Student writes essay on poverty

 A 17-YEAR-old Papua New Guinean student aims to eradicate hunger and poverty by taking part in an essay writing competition.

Melanie Roseanna Kauona (pictured), a Grade 10 student enrolled in Benedicto College in Cebu, Philippines, represented her class in the annual school-based all-level Nutrition Month Essay Writing Contest.

The competition responded to the Health Department’s celebration of Nutrition Month, which was held in July. 

This year’s theme is, “Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-samanatingwakasan! (“Together, let’s end hunger and malnutrition!)”. 

This is to raise awareness on the need for more action in addressing hunger as part of the Philippine’s commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goal, which is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Though confused and discouraged to join because the theme was cited in the Filipino language and she was new in school, her teacher and classmates insisted and encouraged Kauona to participate in the competition. They were not taking no for an answer.

Kauona, being a foreign student, admitted that on the day of the contest she was really shaking and afraid of other contestants who she thought had a better understanding of the theme.

“The worst thing was, I wasn’t really familiar with the topic and I didn’t have a fair idea what it (the theme) was referring to, if it is about kids who don’t eat the right food or kids out in the street who got nothing to eat at all,” Kauona said.

Kauona is no neophyte in joining essay writing contests. When she was in Grade 8, studying in Bishop Epalle Catholic School, in the Solomon Islands, she was able to compete in a national essay writing competition.

Kauona tried to overcome her fear by thinking of her parents and making them proud. The invitation to join the essay writing competition was sent on short notice but Kauona believed she had perfected her essay by making a draft and making corrections to improve it.

“We don’t have that kind of thing in our country. It was really good. It will boost your confidence and everybody here is just so supportive,” Kauona said referring to the Nutrition Month being celebrated in the Philippines.

Kauona’s 500-word essay was inspired by street children all over the world who do not get the chance to eat enough food every day. She  said that children who were fortunate enough to eat every day, should be wise to choose the right foods to eat.

Announcement of winners will be in the Culminating Activity of the Nutrition Month. 

Kauona feels nervous for the results. However, win or lose, she hoped that students and other people who get to read her essay would be inspired and compelled to do something to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

“It doesn’t stop in writing an essay, action should be taken,” she said.

Kauona and other PNG students in Cebu, Philippines, are under the education placement services of Paradise International Education Consultancy (PIEC). 

They are not only intelligent and creative-driven students but they are also internationally strong at all levels of their studies. These students continue to pursue excellence as the standard in their studies.