An Amazing Manusian

 Yesterday afternoon, as I sat with my two boys in the Lutheran Memorial Church, it finally dawned on me that our country had truly lost one of its nation builders. I was among a large group of people who had gathered at this Lutheran Chapel in Madang town to witness the funeral mass for the late Major (Retired) Francis Malikes Molean. He was born on 8th September 1947 and had died in 19th August 2024. He had resided in Madang for 33 years but he was M'Buke island in Manus. He really did live a full life with challenges, triumph, sacrifices and great victories. 

He was around 17 or 18 years of age doing his studies at the Kerevat National High when the Australian Navy came for recruitment. He jumped at the opportunity and never looked back. Over the years I have been told of his exploits and quite amazed that he sought little recognition for his achievements. I mean how many Papua New Guineans can say that they have sailed the famous Sydney to Hobart Race or took part in the Vietnam War when he was with the Australian Navy? He was also a President of the then Sopmu Malai Bay in the Manus Provincial Government system, a lecturer at the PNG Maritime College, captained the Madang Resort's star vessels such as the Melanesian Discoverer. 

If ever any young Manusian wanted to look for inspiration to succeed, they neednt look far. Francis Molean was such a strong character and overcomer. His impeccable record in the PNG and Australian Navy still stand strong and his role in community development, academia and government are greatly respected and admired among many Manusians and Papua New Guineans. 

Making decisions about life

One of the things I often see among young people is the so many times, in their life while at University, they are faced with multiple decisions. The decision making process can be done quickly while at other times, it can take a few days to contemplate. This is especially decisions on academic progress. Students may make decisions on less complicated matters such as attending classes, participate in assignments or work in groups. There are more serious decisions that affect their academic programs like quitting school, falling pregnant, being involved in toxic gender relationships, etc. Therefore, having someone else, who has gone through these life matters, talk to you.

Part of the DWU campus in Madang town

The Communication Arts students were fortunate to have someone in that caliber speak to them to provide a heads up and motivate them in their academic progress in the afternoon.  A Communication Arts Alumni Mr. Jeremy Mark travelled all the way from Lae to come speak to the students in Madang. He met with 30 students or so, especially third and fourth year students about the changing media landscape in the country and how students should prepare themselves for the realities of life before graduating. It was a great learning experience when a graduate spoke to them - those who are just starting their journey - so it makes the lessons in class seem more relevant and purposeful. Jeremy last completed his Bachelor in Communication Arts in 2004. I did write his story on my other blog a few years ago here 

Jeremy Mark to the Communication Arts students 

Some students pose it Jeremy Mark

Jeremy now works in Lae, Morobe Province and travelled with his wife and three kids up to Madang.

Jeremy and his wife Grandlyn Mark also took time out to talk to the student body in the evening. The DWU Student Services Department together with the Chaplain run a psychoeducational program which focuses on students' life, learning, communication and social relations. 

Yesterday night, the topic was on 'healthy relationships' and the students got to hear from the two graduates - Jeremy and Grandlyn Mark. I loved how they gave their own versions of their story and the advice to students on managing life, love, relationships and knowing their first obligations to parents who put them there in the first place. The evening session was insightful, funny at times and outlined some key strategies to deal with relationships, especially for young people. 

Grandlyn Mark tells her story about life and social relations

Jeremy Mark talks to the student body

It is always important for DWU Alumni to come back the University to provide and give back by running sessions like what Mr and Mrs Mark have done. It helps students develops and reinforces beliefs around hard work, being resourceful and being grateful for the opportunity to get an education at a place like Divine Word University. 

Here is a short video documenting their talk to DWU students:

UNRE to gain K6million from Balsa sales

 When I saw this newspaper article about the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE), I was pleasantly surprised!

I mean our country is going though a very difficult time economically. Prices of goods and services are growing higher making the actual running of organizations, financially difficult. But here was an organisation in PNG that was making some really good money despite the economic downturn. It truly showed great leadership and management in making this a reality.

 

Post Courier 31st July, 2024

What I admired about this university was its ability to generate its own income despite the neglect tertiary institutions face where the Government has failed release grants to them for student scholarships - HELP and TESAS.

In this difficult times, more and more educational institutions are begining to take this path of raising their own revenue to fulfill govenment delayed funding. Good on them!