Anna excels in a foreign land

People

By LARRY ANDREW
WHEN Chimbu girl Anna Anthon Waim could not make it into a local tertiary institution in 2014, dad Anthon decided to send her overseas to further her education.
“Anna could not continue to tertiary level as she did not do well in Mathematics. Seeing her not getting a place had me worried. So, as she is my eldest child, I had to help Anna upgrade her marks at the Flexible Open Distant Education (FODE) centre in Lae.
“After upgrading her marks, Anna applied to the University of Technology and other institutions here but was unsuccessful.
“But she received offers from Australia, Philippine and Fiji. She chose Fiji to further her education.”
Last month, Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting degree majoring in Business Management at the Fulton Adventist University College in Nadi, Fiji.
She is spending two weeks in Fiji looking for employment, and if successful, will stay on. But whatever the outcome, she will return home eventually.
Anna, 25, is the eldest of four sisters born to Anthon and Betty Waim of the Kamanuku clan in Kundiawa-Gembogl district, Chimbu.
“Only God knows it has been a long journey. Have just graduated despite the many challenges I encountered in my four years of study at Fulton University. I have always dreamt of this day to arrive. I’m really blessed.
“My four years of study in Fiji would not have been possible if it wasn’t for my family and friends back home, especially my hardworking dad Anton Waim and to my prayer-warrior mum Betty Anton for their tireless support.”
Anna also thanked Salamanda church Pastor Nelson Kepe in Lae and the prayer-warrior mothers.
“I could not have made it if it was not for God who brought me this far. Thanks to the Almighty for his endless love and kindness.”
According to dad Anthon, Anna after her early elementary prep education went on to complete Grade One to Grade Three at the Markham Road Primary School.
He moved her to the Buimo Road Primary School where she completed Grade Four to Grade Eight. She then did Grade Nine at the Lae Secondary School where she completed Grade 12 in 2014.
Dad Anthon is happy for Anna, now that she has a degree.
He thanks God for guiding him in making the right decision on her education journey.
“Through God everything is possible and my advice to parents is that if your child cannot make it through our education system here, there are other opportunities out there to help them accomplish their dreams.
“Do not lose hope or give up on our children. They were born for a purpose. So as parents, we must make sure that we fulfill that purpose in their lives.”
Dad Anthon wanted nothing else but to see his daughter continue her education and achieve her dream – just like any responsible parent would.