A long road to success for Manasseh

People

LAST month, at a hotel in Port Moresby, Manasseh Dinbi David received his Bachelor in Business Accounting degree from the University of Goroka.
Well, not really. He received an empty envelope because he still owes money to the university. Once he settles the fees arrears, he will be given the certificate for his degree.
“On the day of getting our certificates (in Port Moresby because the Covid-19 had forced the cancelation of the traditional graduation for 1028 students in Goroka this year), I only got an empty envelope as is the norm for any student with outstanding fees.”
How that he is working, his priority is to pay off the arrears.
He was also surprised to be awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s award for his exemplary leadership as a student leader at the university. It is awarded every year to those who have provided leadership on and off campus and are regarded role model students.
He dedicated his achievement to his parents who did not earn a regular salary but managed to keep the big family going.
“It was a real struggle because my father, a tradesman, had nine mouths to feed. And putting them all in school was hard financially.”
He also thanks his relatives for their support.
“Regardless of the financial struggles, my extended family always rallied behind us with whatever support they could give and that really pulled me through. Without their toil and sacrifice, I wouldn’t have managed to complete my studies.”
Manasseh hails from Chimbu. His dad is from Kerowagi and his mother from Sinasina. He was born and raised in Western Highlands.

“ It was a real struggle because my father, a tradesman, had nine mouths to feed. And putting them all in school was hard financially.”

He started his early education at the Kindeng Primary School from 2003 to 2008. He completed grades seven and eight at Anglimp in 2008 and 2009, nine and 10 at the Mount Hagen Secondary School in 2010 and 2011, and grades 11 and 12 at the Rosary (Kondiu) Secondary School in Chimbu in 2012 and 2013.
He then spent four years at the university in Goroka from 2014 to 2019 to complete his degree programme.
“I dedicate this award to my family for being a great support system in my studies. I am truly grateful to my dad and elder brother for their commitment to send me and my siblings to school despite dad’s meager pay as a tradesman.”
Manasseh joined associations and organisations on campus to build self-confidence. He was president of the UOG Accounting Students Association for the past three years.
“One thing I always believed in is teamwork. It all goes back to understanding yourself as an individual, respecting others, having good communication skills and working well with different people abiding by set laws.”
He is dedicated to his faith and believes that the Almighty always intervenes when he faces hardships.
“My faithful God has always been gracious to me.”
Manasseh has started work with the Chartered Practicing Accountants (CPA) PNG.
He thanks his elder brother “who has been like a father figure to me, shouldering all the financial burdens while working.”
He thanks him too for supporting their younger siblings attending school. Now that he is working, Manasseh hopes to share the load with him.
It had been a long hard road but success always awaits those, such as Manasseh, who persevere.

  • Story and picture supplied

7 comments

  • Seeing your face makes me remember Nadzab during a time when all our operations at the airport were closed and the time approached 6pm. We were about to head back to Lae when you came into our Nadzab office and asked for your students to wait for the pick up at the office area and use our toilets which we agreed. You organised your students well and with confidence you approached us and got what you requested and also called the driver of the bus using our directline. The driver answered the call seeing it was a direct line and he gave you the exact location. After ending the call, yiu brought smiles back to your students. Not long and the buses arrived and you all boarded for Goroka. That was bold leadership when leadership was need. Kudos bro.

  • Continue to invest in your sibllings. That is the way to go. Do not let go of our good Lord

  • Many are struggle for success but my brother God has really blessed you for your Silent achievement. To God be Glory.. Again Belated Congratulation My BELOVED BROTHER..

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