In the remote village of Bunisi in Milne Bay province, going to school does not depend on how old one is, rather it depends on whether you can handle the hike to and from school.
Each morning, children trek for at least two hours, walking down the mountain for at least 2,000 feet to the Ikara Primary School and back each afternoon.
It also takes five-six hours for the parents to travel to Rabaraba station in search of health care or to sell their products at the station market. In return, they buy salt, sugar, rice, tinned fish or save money for school fees.
Thinking back to 1986 when I started school, not in Ikara but looking across the Goodenough Bay to Cape Vogel in Makamaka LLG.
I walked two hours to Koyabagira Primary School. When I arrive, I am covered in sweat.
I come very late at times, where I am too exhausted to enter class.
The children, who come a long way to school, are often unsuccessful at the end of their years of school. So many go back to the village and continue to live the village life. But I will say, it’s good to be in your village, my question is, how will these dropouts know how to change their own village?
The leaders of Milne Bay should work together with NGOs and churches to bring services to the people.
They should address and prioritise on the needs of the people in the remote areas, especially in education, health and ways of making money to help themselves in this changing world.
I read in the newspapers and hear on the radio that Milne Bay is really moving in development. But, what are we really developing?
The leaders of Milne Bay should practice good management, accountability and transparency by providing essential services to the people of Milne Bay and the country.
Milne Bay is not a very big province, but its landscapes, the rugged ridges and mountain areas makes it difficult to reach many people.

D. Aruasina
POM