Malinsin: A doc in making

By TONY PALME
MALINSIN Alo is about to realise his childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor.
The 22 year-old from Ralomanda village in Kagua-Erave, Southern Highlands has been offered a chance to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree at the University of Visayas in the Philippines next year.
The course will run for five years and costs K30,000.
“Right now I do not have such money because I live in the plantation where the means of raising school fees is difficult. But I have faith that God will make it possible.
“This is a lifetime opportunity I do not want to let it slip by because the cost of education in the Philippines is cheap.”
He is due to leave in November and is working hard to raise the K30,000 to study in the Philippines. “At a very young age, I dreamt of becoming a medical doctor. My mother is a nurse and my father is a police officer.”
His dream received a setback when his parents separated.
“Mum raised me and my three siblings alone.
“I am the eldest. It’s been 12 years now – life without dad.”
He began elementary education at Imuya Primary School in Kagua-Erave but tribal fights forced him to move to Jiwaka to live with his uncle at the Bunum Wo coffee plantation.
He then completed grades 3 to 8 at the Giramben Primary School in North Waghi.
Malinsin was selected for Grade Nine at the Waghi Valley Secondary School in 2017. He passed Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12 at the school.
He turned down an offer by a college to be a teacher.
Recently, he came across a missionary in Lae conducting an awareness on overseas scholarships. Malinsin immediately paid the K100 application fee. A month later, he received an acceptance letter. University of Visayas coordinator Solostine Lee Yavu delivered the acceptance letter to him.
“Tears of joy rolled down my face. I couldn’t believe I would get an opportunity to study overseas.”
Malinsin has been living with his uncle at the Bunum Wo coffee plantation and works for his school fees.
He studies English, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
His grandfather was also a health worker, which played a part in his decision to become a doctor. The struggle of his people in Kagua-Erave to access medical services is also a factor.
He is a member of Church of the Nazarene and a preacher too.
“Life is not all about what we expect but we must accept what is meant for life and always be patient for God’s timing to crown our entire life.”

“ At a very young age, I dreamt of becoming a medical doctor. My mother is a nurse and my father is a police officer.”

He is due to leave in November and his only worry now is raising the K30,000 in time to fulfill his dream.
He looks up to his mother as a role model and source of inspiration.
“I feel for my mother. She has always been on my side. She is an angel in my life, a real blessing from God to me. The fees is a lot of money but I know she will do her best to send me abroad.”
His favourite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
“Earthly fathers can fail us but our heavenly father never fails us. He is so faithful to us.”