Paul makes family, tribe proud

By ZACHERY PER
PAUL Kua Goro made not only his family but also members of his Kebai-Aura tribe in Chimbu proud when he recently graduated with a Bachelor in Economics degree at the University of Goroka.
“I am delighted to be the first person in my tribe to receive a degree. I always have that challenge to become the flag-bearer for my people and I am happy I finally achieved it.”
He is from West Elimbari, Chuave in Chimbu.
Paul thanked his parents, wife Lisa Paul, and two children Leo and Melisa for their support and having to put up with him while pursuing the degree. Leo is in Grade Three and Melisa in preparatory class at the North Goroka Primary School.
Paul is the eldest of three children. Brother Mathias lives with his wife and daughter in Goroka. Sister Helen is in Grade 10 at the Gahuku High School.
Paul attended Giriyu Primary School in West Elimbari from 1995 to 2000. He went on to Karaweri High School for grades seven to 10, then Yaweh Moses Secondary School for grades 11 and 12 in 2005, 2006.
He was accepted by the University of PNG to pursue an Applied Science programme. But due to funding constraints, he went to the Commercial Training College in Lae to do a Diploma in Business Management course in 2007.
In 2008 and 2009, he worked as a Logistics Officer with a cannery company in Lae.
In 2010 to 2011, he taught Business Studies at the Highlands Youth Training College in Goroka.

“ I am delighted to be the first person in my tribe to receive a degree. I always have that challenge to become the flag-bearer for my people and I am happy I finally achieved it.”

From 2012 to today, he has been working with the National Computer Resource Centre in Goroka.
“While working, I applied to do Education in TVET teaching at UOG under the in-service programme. I completed the programme in 2018 and then pursued Economics in 2019 and 2020. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Economics.”
The university council cancelled the 2020 graduation because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It instead handed out certificates, diplomas and degrees in absentia.
Members of Paul’s family and tribe gathered at his North Goroka home to celebrate his achievement last weekend.
Paul urged communities to support those pursuing degrees and diplomas in tertiary institutions so that they can have many educated people who in turn will drive development and improving the standard of living.
He believes that the reluctance by family members and the community to pay school fees for students who are doing well academically needs to change.
Paul plans to do just that for his tribe and neighboring ones because more educated people will help raise the standard of living.
He thanked his sponsors Dusty Yuai and Michael Kumo and others who supported him such as the late Milli Rex Kiage, Daulo district, Governor Peter Numu and the Goroka district.
His plan is to lead his people to prosperity and a better life by using his experience and knowledge in economics, infrastructure, health, education, law and order and agriculture.
He owes it to them. And his degree in economics will certainly help.