Kumang’s story of striving for success

Main Stories, National
Source:

The National, Monday October 28th, 2013

 A WOMAN who left school in Grade Six, began work as a cleaner, before fighting her way back into the mainstream education system, plans to pursue her masters in health administration.

The story of Matela Kumang, pictured, from Kundiawa, Chimbu, was revealed after she was named one of the six recipients of the Pride of PNG Awards last Thursday at the Parliament House state function room. The awards are sponsored by City Pharmacy Ltd.

Kumang  won the education and role model award.

Kumang dropped out of Grade Six in 1972 then found a job as a cleaner with a monthly wage of K14. 

In the next two years, she studied via correspondence through the College of External Studies in Kundiawa to complete grades seven and eight. 

Kumang later enrolled to become a nurse aid, equivalent to a Community Health Worker today. 

She graduated in 1975. 

In 1988, Kumang enrolled via correspondence to complete Grade 9 and 10.

In 1993, she matriculated to complete Grades 11 and 12 and obtained her diploma in nursing in Goroka that year.

In 2002, Kumang enrolled at the University of Goroka and graduated with a diploma in nursing education.

In 2005, she graduated from the University of PNG’s School of Medicine and Health Science with a degree in nursing education. 

Kumang told the gathering last Thursday she was grateful to 

have been recognised for her struggle, saying she believed in education. 

“I travelled the hardest way to be who I am today – from a cleaner to a nurse administrator,” Kumang said. 

Kumang said she had been accepted to do a Masters in Health Administration at the Divine Word University. 

Chief guest Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, the patron of Pride of PNG Women Awards, said the awards were dedicated to recognise and celebrate the life of everyday PNG women. 

The awards are into its seventh year. 

The awardees for the six categories were Ruby Matane (Bravery and Courage), Nara Cathy (Care and Compassion), Mato Posu (Community Spirit), Matela Kumeng (Education/role model), Jennifer Baing-Waiko (Environment) and Joanna Oala (Young PNG).