Teacher James retiring after 44 years

The National People
James with children Paul (left), Deron and Buka at Ulga Primary School where he had been teaching for 17 years.

By ELIAS LARI
JAMES Lyandao, 64, is finally calling it a day after spending 44 years as a teacher.
The Sauarda villager from the Kompiam-Ambum electorate in Enga is bowing out after spending the past 17 years as head teacher of St Mary’s Ulga Primary School in Nebilyer, Western Highlands.
“I’m satisfied that I have done my part in educating the nation. Teaching is indeed a noble profession and it takes determination and loyalty to be committed to it for a very long time.”
He graduated as a teacher in 1978 after attending the Holy Trinity Teachers College in Mt Hagen and was posted in 1979 to the Milip Primary School in North-Waghi, Jiwaka.
From 1980 to 1989, he was posted to various primary schools including Kudjip, Mt Au, Kugmal and Fatima all in Jiwaka, and Tega and Alimp in Western Highlands.
From 1989 to 2022, James served as head teacher in various primary schools including Kutubug, Kelua, Yano and Kondapina all in Western Highlands. Then he was posted to Avi in Jiwaka before his final posting to Ulga Primary where he served for 17 years.
James also attended a six-month course at the Port Moresby In -Service College in 1987. In 2011, he graduated with a Bachelor in Primary Education degree at the University of Goroka.
Ulga Primary deputy head teacher Joseph Carl described James as the best manager who had done a lot for the school. The school only had K6.50 in its bank account when James joined.
Carl praised James for upgrading the school infrastructure and raising the standard of education.
“We built staff houses, classrooms and did the fencing which changed the image of the school.”
Last Thursday, the school opened a K600,000 building to house the administration block, library and computer laboratory. The named it the Lyandao Administration Building in honour of James.
“We have learnt a lot from James and we will try to follow his examples.”
James agrees that becoming a head teacher has its challenged and responsibilities. When he arrived at Ulga Primary in 2005, the school was run down and had no money. It was supposed to be the biggest primary school in Tambul-Nebilyer electorate with 1300 students and 42 teachers.
James focused on infrastructure development and raising the education standard of the Level Five school. He improves infrastructure, increased enrollment and raised the standard of the school to Level Eight.
“I’m a satisfied person now after seeing that my efforts and commitment have fulfilling results.”
James is happy to return home and spend more time with wife Elizabeth, their seven children and six grandchildren.

“ I’m satisfied that I have done my part in educating the nation. Teaching is indeed a noble profession and it takes determination and loyalty to be committed to it for a very long time.”
Ulga primary school head teacher James Lyandao (left) and his deputy Joseph Carl worked together for 17 years. – Nationalpics by ELIAS LARI

Last week, his children Paul, Deron and Buka stood beside him in support as teachers and staff members of the Ulga Primary School farewelled the veteran teacher.
James is satisfied with what he has contributed to the nation as a teacher.
“As citizens, we have to do out bit for our country. Teachers play an important role in nation building and we have to maintain the standards in determining our children’s future.”