Kemabolo Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School in the Kwikila District of Central Papua Conference (CPC) has been commended for setting the pace and making a difference in the community.
Local magistrate and senior citizen Tau Gulu made these remarks in front of students, teachers and citizens at the school’s fourth graduation and speech day, held on the school grounds on November 14.
“The students passing out of Kemabolo Adventist Elementary into the main government-run primary school were observed to be brighter, diligent and responsible,” Magistrate Gulu emphasised. “Such is a testament to the quality of Adventist education and the commitment of teachers and parents to the running of the school.”
The school commenced the academic year with 62 students between the ages of 5 and 7 years. However, 11 students withdrew during the course of the year and only 51 were present at the ceremony. Of these, 12 graduated from the elementary two course.
A sense of community spirit was shared as the enrolment extended from the main Kemabolo village to other neighbouring villages, such as Tauruba. During the speeches, Government representative Gitu Gasena gifted the school with K1000 to assist in its operation.
CPC education director Peter Iga commended the volunteer teachers for faithfulness to educating and training the children for service to God and mankind. He emphasised that Adventist education is unique in the sense that its primary objective has always been to develop a saving relationship between the student and God, followed by the curriculum, which includes English, mathematics and the sciences. However, the ultimate purpose is for the student to be trained for service to God and others.
Despite challenges such as the school’s formal registration being delayed and teachers not on the payroll, the commitment and faithfulness of students and teachers testify to God’s faithfulness to this small school which will grow from strength to strength.
