Dedicated teacher elected union boss

CAREERS

TEACHING has always been a passion for Chimbu man Lucas Gene.
It was Gene’s primary school teacher, Singa Dan who inspired him to choose this career path.
“I always believe in truth and I see teaching as a noble profession,” he says.
Gene, 52, is from Pari village Waye in the Kundiawa-Gembogl electorate of Chimbu. He is married with five children.
Gene’s education journey started at the Kogai Primary School in Chimbu in the late 1970s. He was selected for Grade 7 in 1978 at the Kondiu Rosary Secondary School.
While a student there he was secretary of the students’ representative council.
He realised his childhood dream when he was selected for Kandi Teachers College in 1982 in East Sepik.
In 1983, he graduated with teaching certificate.
Time flew in his teaching career. He travelled the rugged terrain of Chimbu in his 20 years of teaching in the districts of Sinesine-Yogomugl, Chuave, Salt-Nomane Karamui and Gumine.
“I never complained about the remoteness of my postings because I was passionate about my job,” says the committed teacher.
He obtained a diploma in distance learning teaching in 2007. In 2013, he was selected to attend the University of Goroka – thanks to his vast experience in teaching and his teaching diploma. He graduated in 2015.
High expectations of him from the family, relatives and colleagues, of moving a step further, such as being promoted to position in the administration rather than teaching never eventuate.
Since 2015 with a patient and humble heart he went back to the classroom to teach.
Never once did he give up, after many attempts in applying for jobs within the education department that were advertised.
He was one of the many Chimbu public servants who are very loyal to the province, serving there for the past 37 years teaching. In 2020, Papua New Guinea Teachers Association (PNGTA) held a general election for national executives with provincial executives. Gene was so pleased to be elected PNGTA branch president for Chimbu.
The elections were conducted properly but the office bearers never took office due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the new normal. The signing of oaths never eventuated.
Finally, on Nov 8, 2021, the newly elected executives with the president of PNGTA Chimbu branch were sworn, in front of the senior provincial magistrate Ponning Makap.
With Covid-19 protocol the ceremony was limited only to the newly elected executives; president Lucas Gene, vice-president Dilu Tongia, secretary Mathew Nicholas and representatives from elementary school teachers, Morma Ermanda, TVET Markus Tiki, Primary Joseph John Mondo, High School, Kondako Paul and the women’s rep Susan Sinue.
The ceremony was witneseds by Lutheran Assistant Bishop Rev Kiage Mitoro, Klan Technology managing director Peter Pagau Klan, close protection officer to the late Sir Michael Somare Sgt John Wain, Pastor Michael Witne, board chairman of Elimbari Primary School Michael Subaru.
Also present were primary school inspectors Melchior Aru of Karamui and James Mand of Chuave and PNGTA Highlands Regional Secretary Hans Gima.
The executives of PNGTA Chimbu branch pledged to uphold their vision to avoid favouritism or nepotism within the profession and department.
The blue print of their vision was summarised by Gene, who stated that the union branch would work in partnership with the education division of Chimbu, for the welfare of PNGTA members in the province.
Gene said he was pleased to have reached such position after teaching for many years.
“With my new role, as the PNGTA branch president, I look forward to continue serve the people with a humble heart. I am thankful to God, my family for always supporting me.
“This would not be possible without their support. I am thankful to those who were always supporting me with their kind words and gestures. I look forward to serve the provinces in more years to come.”