For nine years, one determined teacher has been educating primary school students despite not having road access to his school.
Paul Konga is from Rulna in Dei District, Western Highlands province. The story of Rulna is a sad one; a major landslide in 1994 completely cut off more than 6,000 people living beyond Kotna Station.
After graduating with a Diploma in Primary Reaching, Paul returned home nine years ago to revive this primary school.
His determination combined with that of the community sees Rulna with a well established primary that matches most schools in urban centres. His perseverance has encouraged other younger graduates to join Paul in this remote setting, where they continue to teach and educate.
Rulna Primary school comes under the catholic agency and is supported by the church. Rulna graduated its first Grade Eight students in 2013, and this year will see its fourth Grade Eight graduation.
Konga recalls his vision to see Rulna become just like other places in the country.
“After completing my community school and leaving Rulna just after the landslide, I was always reminded of my home when sitting in a classroom, I had the dream to return and educate my own people,” he Paul.
Rulna also has a health centre that provides basic health care, however this facility is also in need of improved services.
