Theresa given second chance

AN eight-hour walk to school and back may seem long to some, but Theresa Sara, it’s normal.
For eight years, Sara, 36, from Gorari village, is a village health volunteer along the Kokoda Track.
She looks after people in the Kokoda catchment area and assists health workers on patrol providing antenatal, immunisation, family planning and general health clinic services.
She plans to attend a nursing college to be a qualified midwife.
But before that, she needs to pass Grade 12.
“I never got to sit the grade 10 exam as personal circumstances forced me to withdraw,” Sara said.
“I got married and started as a village health volunteer with the Kokoda Initiative.
“I never thought I would be given a second chance to complete my studies.”
Sara was one of 14 people picked to do grade 10 as part of Kokoda Track Foundation flexible, open and distance education (Fode) programme the Kokoda College.
They started last year.
“I was so pleased when I heard that I was selected to attend Kokoda College,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to attend this course to broaden my skills in promoting health. I’ve gained a lot and understand some aspects which I’ve been lacking. In my role, I was mostly concerned about prevention and medication, but now, my mind is broadened and I know we need to care for our vegetation and environment as well.”
Kokoda College principal Enosh Ben believes that was an opportunity for people living along the track to further their education.
“We are a centre of excellence for the training of elementary teachers and community health professionals,” he said.
“Our courses upskill students and also help them to engage their families and communities with safe, healthy behaviours.
“They receive expert guidance from the on-site teachers, rotational access to classes and tutorials, and digital resources using tablet technology to complement the curriculum.”
Sara has completed grade 10 and looking forward to doing grade 11 this year.
“After completing my grade 11 and 12 courses at Kokoda College, I want to study at nursing college – that is another challenge I have to face,” she said.
“Seeing women in my community having complications during labour and birthing, and with the skills I acquired during my time as a village health volunteer, I know this is what I want to do.”