Stories

On International Day for Persons with Disability (PWD), we celebrate the journey of Clare Guria, an Australia Awards alumna and champion for PWDs.
Clare’s story is a remarkable one, depicting strong determination to achieve goals despite having a hearing impairment. Her journey began in the heart of Wewak town, where she grew up and attended primary and secondary education.

In remote Kabwum district in Morobe Province, Kevin Dayonga grew up fascinated by the mysteries of the world. From the vanishing sun to the prospect of rainwater filling the ocean, his curious mind pondered it all. But it was the mechanics of radio voices that truly captured his attention.

Jopok Akepalua dreamed of becoming a priest, but things didn’t work out the way he thought they would. While studying at St Fidelis College, a seminary in Madang, he was called back to his district, Kagua-Erave in the Southern Highlands, to teach grade six due to a shortage of teachers.

Anne Lydia Dandava always believed that education was the key to a better future. Growing up in a Runa village, located at the fringe of Arawa town, southeast of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Anne knew firsthand the struggles that many of her peers faced in accessing quality education

Noelynn Darius’s commitment and qualification through Australia Awards PNG have elevated her from a secondary school teacher to a university lecturer.

“I am a devoted alumna of the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association. Being a member of this professional association has fashioned me to attain and perform in my new role as a lecturer here at the University of Goroka, as of this year. This network has been really profitable,” she claims.

“The impact my Australia Award had for my work is huge. I can now confidently perform my work and at the same time impart knowledge and skills to other colleagues. I encourage other public officials to apply for Australia Awards,” says Ismael Sunga, Assistant Secretary for Extractive Industries in the PNG Department of Treasury and Australia Awards alumni.