A milestone in education and healthcare has been reached with the official opening of the Balimo College School of Nursing — the first Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)-accredited nursing school in Western Province. The initiative, funded by the PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) in partnership with Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) and Divine Word University (DWU), will offer a four-year Bachelor of General Nursing, the first tertiary qualification of its kind in the region. The opening marks a critical step forward in addressing the shortage of health professionals in the province. With 33 pioneering students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, the program aims to strengthen local healthcare services and improve access to tertiary education. Speaking at the event, Dr Brad Shaw, Chair of the Balimo College Governing Council, said: “This is a momentous day. We are incredibly proud to officially open the School of Nursing at Balimo College — Western Province’s first accredited tertiary institution — fully funded by SDP. This milestone marks a major step forward for education and health in our region. Through our partnership with Divine Word University, we are thrilled to be offering a Bachelor of General Nursing right here in Balimo, helping to grow a skilled and qualified local health workforce for the future.” Also present at the launch were key figures including Western Governor Taboi Awe Yoto, Delta Fly MP Agena Gamai, Dr Miriam Bogo of the Western Provincial Health Authority, SDP CEO Ms. Lesieli Taviri, DWU Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor Iwona Kolodziejczyk, and local leaders and members of the college’s governing council. The School of Nursing offers facilities unmatched by any other health training institution in the province, including an IT lab, a simulation lab for clinical training, four lecture halls, dedicated tutorial rooms, dormitories for both female and male students, and a library. Acting Principal Stella Agat expressed her optimism. “With the opening of the Balimo College School of Nursing, I have great hope that we will empower our student nurses with the skills and knowledge to improve health outcomes across Western Province.” The student cohort has already completed its first semester, including a two-week clinical placement at Balimo Hospital. All students have successfully progressed to their next semester subjects. Balimo College’s new nursing school represents a powerful investment in Western Province’s future — building capacity, expanding opportunities for local students, and laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier PNG.