Breaking Barriers: SUCCESS PROVES THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING IF GIVEN THE CHANCE; ALEX JOEL

CAPTION: The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon.Belden Namah, Professor Aisak Pue, Vice-Chancellor PNG University of Natural Resources & Environment, Janet Magaga-Tourism Lecturer and Joel Alex (PWD)- first-year Accounting Student

By Wasita Royal

The PNG UNRE Cultural Show and World Tourism Day 2026 kicked off yesterday at the Vudal Campus, blending tradition with technology under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

While Tourism Minister Hon. Belden Nama delivered the keynote address, it was a 28-year-old first-year Accounting student who gave the most powerful message of the day.

Joel Alex, from Gurual village in Simbu Province, uses a wheelchair. Yet, he took center stage as the Master of Ceremony (MC) in front of students, staff, and leaders, including Minister Nama. His dynamic voice proved that physical challenges could not hold him back.

Speaking to Fm100 after the event, Joel said his success proves that people with disabilities can achieve anything if given the chance.

“Never listen to what the world thinks about you. Embrace God’s plan for you. He always has the last word. With God, everything is possible,” Joel said. “Our disability is not a limit to achieving our dreams. If I can make it among the ables, you can too. The way you think is the only thing that will set you back or bring you prosperity.”

Joel’s leadership is well-established. Before UNRE, he served three years as the parish youth coordinator at St Mary’s Cathedral in the Kundiawa Catholic Diocese and as Vice President of the Simbu Assembly of Disabled Persons. When asked about his legacy, he points to his faith.

“Look and trace my story, and you will know I spent my life embracing the Truth, seeking God’s kingdom, and surrendering entirely to His call, and He lifted me,” he shared. “I want to be a champion and role model to less fortunate youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as well.”

Hosting the event was a defining moment. “If a disabled junior first-year student can become MC among 1,000+ students, that’s incredible. So why not think positive now?” he challenged.

With Minister Nama on the podium, Joel seized the moment to send a message to the government. “I want our Government to act now, advocate, and make the Nation an inclusive one,” he urged.

Looking ahead, Joel plans to pursue a Master’s degree after graduating from UNRE. He also aims to work with companies like Santos or international NGOs such as World Vision and UNDP.

Joel also thanked those who supported his journey, giving special mention to Fr/Dr. Jowarski (Orthopedic Surgeon and Chaplain at Kundiawa General Hospital), Agness Wakai (FODE Coordinator Kundiawa), Fr. Christan (Parish Priest Kundiawa), and his kind benefactors.