Four young Papua New Guinea women from the Central Province did their families and sponsors proud in New Zealand on Saturday when they graduated with aviation diplomas.
The young women even went an extra ‘mile’ when two of them picked up special awards last night (Jan 9) after attaining their commercial pilot licence and multi-engine instrument rating.
Selina Kule, Gail Rivu, Marie Auka and Siolima Walo recently underwent training at the Nelson Aviation College, in New Zealand from April 2014 to December 2015.
Their graduation last night is the first successful aviation training programs initiated by Central Governor Kila Haoda under the Kila Haoda Scholarship program.
The 20 months program saw the PNG girls pick up special awards last night.
Selina Kule picked up the Best All-Round Flying Performance (International) while Gail Rivu won the Best All-Round Academic Performance (International) award.
Speaking to Loop PNG via Facebook messenger from New Zealand today, Marie Auka said the motivation behind her training was the support she received from her family.
Marie is the younger sister of Post Courier journalist Grace Auka who is also a daughter of recently appointed National and Supreme Court of PNG's acting judge, Ravunama Auka.
"Coming from a Christian home, they're always encouraging me to seek God in all I do. I wouldn't have come this far without the Big Man. He has been my source of strength and encouragement," Auka said.
She also thanked the major sponsor of the training program; the Central Provincial Government, her family also for their financial support and also Abau MP Sir Puka Temu.
The Kila Haoda Scholarship program was initiated to give an opportunity to four young women to empower them to excellence in the aviation industry.
It was a program that saw open scholarships to females in the Central Province who have completed grade 12 or studying in the universities.
Photo credit: Selina Kule.