best students.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso said his time at Passam remained one of the most important experiences in his life.
He said the friendships and relationships formed at the school continued to open doors and build networks across the country.
Mr. Rosso encouraged young people to listen to others and learn from their experiences, regardless of their background or position in society.
He said listening to people, including workers, public servants, police officers, students, and community members, helped leaders better understand the country and its people.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso also called on Papua New Guineans to take personal responsibility before blaming others for the country’s problems.
Mr. Rosso challenged citizens to ask themselves whether they were doing the right thing and setting a good example in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
He said responsibility included attending classes and work on time, keeping public places clean, respecting others, helping people in need, and performing duties honestly.
“Before we complain, we must ask ourselves whether we are doing the right thing in our own capacity.”
Acting Prime Minister Rosso said unity was important for the future of Papua New Guinea. He warned that the country could become divided if citizens placed provincial or regional interests above the national interest.
After PNG celebrated its 51st Independence last week, Acting Prime Minister Rosso emphasized the importance of PNG being united as one country, one nation, and one people, and to continue building a stronger and united country.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso also reaffirmed his support for Passam National High School. He said a bus would be delivered to the school and that further assistance would be provided to improve its infrastructure.
Mr. Rosso said the government had previously supported the school through infrastructure funding and had settled the outstanding land payment for the site on which Passam is located.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso said Passam held a special place in his life and that he wanted the school to become a quality and credible institution with strong infrastructure.
He also called for similar support to be provided to all national high schools and schools of excellence throughout the country.
He thanked the alumni association for organizing the reunion and said he remained available to support the association and the school where possible.
Acting Prime Minister Rosso said the reunion was an important opportunity to remember the past, strengthen relationships, and encourage current and future generations to serve Papua New Guinea with unity, discipline, and commitment.
“Together, we can build a stronger and more united Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Rosso said.