Informing Today, Inspiring Tomorrow
Students at the airport departing to study in the United States of America, supported by YEF.
Students departing to study in the United States of America, supported by YEF.
Author: Yer Education Foundation Inc.
Yer Education Foundation Inc. Sends Another Seven Papua New Guinea Students to Study in the United States
Seven more Papua New Guinea students have departed the country to pursue higher education in the United States of America through the Yer Education Foundation (YEF), bringing the total number of PNG students currently studying under the foundation to 28.
The announcement was made yesterday during a press conference at the YEF headquarters in Port Moresby by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pake Misimi Kera. Mr. Kera confirmed that the seven newly selected students will join 21 other PNG students already based in the United States, all of whom are accommodated directly by YEF through the foundation’s headquarters in the USA.
“This marks another milestone in YEF’s commitment to creating international education opportunities for Papua New Guineans, and we are pleased to announce the departure of seven of our students,” Mr. Kera said.
Yer Education Foundation Inc, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pake Misimi Kera at a fundraising dinner.
He highlighted that what distinguishes YEF from other education pathway programs is that the foundation is registered and physically based in the United States, enabling it to provide direct accommodation, student welfare oversight, and structured mentorship programs over time.
“Our mentorship program has shown positive progress in shaping students academically, socially, and professionally as they adjust to life and study in the US,” Mr. Kera added.
He further stated that the Yer Education Foundation offers alternative education pathways for Grade 12 school leavers as well as tertiary institution students, enabling them to discover their potential and pursue their education further.
Founder and Chairman of Yer Education Foudation Inc, Jackson Yer (right) and his family.
Despite the success of the program, Mr. Kera acknowledged that YEF continues to face capacity and resource challenges in expanding its reach to a wider audience across the country.
“We appeal to the Government, corporate entities, business houses, and individuals to support YEF so we can extend this opportunity to more PNG students. These internationally recognised qualifications will allow our young people to work anywhere in the world and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
During the press conference, YEF Board member Mr. Job Joe also acknowledged the foundation’s sponsors, which include MRDC, Mendi Munhiu DDA, Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (MGH), Kemele Construction, Isee Investment Ltd, PISGAH Limited, Mt. Lemina Lodge, and many other individuals who support this worthy cause.
The foundation also shared its sorrow and sympathy with Isee Investment Ltd and PISGAH Limited following the recent fire in Mendi that destroyed their business houses. These two business houses have been very supportive of YEF’s programs. Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Rhonda Dou thanked YEF for the opportunity provided and expressed her appreciation for the Godly-oriented values and character instilled by the foundation and its board members, who continue to advocate Godly values through their mentorship program.
Rhonda Dou, Jerod Tui, and Lorraine Nema are among the students who were present and are travelling today to the United States, while the other four students travelled earlier on Tuesday, 6 January.
YEF Education Director, Toli Owil, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to student development and academic excellence, emphasizing that YEF’s holistic support model ensures students are not only placed overseas but are guided throughout their entire educational journey.
With seven more students now leaving for the USA, YEF continues to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s presence in global education spaces, one student at a time.
Members of the board and executives, Yer Education Foundation Inc.
The YEF Board concluded by pledging their full commitment to expanding education opportunities and positioning the foundation as a leading pathway in building quality human resources that can contribute meaningfully and impactfully to the development of Papua New Guinea.
HISTORY
- Started in 2018
• Sent five students from 2018 to 2019
• COVID-19 interrupted the program in 2019
• Two students returned without completing their studies
• Three students continued and completed their studies
• Two graduates are married and are permanent residents in the USA
• One student graduated with a qualification in Cyber Security and returned to PNG
• From 2020 to 2023, COVID restrictions did not allow the foundation to send more students
• In August 2023, the foundation was launched in PNG
• In December 2023, YEF resumed sending students
• From 2023 to 2025, about 28 students were sent
• For the 2026 Spring Semester (January), seven students were sent
• The 2026 Fall Semester opens in August 2026
• The foundation has two enrolment intakes annually, in January and August
Note: All images were supplied by YEF.