Papua New Guinea
Adrian Winnie has thrived in both his education pursuits and throughout his career despite the challenges posed by multiple disabilities. Over the years, he has earned multiple degrees. His most recent is the Bachelor of International Development Studies obtained through an Australia Awards scholarship!
“My ability to adapt, navigate through challenges, and embrace diverse environments has been the foundation of my success,” says Adrian.
Adrian identifies as a proud Kange (man) from the Muntjika Tribe of Western Highlands Province. He was born in Bulg (Kuruk), a rural village in the Mul subdistrict, outside of Mt Hagen. Adrian’s parents are from the coastal areas of PNG. His mother hails from Yabob village in the Madang Province, while his father hails from Hula, Central Province.
At the age of six, Adrian and his family moved to Lae, where he began his education. He recalls his tough, yet caring mother, who treated him equally alongside his siblings and fostered the spirit of resilience in him. His late father, Win Poka, had a firm belief in his education. “My dad was a silent, staunch supporter throughout my life. My schoolwork was priority number one. He was always behind me, supporting all my crazy dreams, ideas and projects.,” Adrian shares.
While attending Bugandi Provincial High School in Lae, Adrian didn’t really know what he wanted to do in life. His high school teacher thought that athletics could help Adrian focus and channel his energy. So, Adrian joined the Disability Sports Movement, where he took part in 100, 200 and 400-metre sprints. However, his career in sports was very short-lived because his promise to his father was to put education first.
Driven by his enthusiasm for learning and his passion for volunteering, Adrian was bound for success. Unfortunately, he has had to overcome many instances of discrimination and bullying during his educational journey and career in health, education and community development. However, throughout it all he has shown resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to education.
Adrian’s interest in international development was inspired by his work as a Specialist Health Coordinator with the Network of Callan Services in PNG and various lived experiences abroad. From Kaindi Campus, Wewak to the Lusaka City in the Republic of Zambia, Adrian’s selfless work with the marginalised and at-risk groups and communities reflect the values of his parents and upbringing—a people-centered humanitarian response.
“I found my true calling, which I wasn’t too sure about. Working with Callan Services National Unit, I discovered there are a lot of needs to be addressed when it comes to encouraging disability equity. I felt that as a person with a disability, I had a story and a lived experience that could help things to be done differently. These experiences motivated me to pursue international development,” Adrian shared.
Adrian was awarded an Australia Awards scholarship to study a Bachelor of International Development at the Australian Catholic University. He successfully completed his studies in December 2020. “The scholarship has fine-tuned my charisma, and I have gained more confidence. I feel I can eloquently articulate the struggles of the socially disadvantaged and excluded in our local communities,” says Adrian.
Since graduating, Adrian has been leading disability inclusion interventions and women’s empowerment in his workplace, creating a welcoming, inclusive and enabling environment for everyone to succeed.
He has contributed to shaping policies, in his past role with the Department of Community Development, and he is now coordinating operations for disability, equity and inclusion with the Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership.