#everydaypeoplepng

I was born in 1943, when the war was in Alotau.

I was born on Kwato Mission, box 14, Samarai.

I ring the bell every Sunday for the main service. I’ve been doing that since 1952.

I am also an artist.

Though I am 77 years old, I still chop firewood, cut grass and I also go fishing in the night.

• Yatei Sila, Kwato Island, Milne Bay

Since I graduated as a Primary school teacher back in 1980’s, I came into Eastern Highlands and served for almost 30years and gradually became a school inspector. Right now I am an inspector for zone 1 Obura - Wonenara district. My job is actually a school inspector basic education. I take charge of elementary and primary schools. My general duty is to make submissions or reports on inspecting new sites if or ever a community wants a new school establishment.

My father was a shipwright there during those times. Back those times you know, you got businesses booming, you got people everywhere, you got tourist ships coming in. Back when I was kid, I saw all those things.

I have been teaching for the last 34 years in which 20 years as a head teacher. My teaching career started off from Central and Oro province back in the late 80’s and ever since I have been teaching in various parts of PNG until my recent posting to my home province as the head teacher for Anieru Kagu Primary in the Okapa District. Despite the challenges faced in the rural setup, I have made it my duty and responsibility to teach and inspire students to become professionals and leaders of tomorrow.

We have the highest population so the job can be overwhelming. I was transferred out here in August last year. If you look out the gate, opposite the station is Banz market, it’s the longest market in PNG taking up the entire street so that is something unique that we have.

Being the Station Commander I have to manage all of my officers and ensure they are good ambassadors of the force. They wear the uniform proudly and do their job well but sometimes it’s difficult, especially with limited resources. Our biggest problems are drug use and alcohol consumption. 

We have been making music since we completed our grade 12 and did not get an offer to continue our studies. We are inspired by Archie Tarzy who is one of the big stars in the PNG music industry and have even worked with him on a couple of songs like ‘Meri Tufi’ , ‘Tanim Face’ , ‘Why Nah’ and other songs also still in production. We are still young in the industry and we are sure we will go on producing more music in the following years to come.

My children’s names are Maxwell, Rexwell, Michael and Sarah. I am the Housekeeping Supervisor here at Jiwaka Mission Resort. I have been working here for almost four years now and I absolutely enjoy working in the hotel industry! I get to meet people from many different places who come and stay at our hotel. Jiwaka is a special place, we welcome visitors and tourists from everywhere so if you haven’t been here yet, please come!

- Ryel Tomar, Banz, Jiwaka Province 

When he visited Veiru Primary School, he was approached by the mother of a student, who asked him to help realise her daughter’s dream. He was very emotional when he met Albenah Bauno Ivan, a Grade 6 student, who told him “I love running. In my school Sports day, I do 800, 1500 and 3000-meter races. I do a lot of running here in Kikori, but I need someone who can help me go beyond the river.

I am the Deputy Principal at Minj Secondary School. My husband is in the informal market and travels on the highway to Madang to buy bags of betelnut and sell them here in Jiwaka. His income supplements my salary and we take care of our family. Tough times do teach you better budgeting skills, I know it did for me.

 – Vanessah Lari, Minj, Jiwaka Province