Teacher Waneng aims to inspire youths through commitment

GETRUDE Waneng wanted to become a teacher to inspire young people and be a role model.
She aimed to show her students “that through commitment in education, they could make a difference”.
After completing a bachelor of education, (secondary teaching Stem) at the St Peter Chanel Catholic College for secondary teacher education through an Australia Awards scholarship, Waneng now teaches at the Kwip Dau Secondary School in the Western Highlands.
Waneng said that she loved being a teacher especially because she keeps on learning many new things daily.
Being in a remote area, in a new school without teaching resources can be challenging, but she takes pride in achieving her daily lesson objectives and seeing her students do well in tests and exams.
“The word ‘thank you’ is a great reward,” she says.
One of her most memorable and awarding moments was when a Year 11 student introduced Waneng to her mother, “telling her that I am her favourite teacher and in front of her she hugged me.”
“Then she said ‘thank you for being an inspiring teacher’ and she meant it because she nearly cried,” she said.
Waneng believes the Australia Awards scholarship “catalysed the process of achieving (her) degree paper which might otherwise be delayed or altered due to finance”.
She also believed that through commitment in all aspects of life, people can be able achieve what they set out to achieve.
“In this changing world, I believe in one person’s effort to make a difference, and have a positive impact on someone else’s life”, she said.
“The more you share with others, the more you will have.
She said that a quote from Mother Theresa who inspires her starts with: “Kind words can be short and easy, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Waneng advised others considering an application to study in PNG through the Australia Awards that: “If you have a heart to serve your country with pride and to make a positive impact in your community, then you must apply.”