Commitment a key to success

By CHARLES MOI
A CHEVENING alumni says that commitment, dedication and enjoying the academic journey are key ingredients to success.
Joshua Kaile, 30, from Central, shared with The National about his Masters studies in the United Kingdom (UK), which was funded through the Chevening scholarship programme.
Chevening is a prestigious scholarship funded by the UK government.
Kaile said his studies in the UK showed him the value of a higher education at a world class university.
Kaile, who did his Masters in international law and sustainable development at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in 2017, said the learning facilities were of a high standard.
“The university facilities are state-of-the-art and that shows the commitment of the management in ensuring each student is provided with a conducive environment to excel academically,” he said.
“Resources are up to date and offered online to provide flexibility to access whenever and wherever you can.
“Academic staff are experts in their own fields which gives the student the opportunity to pick their brains and learn.”
Kaile has a sister and two brothers and he is the youngest.
He grew up in Makerupu village, Rigo, in Central, with his parents – father the Late Kila Kaile and mother Vetari Kaile.
He said life was simple, with both his parents enterprising and hardworking.
The Kaile family are devout Christians and well respected in the community which he said played a huge role in his upbringing.
Kaile understood the value of hard work after he started his education journey in Makerupu village.
He remembers the days at Makerupu Elementary School in 1999, where he first learnt about reading and writing in vernacular.
These were the days that prepared Kaile for success.
Kaile then went on to do his grades three to eight at the Manea Manea Primary School from 2000 to 2005.
He went on to do his grades nine to 12 at Kwikila Secondary School from 2006 to 2010.
In 2011, Kaile began studying for a degree at the University of Papua New Guinea in linguistics and modern languages.
He completed his studies at University of Papua New Guinea in 2014 and started his first job in Port Moresby with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), as the programme officer for the government of Japan.
It was at Jica that Kaile became an interested in international laws and conventions.
In 2016, he learnt of the Chevening scholarship and applied.
In 2017, Kaile was among five people from Papua New Guinea who were awarded a Chevening scholarship.
He said it took him some time to adjust to the cold weather in Glasgow, the second largest city in Scotland.
“One thing that stood out (in Glasgow) was the rich culture and friendliness of the community and people of Glasgow which made me feel at home, although I struggled few months into my studies with their heavy Glaswegian accents,” he said.
Kaile now works as a programme manager in economics at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
He is married and has a son, Zachariah Robert Kila, who is a year and four months old.
Kaile maintains that he would not be where he is today without the support of his parents.
His message to young people today is simple: “study and work towards goals and have balance in your life.
“Identify the best time your brain works in a day and schedule few hours doing research during that time.
“Have a balanced schedule to enjoy the activities you enjoy.
“I would sometime play soothing music while studying.
“It helps.
“Know what you want to do in life and go after it whole heartedly.
“Always have a plan and ensure you execute that.
“Nothing comes easy.
“Do not waste your time on things that do not add value to your well-being.
“Instead, strive to find your purpose and use it for the better.”