From the North and South American continent, we cross the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. Flying over the Mediterranean Sea where we land in the African continent; sailing across the Indian Ocean we reach India the gate way to Asian continent. We then sail across the Indian Ocean where we harbor in an Australian port. Flying over the Tasman Sea, we reach New Zealand-the land of the white long clouds. From the land of the white long clouds we cross to Fiji, from Fiji, we fly to Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea’s nearest Melanesian neighboring country. On Papua New Guinea land –the land of the unexpected we meet the faces of children from the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern region.
“Though different in languages, values and status, there is one thing that unites us in one at Korobosea International School (KIS) The need to be educated and to be the best for our families, communities and our countries.
We are Young, Independent and free in a democratic, changing and diverse cultural society where we are challenged to know who we are, what our roles are in this diverse and changing society.
We hope that this celebration is not just about the colorful faces and traditional bilus we see, we want to take pride in who we are , where come from and maintain our roots in the many years to come.”
These words were the introduction to KIS Celebration of Papua New Guineas 35th Anniversary on Wednesday 15th September read by one of the hosts a Grade 6 pupil. Vivid and sensational with their noticeable and disguised costumes students sat obediently in their regional groups; alongside them sat their loyal teachers and Teacher Aides. International region includes our international students from Republic of Philippines, Republic of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, US, Great Britain, Belgium, Australia, Uganda, Nigeria, New Zealand, Fiji and Solomon Islands; Momase Region ( Morobe , Madang, East and West Sepik Provinces); New Guinea Highlands region ( East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus and Bougainville ); Highlands region ( Western Highlands, Easten Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka, Enga and Southern Highlands); and Southern Region ( Milnebay, Central , Gulf, Western and Oro)
Parents, friends, bubus (grandparents) and wantoks found an excuse get away from their busy schedules to be part of KIS Way of celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 35th Anniversary.
Letting the fever of celebration begin, our international groups gracefully and skillfully presented numerous dances from the Republic of Indonesia from the province of Indang (from West Sumatra), republic of Philippines and Uganda. The reception was very well received by the animated audience.
10.00am and it was the 20 minutes break as scheduled in the program; without further delay students were meticulously dismissed to prepare for the next segment.
10:25a.m Music was played on the sound system as the voice of late John Wong was heard as he sang the song “In our Land” with an unknown female vocal.
In our land
In our land of a thousand tongues
Brothers and sisters old and young
Unite our spirits, so we speak as one
We have to learn to live together, side by side
We have to learn to give each other dignity and pride
The strength to be one people
One Nation One Country……..
Chord modulation
The time has come to stand together side by side
The time has come to pray together and God will be our guide,
Unite to be one people
One nation ….. One country……..
PNG
The sounds of music in the air meant it was the end of recess break. Students, teachers, audience and distinguished guests were reminded of what was about to begin.
10:35a.m The host read; Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls let us continue to celebrate with the sounds of rhythmic drums and voices of diverse languages……………………..without further delay the rhythmic drum beats from the Manus Province was heard; it was the opening dance to launch the traditional and contemporary dances in all regions of PNG that were queued to be showcased by the students of KIS. This was a culmination of 4 weeks and 2 days preparation done by both teachers, Teacher Aides and Students.
Flashes of digital cameras from unsuspicious fans angled at all corners to capture the finest moments continued. Faces were lit with smiles and laughter as fans continued to capture the moments.
Featuring dances from the New Guinea Islands, Highlands, Southern and Momase region students and teachers sang, chanted and danced charmingly. Their disguised costumes heaved their appetite; and there was nothing that was going to obstruct them. Is it pride I thought to myself as I stood and watched with awe from the hosts’ stand? I wondered about the future. The future of these children and the future of this country.
I recall the speech presented by the school principal earlier in the program; he said “The gift one can give to PNG’s birthday is your-self”. How one can perfectly wrap and present a gift is a challenge. Are these children prepared to wrap their gifts, my mind ponders.....
1:00p.m: It was a sigh of relieve after long weeks of preparation and I know one of my assignments for 2010 has successfully been accomplished. Perhaps the last one with KIS?
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