Hard work pays off for Damien

By AILEEN KWARAGU
DAMIEN Engime was just eight when he lost his dad. Ten years later, he lost his mum.
But Damien, the youngest in a family of five boys and three girls never gave up hope. Life must go on.
Now 20, Damien from Wam village in the Ambunti Drekikier district of East Sepik, wishes that his parents were around to see him receive the Social Science dux award at the Kilakila Secondary School prize-giving ceremony.
He lost his mum Cecelia Warambina in 2018 while he was in Grade 10 at Kilakila Secondary School.
He now lives with his two elder brothers and a sister in Port Moresby.
At the school’s Grade 12 Recognition Day, Damien received the social science dux award. He also received awards in History and Economics and the second prize in Business Management.
Fighting back tears, Damien attributes his success to his faith in God and his confidence to endure the hardships which came his way.
“I lost dad in 2008 when I was doing Grade One. My mum came to Port Moresby the following year so I stayed with my fourth born sister back home.”

“ I never gave up on my education despite the hardships I endured. I put my faith and trust in God and aimed to work hard and achieve my dreams.”

In 2015, Damien moved to the capital city to live with his mom and siblings.
He transferred from St Joseph’s Primary School in East Sepik to Kilakila Primary School for Grade Seven and Eight. He was selected to attend Kilakila Secondary School where he spent the four years of his secondary education.
He became the head boy of Kilakila Secondary and his hard work as a leader and student elevated him above his peers.
“I never gave up on my education despite the hardships I endured. I put my faith and trust in God and aimed to work hard and achieve my dreams.”
Damien also received a scholarship from the PNG Information Technology Institute to study there.
Damien’s goal is to make his family proud. It became a reality when he went up on stage to receive his dux award.
“I dedicate my awards to my lovely parents and my family. Even if they did not make it to my recognition day, I love them and I thank God because all of these happened according to his plan.”
Damien thanks his teachers for their words of encouragement which helped him a lot at Kilakila Secondary School.
He wants to be a lawyer. It’s his first choice in the school leaver form.
“My life has been filled with challenges and complications. Sometimes I had to walk to school or I go hungry.”
He remembered all that as he received his top academic prizes. All the hard work, all the sacrifices, all the struggles, the sleepless nights, all the downfalls. They all have paid off for Damien.