AFTER realising how violent and abusive his family had become, Ken Aron promised to finish his education, return home and be an advocate for peace and education in his native West New Britain.
Aron, from Bali Island (Tamnnagoni village), West New Britain, and Kamanokor in Maprik, East Sepik, said he was able to overcome his struggles and hardships through his Christian faith.
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| Aron achieves a dream [Photo by The National] |
The 24-year-old graduated with a bachelor’s degree in arts majoring in social works and psychology at the 67th University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) graduation on April 26 for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Aron said he was the first from his family to graduate from university.
His graduation day also fell two days after his birthday (April 24) so it was a double celebration for him.
“This day is very important to me because I graduated and celebrated my birthday,” he said.
Coming from a family of three – Aron has two sisters – Aron attended Kapore Primary School in Talasea, West New Britain, from 2004 to 2013 and upon finishing eighth grade, he went to Hoskins Secondary School.
In 2017, he received the honour of being named head boy of his school.
Aron graduated from grade 12 as school dux and earned a place at University of Papua New Guinea the following year.
Growing up, due to the financial hardships and challenges, Aron had the fortune of being was nurtured by different people, especially from a Christian background whom he considered as his parents and guardians.
“I am thankful to my teachers from Hoskins Secondary who taught me and grounded me well which made university so easy for me,” he said.
“I was raised by different people, especially in the church, so I practically grew up in the church through the mentorship of people whom I see as father figures.”
Aron faced financial issues during his uni studies but he was supported by friends and parents from New Ireland John and Grace Abon to whom he remains grateful.
He expressed his appreciation to the Voice Incorporated (Inc), a youth-led organisation, through its dream programme which guided him in leadership and personal development.
“The organisation has helped me to step out from my comfort zone to become a role model in my community, especially to my siblings,” Aron said.
Through Voice Inc’s dream programme, Aron became a recipient of its grant assistance and organised a student empowering students programme at Kapore Primary School involving 50 youths.
Aron graduated from UPNG with a high grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 from his strand.
He dedicated his achievement to his family in New Ireland and the community of Kapore for their prayers and support.
“I came from a violent home but that did not stop me from achieving my goals and aspirations,” he said.
Aron is currently looking for a job but plans to go back home and advocate for better livelihoods, the importance of education and leadership.
The National/ Study in PNG