![]() Norbert Walawia is from Imbonggu in Southern Highlands Province in a village called Kongebul, coming from a tribe called Makai. He is the only son in the family, both of his parents were subsistence farmers. Please, read the entire story and be encouraged & inspired so you can have your own story to tell. Below is a story of his educational journey, and his educational achievements. My name is Norbert Walawia, I first started my education journey at Kero Primary school (Ialibu Basin LLG) of Imbonggu District in SHP. I then completed my primary school in 2006, scoring satisfactory marks in the final primary school exam. I was then selected to Kagua High School in 2007 but unfortunatly i didn't complete my studies there due to political related clashes. My efforts to attend high school seemed futile at first since my family could not secure a space in other high schools. My parents and I teamed up to apply for various schools but still, nothing seemed successful so i stayed stay home. My Parents and I were on the verge of giving up, however, I had sought refuge in Pangia secondary school where i was fortunate to secure a space. I was the only son of my mom and Dad. But since i went to High and Secondary School, I did not expect any cash (money) from them. Every time i refused to get their one Kina, two Kina because i used to feel for them. My Parents dont have any formal income so the little amount of money they find is for their cooking oil ,soap and other basic needs. So i used to find means and ways to survive on my own in High and Secondary School. Both of my parents were subsistances farmers, however, due to the climate issues in ialibu, we cannot grow any cash crops. We only raised pigs so inorder for me to go back to school, my mom and dad used to sell pigs every year to pay for my school fees. I completed my Secondary Education in 2013 and I was the first Pangia Asoli Memorial Secondary Student to be selected to PNG University of Technology in Lae (Morobe Province) in 2014. On the 2nd of February 2014, I traveled tulait2 to Lae and arrived at Eriku highlands bustop at 8am in the morning. I had never travel to Lae before and It was an amazing moment for me. At 20:00hrs, I arrived at Unitech Taraka Campus. I could not believe I had arrived to a place that I was set to build my career . Fast forward orientation was done and I was convinced everything was great. In my first year I struggled. Not academically, but to fit in UOT space because my seniors advised me that if you want be a student of unitech, you will have to passed the first year. I was fearful to ask questions in class as I thought my english was too bad since i came from a remote school and students would laugh at me. I was only comfortable when I was with some Southern Highlands students around me.They would give me a warm hug and a smile. My first semester was bad, I didn’t perform well. During the semester brake in June I was asked to apply to 2015 student leadership program with Clean Generation which I did. That was the turning point. Through that program, I met amazing student leaders who helped me install my confidence. I met very great people through being a student leader, whom we often share great moments with such as hiking conversations. When I was doing second year, I deliberately decided to work on myself because I was confident. My self-esteem peeked up. I started loving UOT. I met cool and great students who inspired me. My brothers from neighbouring tribes stood with me and encouraged me. They used to advised me and by the end of second year, I was in OHE scholarship List. I felt that I was back to explore my potential. Being a student at PNG University of Technology, I was presented with many personal development opportunities. These included attending leadership conferences, access to mentorship , clean generation group, Provincal and District Associations and many more. In 2014, I attended one of the Leadership conference in Lae international hotel for two days. We were taught the art of ethical leadership and transformative leadership. Many influential leaders came and shared their personal experiences. In the conference, I felt motivated and inspired. It was also my first time in Lae (The capital city of Morobe Province). One quote that was said by Mr. Jacob Luke , (Managing Director of Mapai Transport) and I quote; “But then, who said life is simple? You need to keep fighting the challenges and through that, it would make you strong and a better version of yourself.” From that time till today, I still remember those words because it really captures my attention. They remind me that nothing great comes easily. You have to toil and moil, day in day out. The HOD of Business Studies Department, Associate Professor Z. Sun always tell me ,”Lest you forget where you come from. “ He shared his life experience where he stated that after getting his first job, he bought his mother a solar panel to demonstrate to the village the power of education. This left me inspired and promised myself I will do the same. During the conference, I met many young students and professionals from all over Lae city who were motivated to write their stories of success. I was convinced that this was the program to help me reshape my story and destiny. At UOT, I did Doploma in Business Information Technology and Bachlors Degree in Accounting which is a dual achievement from two Different programs. In 2020, I graduated with Bachelor Degree in Accounting and Diploma in Information Technology. It a great achievement for my Family, Clan and Makai Tribe as a whole. To achieve my aim i go through many struggles which i cannot mentione since God was in control and satisfied my needs daily while was in my education journey. I achieved my dream and I am so thankful to God for everything He has done in my life. After the graduation in 2020, I dedicated my educational achievement back to my Mom and Dad because everything about me is because of them. Unfortunately, my mom did not make it to witness my graduation, only my Dad came to witness my graduation.
After all the struggles and hardships, It took me six years to complete both of my programs successfully Those struggles & hardships were dark days of my life. Days that have been cemented with uncertainty, days that gave me no identity. But today is a different day, for today isn’t yesterday. Today, the future seems crystal clear. Currently, I am working with Telekom PNG Limited. From my educational experience, I would like to encourage those young people who are in high and secondary schools to set goals right because your education life must be on track and you will know where you are going with clear heart and mind. #Article_By_Albertis_Photography #Bibliography_of_Norbert_Walawia Next : A Vegetable Vendor Broke Down In Tears At Son's Graduation Comments are closed.
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