Celebrating away from home, family

By STAFF REPORTERS
THEY may be far from home and family but they did not forget to celebrate their country’s 45th Independence Day anniversary on Wednesday.
A group of students attending the Fulton College at Nadi in Fiji held their celebration at the school helped by their friends from Fiji and other Pacific island countries who all wore T-shirts with the PNG flag on them.
PNG girls Haliesha Koroka of Western Highlands, Miriam Pakurumia of East New Britain, Bisso Karaki of Eastern Highlands, Anita Olape of Hela and Anna Anton of Chimbu huddled around a cake for a picture before the chaplain cut it to be shared by everyone.
According to its website, the 80-year-old Fulton College is a member of a worldwide chain of institutions owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist church.
PNG students join others from Pacific island countries to study there every year including Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
The college also offers places to Pacific Islanders and other interested individuals living in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Current PNG student at the collage include Anita Olape of Hela, Bisso Karaki of Eastern Highlands, Miriam Pakurumia of East New Britain, Anna Anton of Chimbu, Haliesha Koroka of Western Highlands, Omen Omen Junior of East Sepik, Jehosaphat Liato of East Sepik, Joseph Steven of Central, Singh Tamben of Morobe, Angela Irali of Southern Highlands and Illy More of Southern Highlands.
Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae in a special Independence Day message to students told of he was still a student when PNG gained Independence in 1975.
He urged them to focus on their education “and aim high”.
“Education is one of those privileges we enjoy today. You are the generation that will take our country into the next 45 years.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you are serious about your education, it will take you places.
“Among us today could be a next doctor, engineer, pilot. The opportunity to excel in education is there for both boys and girls.”
He also urged children to “have faith in God” to guide them in their studies.
Sir Bob was in Kavieng for the celebrations with former prime ministers Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Chief Sir Julius Chan and Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
Sir Rabbie told a group of students to appreciate the significance of PNG’s independence.
“I was involved with Sir Michael and Sir Julius in the initial (independence) consultation stage with Australia, and in discussions up to when PNG gained independence.”
Students around the country and overseas such as those at Fulton College were as is traditional every year heavily involved in the celebrations. They understand the importance of the annual national event.
Sir Bob also reminded them to do the best they can in the classroom and to listen to the advice of their parents and teachers.
“Appreciate what your parents have done for you to sacrifice for your education and appreciate your teachers as well.”