As the country turns another year since gaining its Independence on the 16th of September 1975, we can now say Papua New Guinea has come a long way as we celebrate 47 years of being free and Independent. Many around the capital have high hopes for the future along with what Independence means to them.
Students of Jubilee Catholic Secondary School like every other Papua New Guineans around the country celebrated Independence this week whereas a number of them shared their thoughts on what Independence means to them and also spoke about the changes they would like to see as a young generation growing up.
The students started off their celebration with a flag parade followed by a brief history of the country’s Independence. Francis, who is currently doing his grade 11, shared his thoughts on what the day means to him saying that Independence has been somewhat gained by the help of our elderlies now who played a part then leading up to the country’s Independence and how they struggled to help in one or another.
“I am so proud to be part of Papua New Guinea and to be free and independent now and with the changes I would like to see now is for the young generation to grow in a better position to know what this significant day really means to us in terms of our culture and everything about the country.”
A grade 9 student, Deborah David, also gave her insight about her thoughts on independence stating that the day is basically all about celebrating the country’s freedom and that Papua New Guineans get to celebrate its different cultures. “The changes I would like to see now after this Independence moving forward is for Papua New Guinea to continue in its development work and hope that we achieve more good things for our country.”
Another student, Joelyn Kora, when asked what Independence meant to her, was more than delighted to say that this is the time Papua New Guineans get to embrace their country and to say how lucky it is to be living in a free one.
She further added saying that the changes she would like to see is that more developments are made in terms of creating more businesses and schools. In addition to this, Paul Henry, a grade 9 student shared something more similar in terms of this day being a reminder to him of how the country became independent. Meanwhile, Viola Tuain, also a grade 9 student had a twist to what Independence means to her where she shared her own views about how she feels towards the day itself.
“For this year’s Independence, I don’t really feel the fever, well let’s just say it’s another excuse for me to dress up but what I would like to see as part of change is that people take more pride in their culture and to be proud of who they are.”