ON the remote Trobriand Islands of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea is a teacher who is having a significant impact on his community through his passion for agriculture. Nathan Kabisawali, a teacher at the Kiriwina High School, is devoted to teaching his students about sustainable farming practices and food security. Kabisawali’s upbringing in the Trobriand Islands and his firsthand experience of the challenges his community faced due to climate change had inspired him to study agriculture at the University of Environment and Natural Resources. “I want to assist the people on the island,” he said. “I want to help them in increasing their fresh produce while using sustainable methods to protect the environment.”
In 2017, Kabisawali was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis which had affected his right leg and had an impact in his career. Since then, he has switched from being an agriculturist to being a teacher. He is determined as ever to continue his personal mission of providing extension services and information to island communities. Kabisawali then applied for a scholarship to study a post-graduate diploma in education at the University of Goroka through the Australia Awards Scholarship and was successful. “The scholarship came at a time when I was lost,” he said. “I had just found out that I needed an assistive device (crutch) to take me places and I was devasted. “I was depressed, and the scholarship gave me a second chance to be able to contribute meaningfully to the country, even in my state and for that, I am truly grateful.” As the only agriculture teacher on the island, he uses a combination of theory and practical lessons to teach his students. Kabisawali had also set up a gardening plot at the school so that the students would be able apply their knowledge in real-life situations. “It is rewarding to see that students and other teachers look up to me for advice about crop planting and gardening or advice on food storage or related matters,” he said. “In my state, it does feel nice to be needed.” Kabisawali’s passion for agriculture extended beyond the classroom. He said that he is also proud to see that his teachings were being applied in the community. “I am especially proud when I see gardens in front yards,” he said. “This is because it shows that people were taking up this information and applying it.” While Kabisawali acknowledges the challenges of teaching in an under-resourced and underfunded environment, he is hopeful for the future of education in Papua New Guinea. “I want to see that more students are securing places in higher education, technical and vocational institutions,” he said. “And to see agriculture as a priority lesson extended to all schools. “Agriculture should not only be seen as the backbone of this country meant for the unemployed or unemployed. “It should also be taught as a life skill in schools to equip our students with the right skills and mindset to go into agriculture and utilising their knowledge to create business and ideas that would benefit themselves as well as those in their communities.” Kabisawali’s dedication to his community and passion for agriculture has made him an admirable role model for his students and fellow teachers at the school that he is currently teaching at. His advice to those considering an Australia Awards scholarship application was to prepare well and let their passion guide them. He said that for those people living with disabilities (PWDs), there is a pathway for them and they should not be discouraged but keep on persevering. Kabisawali encouraged PWDs not to have limiting beliefs. “The scholarship also encourages people with disabilities to apply, so it is a good opportunity to share your passion with others,” he said. The National / PNG Education News Also read Comments are closed.
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