Kelly learns to make a difference

KELLY Samof is quick to admit that when he started university he was thinking only of getting a degree and finding a job to secure his own future.
Now Kelly’s face lights up when given the opportunity to speak about his studies in economics and his hopes for the future of Papua New Guinea. His tall frame moves excitedly when he makes a point.
“Once I finish studying I want to work at the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea or the Department of Treasury,” Kelly said.
“I want to find an area of economics that I enjoy and can excel in.”
Soon after starting his Bachelor of Economics at the University of Papua New Guinea School of Business and Public Policy in 2013, Kelly found himself under the guidance of academics from the Australian National University (ANU) through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.
“The partnership between the two universities has had a big impact on both my education and my personal growth,” he said.
“The academics from Australia showed us that we can use our education to make a difference in Papua New Guinea. They believe in us and this belief has given us confidence in our abilities.”
Through the Precinct, the Australian academics teach a number of economics and public policy subjects including applied economics and business statistics, Eeconomic policy, quantitative economics, intermediate macroeconomics, decentralisation policy, and policy monitoring and evaluation.
The Precinct is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to develop capable and ethical public sector leaders to lead and manage the delivery of government services.
“The lecturers tell us that what we learn is on par with students in Australia and Europe, and they talk about the huge potential of our country,” Kelly said.
“This has been inspirational to me. As a Papua New Guinean you don’t grow up thinking that way.”
Kelly said through the course, they are encouraged to see themselves as global citizens and not just as undergraduates.
His credentials as a global citizen and an emerging leader were boosted when he travelled to Sydney in 2016 after being awarded a Kokoda Track Foundation Archer Leaders Scholarship, which develops tertiary students who have demonstrated a commitment to their studies, communities and country.
Kelly once again reaped the benefits of his hard work when he was awarded the ANU-UPNG scholarship in economics in April 2017, which is supported through the Precinct partnership. The scholarship will see Kelly return to Australia in 2018. This time to Canberra where he will live for two years while he undertakes a Master of International and Development and Economics at ANU.
In Alotau and Port Moresby, Kelly’s family and friends continue to encourage him on his journey.
“They’re supportive of the fact that I’m growing as a person and learning to interact with people from outside Papua New Guinea,” Kelly said.
“It was a barrier that I had to break through, learning to communicate with people from a different culture.
“All their hopes are with us to bring something better when we go out into the world.”
Kelly will celebrate the completion of his undergraduate studies with his peers at the UPNG graduation next Friday.
He is not the first in his family to excel academically. His father, Dr Lucas Samof, also graduated from UPNG. Dr Samof studied medicine, specialised as an anaesthetist and is presently Director of Critical Care and Medical Services of the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority.
Kellty’s younger sister may also look to follow in those footsteps when she joins him in Port Moresby to study science at UPNG, with a view to moving into medicine.
Kelly is excited by the prospects of furthering his education and believes the education and experience he gains at the ANU can equip him with the tools to make a difference in Papua New Guinea.
“I don’t expect to change the whole world, but I know I can play a part in shaping the future of Papua New Guinea by helping to create good policy and contributing to sensible economic decisions,” Kelly said.