Joy Korua farewelled after 43 years in teaching

The longest-serving teacher at St Mary’s Komkui primary school, Rose Joy Korua, has been farewell after giving 43 years of her life to teaching.

Mrs. Korua spent 41 years in St Mary's Komkui primary school and another two years teaching in Southern Highlands.

Her farewell at the school last week was attended by Hagen Open MP William Duma, Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, former students, and community leaders.

The school gave Mrs. Korua a colorful farewell, with students and teachers singing and dancing to mark the end of her long teaching journey.

The celebrations also brought emotional moments as Mrs. Korua said goodbye to the school where she had spent most of her teaching years.

Hagen Open MP William Duma acknowledged Mrs. Korua for her service to education, especially in the Hagen Open electorate.

Duma said her farewell was well deserved and presented K10,000 to Mrs. Korua on behalf of the Mt Hagen City Authority (MHCA).

“Mrs. Korua has served our people for many years, especially through education. Her service is deserving of recognition, and we thank her for what she has done," Duma said.

The Western Highlands Provincial Government also presented a similar gesture to Mrs. Korua.

Governor Wai Rapa said teachers like Mrs. Korua have helped build and strengthen education in the province by producing people who are now serving Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea.

St Mary’s Komkui primary school headteacher Mr. Apa also thanked Mrs. Korua for her years of service.

“We thank Mrs. Korua for her outstanding service to this school. She has given many years to teaching our children, and we will always remember her contribution," Mr. Apa said.

One of her former students, now a practicing lawyer, Bobby Nutley, also returned to honor Mrs. Korua and the other teachers who taught him.

Nutley said the dedication of teachers can be seen in the lives of their former students.

“Teachers like Mrs. Korua gave up their lives to teach us. Today, we can see the results of their work in the lives of the students who have passed through this school," Mr. Nutley added.

He encouraged people in the community to continue pursuing education and to make sure their children also have access to school.

“Education is the key to everything. We must continue to educate ourselves and also make sure our children get the opportunity to go to school.”

For Mrs. Korua, the farewell marked the end of a long journey that began more than four decades ago.

An emotional Mrs. Korua thanked God and everyone who had been part of her 43 years in teaching.

She said she was leaving with a good heart and mind, knowing that her contribution to education had not been wasted.

“I thank the Good Lord and everyone who has been part of my journey for these 43 years. I am leaving with a good heart and a good mind, knowing that my contribution to education has not gone to waste," retired teacher Mrs. Korua said.

Mrs. Korua leaves behind generations of students who have gone on to become professionals, leaders, parents, and community members.

Her 43 years in teaching have now come to an end, but her contribution to the education of Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea will remain through the many lives she has touched.