VISUALLY IMPAIRED FIRST IN PNG TO GRADUATE WITH HONORS DEGREE IN SPECIAL & INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

CAPTION: NOAH Boli Kunz, surrounded by family as he graduated with Honors Degree in Special and Inclusive Education.

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

NOAH Boli Kunz, a visually impaired graduate from Yalibu in Southern Highlands Province was among a total of 1206 students and 8 Higher Degree students graduated with flying colors yesterday at the University of Goroka.

Mr Kunz received a Honours Degree in Special and Inclusive Education, marking it the first visually impaired person to graduate in the country with a Honour’s Degree.

Mr Kunz alsready had a Bachelors in Special and Inclusive Education was accompanied by his wife Joyce Kuns and their 3 children Nandecrawn age 11, Maygrent 6 and the youngest Gleamsgrent 4 to witness their father,s graduation at the National Sports Institute.

An emotional Noah Kunz was guided by his son 11year old son Nandecrawn into the graduation hall yesterday morning as they walked hand in hand, Mr Kuns told this newsroom it was an achievement for his family and their unwavering support.

“This greatest achievement was successfully completed with the help and support from God the all Mighty and persons, with willing heart who encouraged and assisted me to complete my Honours Program, says Mr Kunz.

“Through the barriers of socio-cultural, economic, and educational constraints, I struggled to find joy, peace and happiness.

“It was not an easy journey like able-bodied people’s experience. With enormous challenges, I broke through and made the world smile at me again. Nothing is impossible; all we have to do is to have a very strong faith that will stimulate our interest to move forward and achieve dreams in life.

“Despite the negativity received from people, I proved myself right to bring the credit back to those who are sharing the same darkness that I have experienced. Remember, at the end of the tunnel, there is always a glimpse of light. Never lose hope and be discouraged by your disability. Do not fear stigma and discrimination because they are here to stay. Work along with them in a positive manner and at the end of the day, you will be a proudest person, walking away with bundles of peace and happiness in your pocket,” he proudly lamented.

Mr Kuns proudly concluded that the achievement was successful and he acknowledged those who played a significant role towards his achievement.

“I would like to thank the University of Goroka Top Management Tim (TMT) and staff of Special and Inclusive Education; Late Dr. James Aiwa as a mentor and Educator; late Professor Mark Solon mentor and educator; Fr. Joel Benardo mentor and educator, Br. Martin and staff of the Melanesian Institute. Staff and teachers of Mt. Sion-Callan Services Network in Goroka; Staff members of Callan Services in Mendi, Southern Highlands; Christian friends and families across the Nation for all your prayers.

Thanks also to Patrick Rama, Kende Nero, Graham Rama for financial assistance and Morgan Kuta, Jacob Kepea, Ismile Laa’h and Japheth Rama who were my guides and Ben Paita Pulua for laptop assistance.

“Finally to my spouse Joyce Paulus and my three children, Nandecrawn, Maygrent, Gleamsgrent for your prayers and positive support despite of the challenges we went through. “