By FRANK RAI
One mother's struggle to eke out a living in harsh circumstances has reaped its rewards.
Kaisy Hansutan in her early 40's from Goilala in the Central province resides at the 7 Block, a notorious settlements in Wau, Morobe province.
Since her marriage to Hansutan from Menyamya ended 14 years ago she has strived to make ends meet and put her two sons Leonard and Loward through school.
Kaisy used to be employed as a clerk but was not able to find formal employment when her husband deserted her.
So she worked vigorously in the informal sector selling ice blocks, eggs and clothes at the Wau market to raise her sons.
She often fell short of making the required amount to pay school fees so most times her elder son Leonard's school was disrupted.
"Money is always a problem but this has not stopped me from finding money to pay school fees for my two boys," she told The National Weekender at the Grace Memorial Secondary School's second grade twelve graduation.
She shed tears of joy when she heard Leonard's name been called to receive his prize as the Science dux.
"This year (2007), Leonard resumed class five weeks late but because of his situation we (school) allowed him to sit the exams," Physics teacher Sherron Ayata said.
"Even before the final grade 12 examination he came one day before the exam after three weeks of absence in the classroom due to some problems.
"He came and told me that he would do a last minute study and sit for the exam tomorrow and I was not surprised because I knew he would do it," Mrs Ayata said.
Mrs Ayata said Leonard was a naturally intelligent boy with a down-to-earth personality.
He didn't talk much in class but had the intelligence and potential to succeed in life.
"I cannot express it in words - I am exhausted," an emotional Kaisy told The National after the graduation.
She thanked God for her sons success and His divine intervention throughout the hard times.
At the peak of her troubles, she put her faith in God, wanting nothing more but a good education for her sons.
Leonard is awaiting his application to The University of Technology to study engineering.
His mother's diligence and his intelligence paid off for a good kid raised by a loving mother in a settlement.
 

 

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