NOAH’S ACHIEVEMENT: A DREAM COME TRUE FOR HIS PARENTS

CAPTION: Noah Tolasa recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Divine Word University, Port Moresby Campus.

BY KENNY ROMANUS

A young man raised in a modest plantation community in East Sepik Province has achieved a significant milestone after graduating from Divine Word University’s Port Moresby Campus on, Friday, March 13.

Noah Tolasa, from Tau 1 Village in Ward 18 of the Gawanga Local Level Government area in Ambunti-Drekikier District, was among the graduates during the ceremony. His achievement marks the culmination of a journey shaped by perseverance, faith and determination.

Growing up, Noah was raised by hardworking parents who made their living on a plantation. His father worked long hours as a plantation labourer, while his mother earned a living as a housekeeper. Although their resources were limited, they strongly believed that education could open doors to a better future for their son.

Through their sacrifices and encouragement, Noah learned the importance of humility, persistence and faith, values that would guide him throughout his life.

Life in his close-knit village community was not without challenges. Economic hardship and limited opportunities often stood in the way. However, Noah remained motivated by the Christian values instilled in him by his parents and teachings from the South Sea Evangelical Church.

One message from his parents continued to guide him through life: “God will make a way.” That belief became the foundation of his determination to pursue education and personal growth.

Committed to honouring the sacrifices made for him, Noah focused on building a better future through learning. His dedication eventually led him to enrol at Divine Word University’s Port Moresby Campus, where he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The journey was demanding. Noah had to juggle full-time employment, professional responsibilities, travel commitments and academic work. Many nights were spent studying late and rising early, but he remained determined to complete the program.

During his time of study, he also completed an additional one-year management program, further strengthening his professional and academic capabilities.

Through subjects including Business Research, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Marketing and Business Law, Noah expanded his knowledge of leadership, management and entrepreneurship. He hopes these skills will help contribute to better public service and support community development.

Currently, Noah serves as the Senior Industrial Relations Officer with the Western Provincial Health Authority. Over the past nine years, he has been dedicated to serving the people of Western Province, beginning his career at Daru General Hospital after graduating from the University of Papua New Guinea in 2017.

He says his motivation in the workplace comes from a strong commitment to helping improve the health sector in Western Province.

For Noah, completing his MBA represents more than just personal success, it is the fulfilment of a dream long held by his parents.
As he celebrates this important milestone, Noah Tolasa’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that faith, perseverance and hard work can overcome even the most challenging beginnings.

His journey is far from over, but his story already inspires many young Papua New Guineans, showing that with determination and belief, dreams can indeed become reality.