A Second Chance, Twenty-Five Years Later

Can you imagine returning to high school 25 years after you left?

For Sandy, it took two decades, unwavering determination, and the support of people like you to make that second chance possible.

When Sandy left school after Grade 10, it wasn't because she lacked ambition or determination. Following the loss of her father, family responsibilities meant her education came to an end.

But she never let go of her dream of finishing high school.

Today, Sandy is married with four children and is already making a remarkable difference in her community. She volunteers as a child protection advocate and counsellor, raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting families in need. She also volunteers as a coach for Kicks 4 Kokoda - a KTF program which uses soccer to connect Kokoda’s youth with the mentors, information and health services they need to thrive.

Yet Sandy knew she could do even more.

"I saw that my Grade 10 certification had no value and I had to upgrade and get a Grade 12 and a certification from a university or college to continue doing community-based work. KTF gave me that opportunity."

With the support of KTF's Kokoda College, Sandy returned to school.

She completed Grade 10 again and was awarded the Female Dux Award from the Governor of Oro Province, Hon. Gary Juffa.

Today, she is studying Grade 11.

Twenty-five years after leaving school, Sandy chose to start again.

With your support, she can finish what she started.

Complete high school.

Continue to tertiary study.

Expand her community work.

Empower more women, children and families across the Kokoda region.

Because when you invest in one determined student, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

It strengthens families. It builds safer communities. It creates opportunities for the next generation.

Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Coorperation Program (ANCP) and generous donations from the Australian public.