| Sports |
Dynamic Dougie
stepping out
By JOEL HAMAGO DWU Journalism student
Students who have passed through St Ignatius Secondary School
since 2001 would remember Douglas Rawaiya, a simple and generous
teacher who has a passion for music and loves his buai.
Mr Rawaiya arrived in school that year with a pair of crutches
which left many students pondering “Would he be my teacher - a
disabled teacher?”
But as the year progressed Mr Douglas Rawaiya, better known as
Dougie was swarmed with friends.
His personality touched many of his students and friends, his
sense of humor, his patience and the ability to be a role model
for those who suffer.
Douglas’ poignant story of his physical disability began when he
was only sixteen months old in Lae.
He experienced sporadic bone fractures, medically termed
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (fragile or brittle bone disease which is
a genetic bone disorder)
“I cannot recall exactly the number of times I broke my bones,” he
said.
As a result of this, his legs grew weak and by the time he was
enrolled into grade one, he was wheel chair bound.
“I did not like the idea of being confined to a wheel chair and
being wheeled around. I hoped that one day I would be up again
with the support of crutches.”
An inspiring lesson from him was: “Be in control of your
limitations.”
Douglas excelled in his studies. Following the completion of high
school at Bugandi High School, he secured a placing for grade
eleven at Sogeri National High School in 1991. Life became
increasingly challenging.
“I was away from my family and by this time also, I was able to
get off the wheel chair and walk with crutches.”
“I was an above average student. I wanted to study petroleum
engineering and I knew I could do it.”
All these dreams were to be shattered in 1992 when he was in grade
twelve. Douglas was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus often referred to as “Water on the Brain” is the
abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of
the brain which then resulted in intracranial pressure inside the
skull.
It can cause intellectual impairment if it is not recognized and
properly treated. The only treatment is through surgery which
would remove excess fluid from the central nervous system.
Besides, the pressure caused by Hydrocephalus was so severe that
he suffered loss of sight in both eyes.
His learning ability receded dramatically.
“I lost my natural intelligence and because I was very ill, I had
to withdraw from studies.”
There were no hospitals in PNG that could offer hydrocephalus
surgery. The weight of the burden was laid on the family to meet
the financial costs of an overseas operation. Fortunately the
costs were met and he was flown to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane,
Australia.
Following the major operation, he returned and completed grade
twelve the following year. Douglas was among the pioneering
students in Computer Science at Unitech.
“It was a new experience for me. Although I was disabled
physically, I am able intellectually and this course was another
milestone to achieve.”
1995 was another year of hardships and turmoil. His vision began
to deteriorate due to weak optical nerves.
“I flunked my course in the second semester and had to re-enroll
in 1996. It was an achievement then to graduate with a diploma. I
finally made it.”
After graduating, he tried to find work.
“After five job interviews I was not considered. Those who had
similar qualifications as mine were successful. I felt different
and discriminated against. It was like looking back and seeing my
life full of holes.”
Douglas spent three years 1998 - 2000 at home being involved in
other activities to get his mind of his plight. Being a talented
musician, singer and lead guitarist Douglas became an active
member of the youth at St Martin’s Catholic Parish, Lae.
Working among the youth seemed to open up new possibilities. Then
the urge to visit his tsunami devastated village of Sissano in
West Sepik province made him return home.
It was in that year that St Ignatius secondary school underwent
major changes. Computers were introduced into the curriculum and a
position was created for a full time computer teacher. Being in
Aitape at that time, he was an ideal choice. He was accepted into
the academic staff for 2001.
“I had no prior teaching experience. It was amazing how I was able
to impart my knowledge to the grade eleven and twelve students.
Not only was I teaching computing; I taught Christian Living as a
subject.”
Teaching was never his dream career but like many others who
search for their vocation, he completed two series of Lahara
programs at the University of Goroka and became a registered
teacher in 2003.
Douglas currently teaches basic computer skills at St. Ignatius
Secondary School in Aitape.
He is also attached with Fr Antonine Center for the disabled in
Aitape and has been helping out in areas of computing.
“My ability as a disabled person to work among able people has not
been capitalized on. I felt the system has no space for a person
like me.”
He has hopes and visions that need to be turned into reality.
“I see the need to be a role model to the disabled and
disadvantaged people like me; to teach them computer skills.
However I feel the need to upgrade my computer qualification in
institutions like Divine Word University or Unitech in Lae.”
Douglas is saving from the little he earns as a teacher and is
seeking sponsorship to make his dream come true.
 
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