The Long Road to Learning

Joel Siregiye from Sakupa village, has arrived for Pre-enrolment testing at Balimo College and when he spoke to the staff - he told his story. 

He lives deep in the remote countryside, where the only roads are narrow bush tracks and the rivers serve as highways. Balimo College is five days away on foot and by canoe.

"I have a desire that is driving me to make something of my life," Joel explained to the FODE team and it was this determination that helped me make the journey to Balimo. I have heard of this school and the opportunities that we can have here at Balimo FODE, and “I have come because I want to be somebody in my life," he says.

Joel is accompanied by several other potential FODE students, Muyama, Jordan, Chris Waidai, Ibasi Kurga, all of whom have similar stories of deep determination and a building aspiration to do something more with their opportunity to learn and graduate from school.

Ibasi Kurga has been close to completing their studies but struggling to make school fee payments at the same time as his mother and father passed away leaving him financially and emotionally bereft. With very few options left for him.

Jordan, who has an immaculate school record and excellent attendance gained selection to Morehead School but without the support to travel his opportunity passed by. After staying in the village for two years Jordan was determined to change his story and gathered together with his friends to make this journey.

Muyama with a similar story, tells the tutor in Balimo, “I am here because I need to make a difference to my life and the lives of the people in my family”

Their future is no longer five days away. It is right here.