My story and my PNG traditional storyboard

My story board


This beautiful traditional storyboard was made by Henry, a Papua New Guinean artist from Sepik, after I returned from my first exile in Australia on 3 April 2014. It has been hanging in my office in Papua New Guinea, now in my office in Italy.

The storyboard depicts my imaginary visit to the Sepik village, where Henry the artist hails from.The text on the storyboard reads:

"Dr. A. Schram, it is good you care. Most wellcome to PNG heritage". "Thank you tru for choosim Papua New Guinea. Your stay in PNG will be a historical one & commendable to the citizens. Mi hamamas tru long u".

(In English: Thank you for choosing PNG. ... I am very happy for you")

Indeed I believe my 6 years in the country have brought some good, though many colleagues in the university management and council were utterly resistant to implementing any positive change, preferring instead to serve themselves exclusively, and to play the corrupt politics, of greed and inflated ego's in Waigani .

For many of the students coming from villages just like these, however, we are sure we have brought some truth, light and hope.

What is touching is how most people in the country have been so kind and welcoming. Although Papua New Guinea is not the only story in my life, having worked as a professor in other wonderful countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala, my PNG story is the most memorable and interesting. 


It makes me very sad that because of the self-interested behaviour of a few unscrupulous former colleagues and Council members, I won't be able to visit the country until this government has left, and the police forces have been reformed.

There was really no need for such a sad ending after 6 years of hard work for the students, and two rather successful terms as Vice Chancellor. The university had one chance to reform itself, but has refused to do so, sticking instead to its old ways of serving the interests of a small number of eternal staff members.

My rather indecorous separation from the University has damaged its reputation internationally, and created ill-will and consternation among its stakeholders. The Council members' proven lack capacity to govern themselves or the University would disqualify them from any leadership position anywhere else in the world.

Currently, as Professor at the University of Maryland University College - Europe, I deliver all my course in hybrid format (blended learning) online and in-person. In this manner, a 3 months 3 US credits course can be delivered in only 1 or 2 months.

Through my expertise in online learning I hope I will work again with PNG students. Check out my LinkedIn profile for the latest.