Chimbu man fulfils late dad’s wishes

Reports and pictures
by ZINA KOIM
DESPITE losing his father, John Bomai held onto his father’s advice on education as the best way to a good life.
Bomai graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea with a Bachelor of Sciences, majoring in geology.
Coming from a rural village of Sinasina-Yongomugl in Chimbu, Bomai said: “My late dad, Michael Kamane Awagl, always tells me that we are from the most rural village and education is the only way out for success and a good life.
“We do not have access to basic government services so the only hope for us is education.
“So, whether we like it or not, we have to get educated so that we will be the essence of change in our community.
“I uphold his words of wisdom despite the challenges and struggles, and kept on going even though he left me along the way only to fulfill his wish.
“If my dad was here, he would have been a really proud dad but, I know, he is proud in Heaven,” he said,
Bomai completed his secondary education in 2018 and came off as the dux student in science at the Rosary Secondary School in Chimbu.
“That was the last time my dad attended my graduation and I, being the dux students my dad was the happiest person,” he said.
His dad passed away in 2019 when he flew to Port Moresby to do his first year at the university.
“I did not want to continue with my education but his words of encouragement gave me the strength to continue so that I can make his wishes come true one day.
“It was a painful journey for me because dad was the only breadwinner; but I just took the pain with me and continued with my studies.
“Family support was not always there and it affected my studies, but I tried as much as possible to maintain my grades.”
He said he had gone through a lot challenges but did not give up.
“Sometimes, I go without food, I did not have bus fare to move around and I had financial difficulties.
“When I think of my dad, it upsets me a lot. I wanted to give up but knew deep inside that dad would want me to keep going.
“I just held my head up and this is the end result.”
Bomai acknowledged his mum, siblings, relatives and his fiancée for supporting him and had stood by him throughout his toughest of times.