Teacher Hercules setting an example

By TONY PALME
TEACHER Hercules Koya Loma loves his job so much that he continues to upgrade his qualifications to make him better in his profession.
He is from Kalano village in the Ialibu district of Southern Highlands – the third eldest in a family of eight.
Hercules, 43, has taught in Jiwaka for 10 years, eight of them at the St. John’s Border Primary School from 2014 to 2021.
His wife Lynn Moret from Bamne also teaches there. They have a son and two daughters.
Hercules completed grades one to eight at the Kumbame Primary School from 1996 to 2003. Then he did grades nine and 10 at the Kaupena High School in 2004 and 2005, and grades 11 and 12 in 2006 and 2007.
He completed a Diploma in Primary Teaching at the Dauli Teachers College in 2008 and 2009.
He started teaching a Grade Four class at the St John’s Border Primary in 2014, and took them through right up to Grade 8 in 2018. There were 12 students – six boys and six girls. All are now in Grade 11 in various schools – Sogeri National High School, Aiyura National High School, Nondugl Secondary School and Waghi Valley Secondary School.
Hercules left teaching in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Educational (Leadership and Management) programme at the University of Goroka. He graduated on July 2 this year.

“ Have faith and serve with devotion and dedication. Nothing is limitless except the sky. Keep pushing forward in life when opportunities open up.”

He is affectionately called Loma by students, teachers and the people of Bamne in the Nondugl local level government. Local Timothy Nicholas Ngembil praises Hercules for his contribution to the education of the Bamne children.
“A mega congratulations to Loma and his beautiful wife Lynn Moret for serving with commitment and distinction at St. John’s Border Primary School. I can’t thank you enough but as a community man of Andpakan, Okan and Dage community, I salute you.”
Loma attributes his achievements to wife Lynn for her undivided support and loyalty.
“She has never given up on me. Without her, I would never have made that far. I recognise her as a vital part of my life and we are together in this.”
Hercules sees it as an honour and a pleasure to serve the three big tribes of Andpakan, Okan and Dage in the area.
“I will continue to serve in Jiwaka and hopeful of furthering my studies.”
His advice to people is to put their trust in God in whatever they do.
“Nothing is impossible when you have trust in God. Have faith and serve with devotion and dedication. Nothing is limitless except the sky. Keep pushing forward in life when opportunities open up.”
He plans to seek further qualifications such as a Masters degree in management “if God extends my time”.
More qualifications to make him a better at his work, as an accomplished teacher who loves his job. His students will benefit greatly, and be so much better for it.