By Dalcy Lulua
DEMIEN Danny is amongst the proud graduands of the School of Natural and Physical Sciences graduating on the opening of the week long graduation ceremony.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, and dedicates his degree to his mother for her unwavering support his education.
Danny is from Oksapmin in the Telefomin District, West Sepik Province. Danny’s parents are unemployed but his mother was his biggest pillar of strength.
Like many other students, Danny too has faced many challenges growing up and throughout his education journey but he remained determined and committed to completing his education.
Danny described his journey as a story of sacrifice, struggle and strength.
“My journey has been shaped by hardship, held together by love, and driven by an unbreakable spirit.”
“I come from a humble background, my parents are not employed, but my mother has been my greatest pillar of strength.”
“She used to sit by the roadside at the bus stop in Tabubil, selling buai and smoke, just to raise enough money to pay for my school fees.”
“She would stay there from sunrise to sunset, in the rain and in the heat, never complains and never gives up. There were nights she hardly slept, but her only dream was for me to succeed, that one day I would hold a certificate — something she never had the chance to pursue herself.”
Danny said his mother’s tears and blistered hands, her quiet prayers — they became the foundation of his education. Every step he took forward in school, he carried her sacrifices with him.
His education journey began at Ridum Elementary School in his home village of Rimol. He continued to Tekap Primary School, where he commenced Grade 3. Midway through his primary education, he transferred to Divanap Primary School, where he completed Grades 4 to 8 and graduated in 2016.
Following that, he attended Oksapmin High School and completed Grades 9 and 10 in 2017 and 2018. He was then selected to continue his senior secondary education at Saint Ignatius Secondary School in Aitape, Sandaun Province, where he successfully completed Grades 11 and 12 in 2019 and 2020.
In 2021, he was accepted into the University of Papua New Guinea under the School of Natural and Physical Sciences; Science Foundation Year.
Danny describes his life at the Uni as not as easy or glamorous as many might think. While others had family support or allowances, he walked through UPNG gates with little but a dream and his mother’s hope.
“Financial stress followed me every semester, there were times I went without proper meals for days.
“I would sit in lecture rooms with hungry
stomach, pretending to be okay — when deep inside, I was worrying about where the next meal or project fee would come from and at one point, I almost deferred school because I couldn’t afford the requirements. But I told myself, “Mi no ken givap nau. Mi kam pinis longwe, mi mas go yet.”
“I studied during the day, worried through the night, and held onto hope in between. I found strength in the small wins — passing a test, finishing an assignment, praying alone in my room.”
In the midst of everything Danny has going on in his life; he was struck with the news last year that his wife his pregnant.
“I truly thought I would break. No support. No money. Just fear. But I chose not to run. I stood strong and stayed in school, knowing that my education was the only thing that could change our future.”
Danny was overwhelmed with joy but also with fear with the news of having a child.
“I felt the weight of the world fall on my shoulders. I was just a student — still struggling to survive, and now faced with the responsibility of bringing life into this world. I was broken. Emotionally, physically, mentally — I was at my lowest, BUT I DID NOT GIVE UP.”
“I kept going to class with an empty stomach and a heavy heart, determined to finish what I started — not just for myself, but for my mother, my partner, and my child. I reminded myself every day: “This is not the end. The light is coming.”
And he did it, he graduated on Monday 28th of April refusing to let poverty define him.
“My story is not just about education — it is about resilience, about unseen heroes like my mother, and about holding onto hope even in the darkest of nights.”
“I carry these scars with pride, and I now dedicate my life to giving back, especially to children from backgrounds like mine — because if I could make it, so can they.”
“Now, when I look at my degree, I don’t just see papers or grades. I see tears, sacrifice, sleep-deprived nights, and a young man who refused to let hardship silence his dreams.”
Danny emphasized to use his education journey to create impact — both in his home district and wherever opportunity allows.
“My degree in mathematics, statistics, and computer science is not just a personal achievement, it’s a tool I now carry to
contribute meaningfully in the field of technology, data, and innovation.”
“I’m now actively seeking opportunities in IT, data analysis, systems support, and digital solutions — areas where I can apply my skills and grow professionally. I’m passionate about solving real problems through technology and want to be part of the movement that drives digital transformation in Papua New Guinea.”
“More importantly, I now have a young family. My wife, who stood with me through every struggle, and my daughter, who is the light of our new chapter, are my greatest motivation. I want to build a stable and purposeful life for them — one where my daughter grows up knowing that her father turned challenges into success.” he said.
“In the long term, I hope to establish a tech-driven initiative or digital hub in the Telefomin District, empowering other youths in rural areas to access information, build digital skills, and connect with the wider world,” he said.