From grade 10 dropout to midwifery graduate

Raymond Maipe, a proud son of the Engual Tribe in Lower Kagul of Tambul-Nebilyer District, has defied the odds to graduate with a Bachelor of Midwifery from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences [SMHS] this morning.

His academic journey began at Alkena Primary School, where he completed his primary education in 2007.

With dreams of going further, Raymond enrolled at Tambul High School in 2008 to do Grades 9 and 10.

However, after completing Grade 10, he faced his first major setback - he was not accepted into any secondary school.

Determined not to give up, Raymond turned to the University of Papua New Guinea’s Flexible and Open Distance Education [FODE] program to continue his studies. What should have taken two years stretched into six long, difficult years.

“It took me six years to complete Grade 11 and 12. Financial constraints were the biggest hurdle in my life. I didn't lose hope. I was persistent and determined,” Raymond said.

To support himself in Mt. Hagen, he resorted to selling phone top-ups on the streets. The money he earned helped him cover the cost of bus fare and other basic needs.

Despite the hardships, Raymond remained grounded in his faith and focused on his dream.

After completing Grade 12, he began applying to tertiary institutions.

“In 2015 I applied but was not accepted. In 2016, I reapplied, and fortunately, I was accepted by Kudjip Nazarene Nursing College in Jiwaka Province,” he said.

Raymond completed his Diploma in General Nursing in 2018 and began working with the Catholic Health Services in Simbu Province the following year.

He faithfully served the people of Simbu for three years.

In his fourth year, Raymond saw an opportunity and applied for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship Program to further his studies.

He was successful, and in 2022, he began his Bachelor of Midwifery at UPNG SMHS.

“I am thankful to the Australian Government for the scholarship program that helped me achieve my dream,” Raymond said with a smile.

Now, with his degree in hand, Raymond Maipe said his resilience, determination, and faith have finally paid off.

Raymond who is also a father to a girl said failure is not the end of educational journey.

"Believe that with perseverance, anything is possible," he added.

Raymond is now the proud father to his young family, the tribe, his district Tambul Nebilyer and happy to serve the people of PNG.