Willie Tahima’s Journey Back to Education

At 23 years old, Willie Tahima is determined to change the course of his life through education. Originally from Barevoturu Village in Oro Province, Willie returned to study through KTF FODE after spending six years away from school.

His journey back to education is not easy. From his remote village, Willie first travels 75 kilometres by PMV (public motor vehicle) to Popondetta, before catching another PMV to Kokoda. In good weather, the journey takes 3–4 hours -but during the wet season, it can take as long as 5–6 hours.

Yet the distance doesn't deter him.

Willie's educational journey was disrupted after his parents separated, his single mother struggled to to support the family and keep her children. As the oldest male, he left school to help his mum grow food in the garden - to feed their family and also sell at market.

“My mother is a subsistence farmer,” Willie explains. “On hard days, my grandfather sells tobacco to help support us.”

As the only boy among two sisters, Willie felt the responsibility of helping his mother rather than becoming an additional burden. He spent many days assisting her by selling garden produce along the roadside to help the family survive.

“I did not want to burden my mother,” he says. “So I decided to do FODE.”

Willie first learned about KTF FODE and saw it as a pathway to a better future. Through the FODE learning materials, he discovered that students could still pursue careers such as teaching or nursing through flexible education.

“That gave me hope,” Willie shares.

In his village, he sees young people who missed out on education. He dreams of becoming a teacher so he can help educate the next generation.

Today, he's back studying at Kokoda College, determined to achieve that dream.

“I hope to become a teacher in the future so I can support my mother and educate my people.”

Willie says studying at KTF FODE has opened his mind to new ideas and opportunities.

“KTF FODE is a self-taught curriculum, and with the privilege to study using a tablet and having electricity on campus, I am humbled and blessed,” he says. “KTF has helped young people like me embrace this opportunity and study. I have learnt many new ideas and things. The lecturers are kind and helpful.”

Today, Willie remains focused on completing his studies and achieving his dream of becoming a teacher.

“I look forward to completing my studies and becoming a teacher. Thank you, KTF.”

Willie’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and access to education, young people from even the most remote communities can build a brighter future for themselves and their families.