Law student gives back to tourism school in Mekeo

Marie Jose Laua during the presentation of chairs and laptops to Eco Pacific Tourism school in Mekeo (Image: Supplied)

A 24-year-old law student from the University of Papua New Guinea [UPNG] has turned her academic success into a philanthropic mission to bolster tourism education in her home village.

Marie Jose Laua, a final-year student in one of the country’s most competitive courses, recently delivered a significant donation of 100 chairs and several laptops to Eco Pacific Tourism institute in Inauaia, Mekeo, Central Province.

The donation is aimed at supporting the administrative capacity of the school and providing much-needed infrastructure for students seeking a second chance at education.

Ms. Laua’s journey from the dusty tracks of Inauaia to the lecture halls of UPNG serves as a beacon of hope for her community. She recalls a childhood typical of the Mekeo plains, spending long mornings playing rubber games with friends, often ignoring the calls of family to return home.

"I remember those games vividly," she said. "But I also remember that many of the friends I played with did not have the same opportunities to progress through the education system. I felt a responsibility to square that equation."

Some of the equipment donated by Marie Jose Laua (Image: Supplied)

The tourism institution, which operates as a standalone entity recognized by the Department of Education’s Technical Vocational Education Training [TVET] division, has become a vital hub for school leavers in the Kairuku District.

During the handover ceremony, Ms. Laua urged the student body to remain focused despite the challenges of rural life.

"Education is the primary pillar of success," she told the students. "By choosing to be here, you are already thinking positively about your future. Use these resources to build yourselves."

Director of Eco Tourism Pacific, Alphonse Foimae Junior, praised Laua’s initiative, saying that such high-level support from a young professional is rare and highly valued. He confirmed the institution's growing footprint, with a Northern campus located in Sumkar, Madang, and the Southern campus in Inauaia.

For Ms. Laua, whose heritage spans both Mekeo and Gaba Gaba in Rigo, the gesture is a fulfillment of a personal gauntle" she threw down to ensure her professional black gown and white sleeves are used for the benefit of those she grew up with.