Dream becoming a reality

The urge to become a nurse and make tangible contribution to community has motivated a man to apply for an Australia Awards In-PNG Scholarship in 2018.
Today, Kumuno Cliff is on his way to fulfilling his ambition, as a second-year student studying for a Diploma in General Nursing at the Lae School of Nursing.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a health worker,” he said.
“I admire health workers.
“While in secondary school I saw a need for nurses and that’s why I decided to study nursing.”
Cliff is one of three Australia Awards scholars sponsored by Steamships Trading Company to study the course.
After the first year which focused mainly on theory, Cliff said he was enjoying the second year’s hands-on elements and applying what he had learned so far.
“I do some advance procedures that give me experience,” he said.
“Procedures such as injecting and handling tubes and assessing a patient’s mental state.”
Another highlight for Cliff has been learning about integrated management of child patients.
“There are 14 steps to identifying and diagnosing a child.
“Some of the illnesses that I’ve diagnosed a child with were malnutrition, cough, malaria and pneumonia.
“I’m progressing well this semester and looking forward to my semester exams.”
Cliff said he saw his future role as a fully qualified nurse who played a vital role in the community which he worked.
Australia Awards has partnered with Steamships to contribute to improved service delivery in the health sector through the provision of nursing scholarships for study in PNG.