Goroka Secondary School needs your help

By MALUM NALU

Former students of Goroka Secondary School, one of the leading secondary educational institutions in the country, are putting their money where their heart is.

They will be holding a fundraising dinner at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, Vision City, on Saturday, October 22, to help the school raise funds to rebuild its science laboratory, which was razed by fire in June this year.

The school, formerly known as Goroka High School, has produced some of Papua New Guinea’s leading personalities such as Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc, National Court judge Panuel Mogish, Airbus A380 pilot Capt Locklyn Sabumei, and many more from all over PNG.

Captain Locklyn Sabumei at the "front office" of the Airbus A380

They have all been asked to help the school at this time of need.

A fundraising committee known as Asu Amiti Fundraising Committee has been set up in Goroka and Port Moresby since the burning down of the laboratory, and has already conducted several fundraising activities, which will culminate with the dinner.

It is made up of former students and staff of the school.

Tickets are on sale in three categories – gold for K10, 000, silver for K5, 000 and bronze for K3, 000 – while individual tickets can be purchased for K150.

Committee member and businessman Jeno Aeno, owner of Oxford Medical Supplies and a former student, urged all former students to attend the dinner.

“We’re having ex-students from places like Alotau, Kokopo, Tabubil, Lae and Madang calling us to purchase tickets,” he said.

“These people are going to spend their own money to fly in just for the dinner.

“It’s also becoming like a big reunion for the school.”

Aeno said they were already assured of support from National Gaming Control Board, Post PNG, JDA Wokman, Eyechen and National Maritime Safety Authority.

He is already putting his money where his mouth is, with Oxford paying for four tables at a cost of K19, 000.

Former students and supporters of the school who wish to attend the dinner can call Oxford Medical Supplies on telephone 3254874.