Students mark 14th anniversary of Koki-Wanigela pre-school

Koki-Wanigela Pre-School celebrated its 14th anniversary with students and parents on May 25. The commemoration also a marked milestone for volunteer head teacher Waira Berua.
The 41-year-old mother of two had been involved with the pre-school since it opened in 2004.
Despite difficulties, the school endured partly due to the tireless work of Berua and other volunteers.
“What little I know I’m just imparting that little knowledge into a child’s life, so that child can be a better person in the future,” Berua said.
“It has been a struggle in my life. My husband is not working. He suffers from hypertension and diabetes. So my home life has been tough, but running this pre-school is my passion. I feel deep in my heart that as a volunteer, I must serve others in the community.
“Over the past 14 years on a few occasions the Australian High Commission came in and helped me. Actually they are the ones that came and got my story and it was published (in a newspaper). And from there someone out there nominated me for the Pride of PNG awards.
“In 2011 I won the Pride of PNG award in the education category. Ever since then City Pharmacy Limited has been at the back of me, like when I’m celebrating such occasions, they provide food. Whatever I need, I just go and get quotation and submit it to them and they provide the support.”
The pre-school has more than 100 children and three teachers. Most of the students are from the Koki-Wanigela, Vanagi, Tali, Gorobe and Vabukori communities.
It is now using the Koki Market Community Hall for classes.