Schoolgirl’s speech on education touches many

 A YOUNG schoolgirl stole the show at Maopa village, Aroma Coast, Central province, last Friday, when she passionately and eloquently spoke to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill about the importance of education to her and other young people throughout this country.

Maopa pre-school student Juijui Ovoa  dressed traditionally,  brought tears to the eyes of many when she thanked O’Neill on behalf of her fellow students, village – Aroma Coast, Abau – and PNG for bringing in free education.

“We salute you for your strong leadership,” Ovoa said.

She then proceeded to give a traditional wooden bowl to O’Neill on behalf of all the children of PNG.

A visibly moved O’Neill found it hard to control his emotions as he spoke of his struggle to get a good education in his Ialibu-Pangia electorate in Southern Highlands, which had made him focus on education.

“We truly believe that this is the future of our country,” he said.

“This is why it was very emotional for me to see this young girl, who is the future of this country, reflecting the views and thoughts of our young population, that they must be given the opportunity to aspire to become better citizens and have a better life for themselves.

“This is why I am a very big believer in education in our country.”

O’Neill said up to 30% of the budget was being invested in education alone.

“We have many challenges ahead of us, but working together with the community and with the teachers, I think we can be able to achieve the dream that we have for our children.

“The dream for parents is for our children to have a better life than our own.

“As long as this government remains in office over the next five years, I can tell you that we will be able to fund free education,” he told parents.