26/03/2011

So for some successful people their careers are not in perfect sync with what they wanted out of life. Their career path takes them through many trying circumstances and decisions. But in the end, imagine what joy it brings to finally achieve after two decades what you always wanted to do and what you wanted to become.

This is the story of Walter Elizer Nuak who recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Management at Divine Word University on the 6th of March. His was a typical story of an East New Britain village boy who grew up wanting to please his parents by relinquishing his own career choice. Walter was hoping he could study business and own a plantation after completing year ten in 1989 at George Brown High School.
“I wanted to study business management and this caused conflict of interest amongst us in the family. After much thought and reflection, I decided that I have to fulfill my mum’s wishes because I was closer to her. I wanted to make her happy.”
The following year, Walter had his first experience in an airplane flight leaving Rabaul for Kagamuga in Western Highlands for studies at Mt. Hagen Technical College. Coming from a humble family, the K13 fortnightly National Scholarship (Natschol) allowance from government at that time was sufficient to sustain him in the duration of the 40 week Pre-employment technical training (PETT) course.
Walter gave his heart into studies and the additional four year apprenticeship training with Golden Square Limited in Port Moresby successfully earned him a tradesman’s certificate. He returned to Rabaul and helped out as an assistant instructor with the German Development Service for two years. That was not the end but the beginning of another career changing opportunity. It was indeed a launching pad for Walter’s future endeavors.
“Based on my successful performance I won a scholarship through the German Development Service - Localization Program and was sponsored to study at the PNG Education Institute in 1997 to become a certified Vocational Instructor in Trades Skills & Agriculture.”
He returned and taught at Raval Vocational Center. But soon; he was scooped away for further studies.
“In 2002 the National Department of Education awarded another scholarship for me to study at the University of Goroka. I graduated from the University of Goroka with a Diploma in Technical Vocational Education and Training. I returned to East New Britain province and taught at Kokopo Secondary School in 2003.”
Walter’s quest for education and advancement in career was not to finish in the classroom at Kokopo secondary.
“In 2005, I was offered a job as a TVET - Curriculum Officer within the National Department of Education.  I worked with TVET Division on various TVET reforms until 2007 when I resigned and joined the National Capital District Water & Sewerage Limited trading as EDA RANU as the Training and Development Supervisor.”
Walter had a dream in his heart that he always wanted to achieve. Like the saying goes, when eating an elephant, take one bite at a time. He enrolled in 2009 when Divine Word University offered its Bachelor Degree in Management at its Port Moresby campus.
 “I wanted to study management, but I couldn’t then because my mother wanted me to build her a house. I had to study carpentry. I went back home and built her a house. That didn’t stop me from realizing my own career choice.”
“Graduating with my Bachelors Degree in Management from the institution that I wanted to study has come about after 22 years was like breaking a record. But it never came easily. I have no regrets over these years as both my parents are still alive and I’m privileged and excited that I have fulfilled both their wishes.”
Walter realized that there is always greater satisfaction when he reaches out to help others. And thus, he started an organization called Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Foundation. When he was in Madang for his graduation, he donated 20 safety goggles to Talidik Vocational Center and another 20 to Madang Technical College. Both these institutions he said were those two he worked closely with when he was with the TVET division.
“I will return with some more safety goggles for Bau Vocational Centre during my leave later this year,” he added.
“The foundation I started presently is sponsoring two youths who are attending Badili Vocational Centre in two different courses. One is a grade 10 dropout attending 1 year PETT Carpentry & Joinery course and the other is a grade 8 educated and is completing a 2 years Plumbing Course. One is from East Sepik Province and the other is from East New Britain Province.  My foundation assists them with accommodation, meals, school uniforms, bus fare and allowances, safety booths and airfares to and from their provinces for holiday.”
Walter is aiming for the sky. He hopes to do his Masters in Strategic Management at the University of Papua New Guinea and hopefully a Doctor of Philosophy in Management in an Australian University.
His aspirations may look big and overwhelming. There is no doubt, he can eat the elephant. But as Walter knows, the key is to take the bite early and often!
Ends...........