Thirty-FODE-students graduate at Dauli college of higher education

30 FODE students were amongst 150 graduands at the Dauli College of Higher Education yesterday in Tari, Hela province (Image: NBC owned/*Peter Wari*)

Thirty students from the Hagalu Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) Centre in Tari proudly graduated yesterday at the 53rd Graduation Ceremony of Dauli College of Higher Education.

They were among 150 graduands who received qualifications in Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, Diploma in Primary Teaching, and bachelor’s degree in Primary Teaching.

While 120 students entered the college through the formal education pathway, the 30 FODE graduates took what many describe as the “second chance” route.

Hela FODE supervisor, Thomas Kopari, expressed immense pride as he stood before his students on graduation day.

“I am a proud man standing in front of my 30 FODE students,” he said. “At one stage, their parents, relatives and even the community rejected them, not realizing the potential they had. It was not that they lacked ability — it was the system that rejected them. Through the second-chance FODE program, they have now made it.” He said.

He said the vision behind the program, guided by the slogan “Leaving No Child Behind”, has enabled many school dropouts and students who left school due to financial hardship, family challenges, or other circumstances to re-enter the education system and pursue tertiary studies.

“It is a blessing from the Good Lord. Use the knowledge imparted in you to faithfully teach and groom future leaders of this nation.” Kopari said.

Hela FODE Supervisor Thomas Kopari addressing students during the recent graduation at Hagalu FODE center (Image: NBC owned/Peter Wari)

He stressed that the success of the 30 graduates should serve as an inspiration and challenge to other young people who may feel discouraged after leaving school.

With various FODE centers now established across Hela Province, opportunities exist for those willing to take up the challenge.

"For many young people in Papua New Guinea, dropping out of the formal education system often marks what seems like the end of their academic journey. Some return to their villages, start families, or take up informal work, believing the opportunity for higher education has slipped away. But for a determined group of students in Hela Province, that was not the end of the road — it was only a detour." Kopari said.