College principal finally gets first degree

By MICHELLE AMBA
At 53, John Teklau Kaupa has finally proven his critics wrong! And certainly for him education does not stop.
The father of four is the principal of Simbu Teachers Collage. He was one of the many who graduated last Friday (April 27) at the University of Goroka’s 21st graduation.
Not only did he graduate with a Bachelors in Education School Management, he was the top student in his programme.
And he says this is not the end, he will be pushing for his masters degree in the near future.
“I still have the ambition and interest to study for a masters, the university has invited me to do that. I want to be a role model for young teachers, to prove that education does not stop. You must find ways to upgrade your qualifications.”
A message from the guest of honour at the graduation, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Pila Nininigi, was for graduates to live diligently.
“Do not give in to peer pressure but live as true teachers, not only as teachers but educationists, go out there to educate the future of Papua New Guinea.”
Taking this message into consideration, Kaupa says he truly does not want to stop there but will push further.
Kaupa took up studies two years ago through the university’s institute of distance and flexible learning. He said many challenged his position as principal of an institution – that despite him clocking more than three decades of education experience he did not have a degree.
“I had a diploma in secondary teaching and 32 years of teaching experience, however when I was appointed acting principal for Simbu Teachers College I had many opponents. People said they wanted someone with a first degree to manage the institution. This challenge motivated me to take up studies, and today I celebrate that objective and target I set two years ago.”
The National Education Board (NEB) re-appointed Kaupa as the acting principal for Simbu Teachers College in February this year after a temporary arrangement expired.
Kaupa’s appointment was arranged by the NEB through a recommendation by the institution last year. The arrangement was for a period of six months, however, he remained for one whole year. Early this year the NEB re-appointed Kaupa for the post.
Upon the institution’s governing council’s recommendation his appointment was endorsed by the NEB. This appointment including that of 26 other teaching staff were made through that same decision.
“I am happy that my re-appointment has followed all proper and legal process,” said Kaupa after the appointment announcement was made.
“The governing council is the legal authority to make recommendations and I am pleased with this decision.”
Kaupa graduated from the then Goroka Teachers College in 1984 with a diploma in teaching. Five years later he did an advance diploma at the same institution.
He taught in high and secondary schools for 26 years before moving onto being a teacher educator for five years. He was elevated to the principal’s position and has been serving in this role for the last two years.
“When we have been in the system teaching for that long, people regard us as redundant and we have to find a way to exit, however, I would like to encourage teachers in all levels of education that surely education does not stop.”
When congratulating Kaupa, the director for UOG distance and flexible learning centre in Chimbu, Robert Sine said his achievement was a story in itself.
“John’s achievement is a star for the Chimbu centre because his group who have graduated are the first for our centre. These are our first graduates and I encourage other teachers to take up this opportunity at your door step and upgrade your qualifications,” Sine said.
The grandfather from the Yuri tribe in Gumine district says you will achieve once you set clear objectives.
His achievement was celebrated by his extended family, colleagues, tribesmen, friends and other Chimbus.
Today, Kaupa manages 27 staff and more than 2,000 students. The college is a day institution meaning, both lecturers and students live off campus.
He says with this achievement, he is now ready to work.
“All my staff members have first degrees and most are locals. We have graduated three lots of teachers into the workforce, that’s a total of 1,500 teachers for the Teaching Service Commission.”
Under his leadership the college has seen tremendous change. With the help of the provincial government two new brick structures were erected and 27 laptops were bought for the staff to enhance efficiency in work performance.
A Land Cruiser 10 -seater was bought for the collage to monitor block teaching supervision and other general use. A 50-bed girl’s dormitory was also constructed.
The principal thanked the past and present governors of Chimbu for supporting the collage in its six years.
Kaupa says staff welfare is closely monitored, and students’ welfare, teaching and learning and other organised scheduled educational programmes are effectively supervised throughout the year.
With this degree in hand, the 32-year veteran is ready to train more teachers.

• Michelle Amba is a freelance journalist.