Graduated from Griffith university in 2011 with a Masters in Public Health. Coming from the recently established Province of the Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Rose Wali is a mother of six who‘s ultimate dream was always deeply rooted in the Health Industry. For almost a decade, she served as a Nursing Health Officer at the Nazarene Health Ministry as a Health Educator and Coordinator of the Western Highlands Community Program.
Graduating with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing- Community Health in early April 2007, after a year of intense study and research, there were no limitations for Rose. There was more room for development in her skills and knowledge as she aspired to achieving greater things.
“After I completed my Bachelors program at the University of Papua New Guinea, I really felt the need to continue educating myself if I really wanted to realize my dream in serving my people at the local level‖” she states.
As the relentless search for opportunities arose, she saw an article in the newspaper of the scholarship program. For Rose, this was indeed the answer to her prayers. Her attempt to apply was strengthened by the undying support of her children and her husband towards her interest.
“When I had received news that my application was successful, my husband couldn‘t be any prouder and was thrilled at my opportunity to excel” Rose says.
She realized that one of the major challenges that she had to overcome was leaving her six children in the care of her husband for the period of her study.
“My husband took care of all our kids, but I was able to help sustain them through my part time job as a carer for the aged aside from my study time, I was really able to manage my time well.”
Tragically, her husband passed away in early July 2013. Despite the dreadful loss of her husband, Rose overcame all the odds to continue her work as the Assistant Health Co- ordinator at the Community Health Initiative in Mt. Hagen.
“My job is everything to me now, my concerns towards educating my people to leading a healthy life is my dream. I hope to do my very best in implementing the new skills and ideas that I have attained.
“I feel that my contribution will have an immeasurable effect on the lives of the people in my community and I thank the Government of Australia and the scholarship program for the efficient education and training that I was privileged to receive.”
