Marjorie targets standard set by parents and brother

By ROBERTLYN KIG
MARJORIE Kintau is not only aiming for a career as an engineer in the maritime industry, but she is also determined to reach the standard set in the family by her parents and older brother.
“Both my parents are university graduates, as is my older brother. A standard had already been set in my family and I have to do my best to follow them, and also be a role model to my younger sister.”
Marjorie, 24, is the second eldest in a family of three whose parents are from Madang, Gulf and Central.
She was offered a Women in Maritime AUSAID scholarship last year and is currently waiting for Australia Awards PNG to send her off for her 18-month practical training at sea as soon as her travel documents are ready.
She started her elementary education at the Coronation Primary School in Port Moresby before her family moved to Vanimo in 2010. She completed grades four to eight at the Vanimo Primary School.
She proceeded to Grade Nine at the St Ignatius Secondary School in Aitape, before returning to Port Moresby to attend the Marianville Secondary School, completing Grade 12 in 2019.
In 2022, she graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Electronics) after a two-year programme at the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG.
Marjorie benefitted a lot from life at boarding school – firstly at St Ignatius in Aitape, then later at Marianville – although it required her to leave her parents and home.
“I missed my family and home, but I wanted to make them proud. So I put my head down and focused on my studies.
“Boarding school also helped me become independent and responsible. It taught me how to fend for myself, to work hard, which made me excel in my academic performance.”
She is forever grateful to her parents for supporting her throughout her education journey despite the tough economic times they faced, making sure she never lacked financial support.
After getting her Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Electronics) in 2022 from the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG in Lae, she heard from friends about the Australia Awards Women in Maritime Scholarship.
She immediately applied, and was accepted.

“ Both my parents were university graduates, as is my older brother. A standard had already been set in my family and I have to do my best to follow them, and also be a role model for my younger sister.”

“I was extremely grateful that I was accepted. I saw it as a blessing from God because my family would not have to worry about any further financial burden (fees).” The programme will also provide her with the opportunity to further develop her electrical trade skills and pursue her interest in engineering.
She also wants to prove to women that they can do jobs in the male-dominated maritime industry.
“My goal is to receive my Officer of the Watch certificate (officer responsible for the operation of a vessel on the bridge) and build a career in maritime engineering with confidence.”
Marjorie’s draws inspiration from her family – her parents and big brother – all university graduates who inculcated in her the importance of hard work.
Her advice to girls and young women who want to build a career in a male-dominated field is to have self-confidence and never doubt their own potential and talent.
“If things don’t work out, don’t stress. Everything happens in God’s own time and plan. I am talking from experience as I almost never completed my secondary school education because my plans did not turn out the way I expected. But I reminded myself that maybe, the Lord had other plans for me.
“You have to trust the Lord. He sets your time. When one door closes, another door opens. It is only you who can change the course of your life. Your downfall can only come from your negative attitude.
“You must strive to have a positive mental attitude in life. Whatever hardship you come across, see it as a challenge. Prove to yourself that you can, and will, do better.”