Simon fulfils a dream to provide the best education for his children

By ELIAS LARI
FATHER-of-five Simon Tiki is a relieved man today after seeing his children get the best education he could afford to provide.
It was a plan he set for himself when they were young.
Simon hails from the Ulga Komb clan in Nebilyer, part of the Tambul-Nebilyer electorate in Western Highlands.
Now 74, and married to his two wives Maria and Paula, Simon understands very well how tough it is to get a good education in an area better known for tribal fights.
Six decades ago when he started school, he had to walk for three days from Nebilyer Western Highlands to Fatima in Jiwaka to attend the school there.
He managed to complete Grade Nine in 1968. He then left school, knowing he could now communicate with the white man and get a job. He was hired that year by the PNG Power, known then as the PNG Electrical Commission.
Having a job was fulfilling and exciting for Simon. He realised how important education was for anyone wanting to have a promising and secure future.
He decided then that he would provide his children the best education he could afford. He understood the sacrifice he had to make for their sake. He believed it was what God wanted him to do.
His wives Maria and Paula supported him in raising his five children – William, John, Rosina, Georgina and Justin – providing them the best, especially in their education.

“ It all depends on parents to set goals for their children and what they want them to become in future.”

William and John graduated from the University of Technology in Lae, Rosina attended the Lae Poly Tech, Georgina attended the University of PNG and University of Goroka, and Justin recently completed his studies at the Port Moresby Business College and is looking for a job.
“It all depends on parents to set goals for their children and what they want them to become in future.”
He believes that God will help anyone who works hard to achieve a dream.
“God helped and protected me and my children and I thank him for his continuous support and help to bring my children this far.”

He describes children as a special gift from God who parents have the responsibility to care for well.
Looking back, Simon knows he made the right decision to prioritise education over tribal fights. His children are better off today because of that decision.
“Thinking back, it was hard raised them. I faced many struggles. But now I have a reason to smile because I have achieved my dream for my children.”
Simon believes that some children get off to a bad start in life because their parents did not understand their responsibilities, or if they did, failed to carry them out.
It often leads to children being involved in criminal activities and ending up in prison.
“As parents, we have to become the coach and teacher. We must encourage and not condemn our children.
“We must create an environment that is free of fear, threat and child abuse so that children can have a good place to grow up. The time to plan for children is when they are in school.”
Simon has come across parents who failed to carry out their responsibilities then turn around and blame their children for their bad habits.
He urged parents to make their children’s education the top priority.
“It may cause much pain and struggle but there will come a time you will reap what you sow with joy. Parents have to shoulder the burden and support the children all the way up.”
Simon has proved it can be done.