Single mum proud of son scooping award at graduation

SEEING her son being called up to receive an award in National Certificate Two (NC2), automatic light vehicles during the Port Moresby Technical College graduation yesterday, was overwhelming for Keri Aisi Maruse from Tureture village in Western.
The single mum is a trainer in the learning and development department of Ela Motors.
She recalled her struggles to cater for her son’s fees but she preferred to leave them behind and dwell on her son Jacob’s achievements.
Indeed, she was a proud mum.
Maruse said it was a struggle to pay for his NC1 and NC2 and it was a combination of determination and love that saw her through.
“Sitting in the crowds and watching him walking up to get his paper, I was very emotional and happy at the same time,” she said.
Jacob, 25, was one of the 36 students who graduated with NC2, automatic light vehicles, and he was also the recipient of the ALV award – for high achievements.
“I was shocked, I never expected this,” he said of the award.
Jacob finished his secondary school at Badihagwa Secondary in 2019 and was selected into Pom Tech early this year to study automatic light vehicles.
He was the eldest of three brothers.
“Always strive for the best of where you want to be,” he said.
Jacob’s achievement came as Pom Tech celebrated its 56th anniversary.
It graduated 1,269 students in all in national certificate and diploma in technical skills.
Chairman of the college’s governing council Mesulam Tokaplen said despite the financial constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic, they completed the year.
Changes to the delivery of programmes gave students the opportunity to graduate with the qualifications higher than just a certificate, he said.
“In the last three to four years, Pom Tech has made a pathway for students to a higher qualification,” he said. “So it is up to you students if you graduate at the end of National Certificate Three and wish to go and join the industry – it is your choice – but Pom Tech will always welcome you back if you want to upgrade your qualification.” The students graduated in building, printing, mechanical and electrical.