Having positive attitude, vision helps one succeed in life

 By LYDIA MONDO

IT is not about how clever and smart one is but having a positive attitude and vision to be successful in life.

Some people, such as Andrew Ikupu,   dropped out of school early but it did not stop them from achieving great things.

Ikupu, from the Kairuku, Kivori in Central, dropped out of Grade 10 at Mainohana High School and joined the Catholic mission. He worked as a handyman – fixing things here and there. He also helps out where needed – including teaching.

He loved Mathematics so much as a child and took up the subject – and English – to help out in class when teachers are not available.

Through his dedication and commitment, he was selected to attend St Pauls Vunakanau College in Rabaul to be trained as a teacher. 

After graduating, he spent two years at Goilala in Central and later moved to Kwikila Secondary School. 

He later obtained a diploma in tertiary teaching at a university in Canberra, Australia and joined the Madang Teachers College as a lecturer. 

In 1989, he joined the University of PNG to do matriculation and the education foundation year which he completed at the end of the semester. 

“When I began my lecturing in the In-service College – now the PNG Education Institution – I taught Mathematics and English and non-formal education for school drop outs.

“I concentrated on how to improve drop-outs and that’s where I got my conviction to care about this group of people.”

He later got bachelor degrees in arts and humanities, social science and education. 

In 1997 he won a scholarship to attend the University of Western Australia for a Masters degree in Education.  

He did his PHD in Flinders University in Adelaide, Southern Australia. It was where his greatest challenge and success came – building the elementary education system in PNG.  

Getting his PHD was challenging as he was recruited as the national planner for a reform in the Education Department. He was later appointed as the national director of Elementary Education in PNG.

He called this period a crucial time because apart for his normal duties to look after the education system in PNG, he also had his studies at Flinders University.

“It is quite unique and a very stressful exercise but I knew exactly what to do over 10 years and planned for it,” he said.  

“Success in life does not come easy but with time, energy and effort and doing your best.”

Ikupu was involved in the establishment of the Early Childhood Certificate for one year to replace a three-year mix mode certificate. 

He also dedicates his time and life to the church, family and his work in to the education system to help others to be successful.

Ikupu and a college friend and founder of the Centre 2000, Hohola Community College principal director Susuve Sevesua, dedicate their teaching careers to youths who have dropped out of the formal education system.  

The students under this programme have learnt how to balance their life spiritually, materially, economically and socially.

“Our aim is to provide an opportunity for the under-privileged to feel like being part of society,” he said. 

Ikupu has been with the Hohola Community College for more than a year and plan to reach out to the other villages in the country.

It is giving something back to people who can relate with – at the grassroots.