It is a Universal slogan; “When you educate a woman, you educate a family.” Shirley Kikitou, a second-year Bachelor in Accounting and Finance student and a first-time recipient of the ‘Founder’s Scholarship’, describes this opportunity as a blessing in her life. We look at her story. 24-year-old, miss Kikitou comes from a family of six whose mother is an elementary school teacher and her father a subsistence farmer. Like many other young Papua New Guinean women in that situation, life was a real hustle. Shirley hails from Buin in South Bougainville, where copra and cocoa are the primary sources of income for the people. The joint incomes from teaching and farming could only cater for the basics. Like most rural cultures, the family unit works together to contribute to basic necessities. They had to work for their own pocket money and at times also needed to sacrifice these towards their school fees. Sometimes, they would also help their relatives so they can support them when they needed extra money. “Cash is hard to earn but easy to spend, so we use it wisely”, she said. In 2017, Shirley’s father became very ill, and things got worse for her family because her mum was the sole breadwinner. Shirley suffered from countless nervous breakdowns and was emotionally and mentally not in a good place. She locked herself up so many times, crying and begging God so many times, asking why everything terrible was happening to her family. However, regardless of everything that was happening, Shirley looked at her siblings as a reason to keep going. It was an oath she made to herself to work hard for them. In spite of the challenges at home Shirley successfully completed year 12 from Arawa Secondary School. As the third amongst her siblings to graduate; with her mind set on continuing her studies. The joys of this accomplishment were short-lived as her eyes excitedly scanned the selection list only to find her name had not made it. At this stage she felt hopeless; however little did she know that fate was leading her to something better. When asked to share how she felt at the time, there was a sudden and prolonged pause, her voice crackled a little as she looked around the room with glowing teary eyes, “My parents told me, do not be discouraged by the distance you still have to travel. Instead, appreciate how many miles you have already covered. Don’t let anyone discourage you from blooming into the person you are. Wipe your tears and keep walking. What opportunity that comes your way, grab it and keep going. You have your plan and dream, but God’s plans are better than yours.” Throughout the dilemmas, highs and lows her family remained the best foundation, place of refuge and support. The shy but outspoken Ms. Kikitou was enrolled at the IBS TVET college to complete her certificate four in Accounting. After completing certificate four, she enrolled for IBSU Bachelor in Accounting and Finance. That was when she learnt about the Founder’s Scholarship through her friends, who are also recipients of the Scholarship. She stressed that having the right circle of friends is very important cause your friends either make you or break you. Shirley has found friends at IBSUniversity that want nothing but the best for everyone. For all the times Shirley locked herself in a room, crying and begging God, He was listening. Circumstances in life should never hinder what destiny has already in place for you. Instead, a path that leads you to something greater than what you have planned. Shirley is now a recipient of the Founder’s Scholarship as she works her way up to achieving that goal she has set for herself. The Scholarship has been a platform of change in her life, and that is something she will always be grateful for and vocal. “This Scholarship has helped my parents and I financially. I have other siblings who are also in school. We have been financially struggling, especially with school fees and pocket money. I have seen this Scholarship as a blessing to me, and I say thank you to Sir Mick Nades (Papa blo IBS/ IBS Founder). My biggest thank you goes to God for this opportunity because not many people like us are that privileged. The Founder’s Scholarship is one of the biggest blessings in my life”, she said. IBSUniversity wishes Shirley all the best in her studies as she enriches her life through the World-Class Education, using our excellent academic facilities. The Founder’s Scholarship has been helping financially disadvantaged but academically bright students for more than two decades. Formerly known as the ‘IBS Scholarship’ but was renamed to ‘Founder’s Scholarship’ after Sir Mick Nades retired as the Chairman of IBS. Source : IBS University Next : Noel Impressed With Education Success Share your Inspirational Stories, Education Issues, Education Talk. Let your voice be heard: Send us your stories to us: email : pngedunews@gmail.com Share this
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