Daughter receives late dad’s diploma

By ZARA KANU LEBO
ELIZABETH Frank stepped up to the podium to receive her late father’s Executive Diploma in Leadership and Government at the Somare Institute of Leadership, as the family recalled how he had been looking forward to receiving it himself.
Son Samson Frank said: “He received several certificates before but this was his first diploma, so he was really looking forward ever since he got his results when school closed at the end of 2023.
“They (were told) that the whole class was graduating and he was one of them. So he was excited and started preparing for the graduation.”
The late Senior Sergeant Frank Aroma died after a short illness in February just two months before graduation day.
“He fell ill in February and passed on. We got a call from the school requesting a family member to stand in for him at the graduation. So my sister Elizabeth, who is also a Correctional Officer, went in his place.”
Samson and Elizabeth are two of five children born to dad Aroma from Muraitai in Gulf and mother from Bogia in Madang. Two more were adopted by the family.
“Our parents separated when we were young and we all remained with dad growing up. He was a very loving and caring person, portraying a good character. He was friendly to all and dearly loved by his children and grand-children.

“ He fell ill in February and passed on. We got a call from the school requesting a family member to stand in for him at the graduation. So my sister Elizabeth who is also a Correctional Officer stood in his place.”

“He always stood ready to help anyone in need and was always ready to tell a joke. He was popular around friends and family for that.”
The late Aroma was accepted into the Executive Diploma in Leadership and Management programme in 2023 and underwent a 20-week study programme.
Watched by her siblings and relatives, Elizabeth joined in the queue waiting for her father’s name to be called.
There was also a one-minute silence at the graduation ceremony to remember him.
“Dad was an early bird and very consistent with his timing and his attitude towards his studies and when he got his assignments, he made sure to complete half of it the same day.
“After getting the news from the school, we were excited and happy for him and seeing that if he was here to receive his own diploma, he could have been very happy.”
His phone kept by his children continue to receive messages of congratulations.
“We still have his phone with us and to this day we still receive messages and calls from his friends and family passing congratulatory messages even though he is gone.
“Dad was committed to his devotion and always up before the sun is up. That is as early as I can remember.
“He always told us to push forward in life and never let anything hold us back. And that in good and bad times, always be the same person – the one with a good character.
“He loved his two grandchildren so much that he always told them to love people and share their lunches.
“We his children miss our father dearly but are proud of him and of his life. I know by this he is also challenging us to get back into college and aim high just as he did.”