New Stories

STEM teacher leads by example

In observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the
achievements of educators like Paula Niandros Polume.

Biologist-Turned-Educator

Rachel Koralyo is a biologist-turned-educator at Wapenamanda Four Square Secondary School in
Enga Province.

Surviving the tsunami and became a teacher

Gethrude Amunti survived the tsunami that swept away the whole Sissano village in West Sepik Province 25 years ago. She obtained a Diploma in Primary Teaching through an Australia Awards Scholarship and is now teaching at Olbrum Primary School. The school currently sits on land that was a place of refuge for Gethrude and her family when fleeing from the tsunami that claimed more than 2,000 lives.

The legacy continues for Mary Roroipe

For most coastal people, the sea is part of their way of life – this is true for 29-year-old marine engineer Mary Roroipe. From an early age, Mary was exposed to seafaring through her late father’s small craft business, chartering passengers across the maritime province of Milne Bay. So, it comes as no surprise that Mary followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a marine engineer after completing a marine cadetship, supported by an Australia Awards PNG scholarship.

Profession for all

Despite being a male nurse in a profession often seen as traditional for women, Issac is proud to break stereotypes and serve his community with compassion and excellence. “Nursing is not just a profession for women, it’s a profession for all,” says Issac. “I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients, regardless of their background,” says Issac with empathy.

Commemorating Seafarer’s Day: Celebrating Women in Maritime

Today, on Seafarer’s Day, we appreciate the extraordinary women who are part of the maritime industry, paving the way for aspiring women seafarers. These remarkable individuals are part of the Australia Awards Maritime Scholarship Program for women, an initiative established through a partnership between Australia Awards PNG and Steamships Trading Company. This program goes beyond addressing the global shortage of female seafarers—it is a catalyst for gender equality and empowerment.

Breaking through cultural barriers

Gaining an additional educational qualification means ‘breaking through a cultural barrier’ for Muhaveso Bathsheba Korano.
 Holder of a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, Muhaveso says she decided to pursue a qualification in teaching so she could “contribute to educating more women and girls in math and science.”

Passionate to educate

Joshua Yowani saw the lack of teachers in his village as an obstacle to a better future for his people. “I wanted to be a teacher so I could educate students in my society, and they could contribute to developing our province.” Apart from teaching the children, he also wanted to be a role model, opening their eyes to more possibilities for the future.

A vocation for Vincent

“The smiling faces of children welcomed me as I walked into the classroom for the first time,” Vincent Eka explained of his first teaching experience, saying that this would be a special year to remember.

Vincent obtained a Diploma in Primary Teaching from the Sacred Heart Teachers College through an Australia Awards PNG Scholarship in 2021. He says, “I am thankful for the opportunity that I was able to complete my three years of studies through the scholarship and now I am a proud teacher.”

Teacher saves his school

Originating from the small village of Tangu in Bogia District, Paul Taguti says that he wanted to be a teacher because there are not many educated people in his village.
After completing his primary and secondary levels of education in Madang, Paul earned a Diploma in Primary Teaching at Sacred Heart Teachers College in the nation’s capital, through an Australia Awards scholarship in 2022.

Educators hard work, dedication and commitment

Educators hard work, dedication and commitment

World Teacher’s Day gives us an opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of our educators. This year’s theme is ‘the transformation of education begins with teachers’. Finsch Lamu graduated from a Post Graduate Diploma in Education through Australia...

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Midwifery Community of Practice

Midwifery Community of Practice

WhatsApp group Midwifery Community of Practice has been saving lives since its formation in early 2022. Initiated by Cherolyn Polomon, an Australia Awards PNG (AAPNG) midwifery alumni and volunteer chat facilitator, the groups’ critical discussions and reflections on...

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Going beyond the classroom to help students excel

Going beyond the classroom to help students excel

Overcrowded classrooms and a scarcity of teachers in the Wapenamanda District of Enga Province means teachers can have classes of fifty students, leaving little time for one-on-one learning. Rachel Koralyo, a teacher aide with a science degree and no teaching...

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Childhood dream now a reality

Childhood dream now a reality

Steven Johnson always knew he wanted to be a healthcare worker. Having a mother who is a nurse instilled in him the desire to help people. While he initially dreamt of becoming a paediatrician, seeing the work his mother did over the years changed his mind. When he...

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My Story

My Story

Told by Paulon Podomo, Diploma in Primary Teaching graduate from Sacred Heart Teachers College in 2019 This short story is my personal experience of living and teaching in a remote school since January 2020. I am 27 years old, from Marofen village in North Fly...

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A student of the sea

A student of the sea

Hebou Dago talks about life on the sea and International Day of the Seafarer. Although a life at sea had never crossed Hebou’s mind previously, when she saw a call for applications on Facebook for the Australian Awards PNG’s Maritime Cadetship for Women in 2020, she...

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