She brings in staff members specialising in different disciplines - whether humanities or sciences - to provide theoretical discourse on the subject.

She calls upon biology staff to provide discourse on human anatomy, creative arts staff for life skills and communication and drama, and social sciences staff for cultural and development dimensions.

The University of Goroka has truly embraced and implemented the government’s Vision 2050’s notion of HIV/AIDS as a cross-cutting issue.

Students are encouraged to script small plays relating to HIV/AIDS to perform in different communities in Goroka. They bring out the different dimensions of their studies through the plays.

HIV/AIDS researchers at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, churches, international non-government organisations like the Clinton Foundation, civil society organisations like Minivava and community-based organisations like the Garden of Eden are invited to provide practical insights into prevention, care and treatment.

Alice always works tirelessly in collaboration with partners. She believes in capacity building and has sent staff members for short training and she organises in-house workshops at the University.

Monica Sibiya from Science and Emma Mua from Student Welfare Services (pictured) were part of a team that attended a week long workshop at Loloata in Central Province last year.

I was surprised over a dinner table when she announced that the meal was sponsored by the Member for Goroka, Hon Bire Kimisopa, and that a certificate of participation for a weeklong HIV/AIDS workshop was sponsored by her husband.

I sat back and thought that Alice had has shown extraordinary commitment.

A few weeks later, in a conference room, she brought a person forward and told the packed room that the person has voluntarily come forward to disclose his HIV/AIDS status.

It reminded me of Alice’ tireless effort and her superb knowledge and skills in counselling and support.

Last Wednesday I received a call from Alice and she asked me to meet her in the Expressive Arts office. When I went over, she smiled and asked how I was doing.

“Leader, I am doing well,” I said.

She smiled again and handed me a parcel and said, “I know your family need this.” I didn’t open the parcel but thanked her deeply for the gift and left for another meeting.

At home that night, my family gathered to open the parcel.

It contained a beautiful set of cutlery. My wife could not help saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you”.

She was going to go on forever so I intervened to tell her that I would pass on her appreciation to Alice, and this is part of our appreciation story.