Students walk 10 hours to fly the flag for PNG’s 50th Independence

Teachers and Students departing Mogulu Station for a 10 hour Trek to Nomad Station (Image: Supplied)

14 students and six teachers from one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote corners have shown extraordinary determination, trekking 10 hours on foot to join the nation in celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary.

The group, from Tom Hoey Primary School and Mogulu Secondary School, set off at dawn on Saturday, September 13, from Mougulu EPNG Station with their families and a police escort. By the time they reached Nomad Station at 5 p.m., they had crossed rivers, hills, and seven villages along the old Nomad Highway.

Headmaster Saun Aloksep with teacher wife Mrs Aloksep at Wasubi Village. The last village bordering Nomad and Mogulu (Image: Supplied)

For many, it was their first time joining a national celebration of this scale. Headmaster Saun Aloksep, who led the trek with his wife and two children, said the long walk was worth every step.

“We only came to witness the celebrations, but to be invited for the marching and flag-raising ceremony was an honour,” Aloksep said. “Even in remote Mogulu, our students are proud to stand with the rest of PNG on this golden jubilee.”

Students and Teachers arrive at Nomad station for independence celebrations (Image: Supplied)

The students, 11 boys and three girls, were surprised but delighted when organisers asked them to march alongside others in the official program.

Despite Mogulu being one of the most isolated stations in the Middle Fly District, the young trekkers carried the national colours with pride, proving that distance could not dampen their patriotic spirit.