Pictured: Winston Jacob, GULL Country Representative for Papua New Guinea (left) and Benson Ateng, Country Manager, World Bank (Papua New Guinea, East Asia & Pacific Region) (right)

Themes from the speech made by Mr. Benson Ateng at the formal launch of GULL on the 5 October 2007.

Benson Ateng Mr Benson Ateng, Country Manager, World Bank, (Papua New Guinea, East Asia & Pacific Region). Reflects on GULL’s role in encouraging lifelong learning, fostering courage and confidence and equipping learners to cope with a changing world. Endorses GULL’s work on behalf of the World Bank. View videos below...

Enabling PNG to make a difference

This is an important occasion, considering the kind of learning institution that is being launched today. I like the motto very much: ‘Enabling YOU to make a difference in OUR world'

Enabling learners to make a difference

Only a few who leave school early can speak with confidence in a public forum. GULL's approach will help those who have had limited opportunity to be courageous in expressing their views.

Building courage and confidence

The majority in the developing world lack the courage to stand up and speak in front of others and express themselves effectively. If we sit back, others will take advantage.

Failure is never final

You may fall to rock bottom and if you do, just lift up your arm and either take the arm of someone who will help you or find something to hold onto and lift yourself up!

Lifelong learning

We are launching GULL and we have before us, two statesmen (His Excellency the Governor General, Founding Chancellor, GULL and the Honourable Prime Minister, Co-Chancellor, GULL). The skills that they learnt when they were younger and not the same skills that enable them to cope with the challenges of their roles today.

Equipping ourselves for a changing world

Most of us are change resistant. We all need to keep learning and GULL is the kind of initiative that the World Bank supports.