By ALBERT MOSES
HIDDEN in the mountains and thick jungles of East Sepik Province, a man named Fox Kipu took on a journey to reach the unreachable and serve those who were starving for Education and to install hope in the unreached rural populace who never knew in their lifetime the importance of Education.
He was a primary school teacher from a remote village called Irawari/Utame/Kewabi LLG of Ialibu-Pangia District, Southern Highlands Province.
His story is one of pure sacrifice, hard work, commitment, pain & long suffering, God Fearing and a man with Vision.
Read Late Fox Kipu’s Story &: be encouraged; be inspired; be an agent of change; search for your call; ask yourself what you can do for your country; serve with pain & suffering; serve with pure heart.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹
Fox’s journey as a teacher started in 2013 when he finished his studies at Balob Teachers College in Morobe Province. His first job was at Kero Primary School in Southern Highlands, where he taught for three years. But in 2017, he received a phone call from a brother, who was a Head Teacher in a community school in Ambunti-Drekikier District.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲
“Hello, brother,” his brother said. “I am now the Head Teacher of a Community School in a very remote part of East Spik. It’s hard to reach, and basic services like health care and transportation are far away. Teachers refuse to come to this school because of its geographical location. But I need your help.”
Fox had to make a hard choice. His family needed him, especially his only disabled brother, and agingmother. His father had passed away, and his mother was old and needed care. He was the only person they could rely on. After praying for guidance, Fox felt a sense of peace and decided to go to East Sepik to help his brother and the school.
𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲
In March 2017, Fox, his wife, who is a Senior Teacher, and their young daughter began their long journey to East Sepik. From Mt Hagen, they arrived in Wewak, they spent a night there. Next day they travelled the Sepik Highway to Wallam Primary School in Ambunti-Drekikier District. But that was only the beginning. As the vehicle drop them on the side of the road, & looking far & beyond the road that they would walk only mountains covered by jungles.
The sun set, they had to walk across rivers, climb steep mountains, and go through thick jungles to finally reach Wallam Primary School. Fox and his family were tired and felt far away from home that day.
That night, his wife was very upset. She cried and questioned why they had come to such a hard place, especially with their sick child. Fox also felt unsure. But by morning, his wife said, “Let’s try staying here for a year.” They agreed to stay, not knowing they would end up living there for ne t Eight Years.
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Wallam Primary School was a challenging place to work. Fox and his wife joined a small group of teachers (4 teachers) who wanted to make the school better. The classrooms were made from local materials, and supplies were limited. Even getting to the main road was an hours-long trip through dangerous jungle paths. Most teachers avoided their duties, but Fox and his wife stayed focused on their mission.
Fox believed he was called to the school not just by the government but by God. He was determined to make a difference.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝘅 & 𝗪𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱
Wallam Primary School, originally a small community school serving only grades 1- 6, had undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years.
This transformation began when Fox Kipu and his wife Annie Neki Kipu arrived at the school. Within just three years of their arrival, Wallam Primary School expanded to accommodate its first Grade 7 class. The following year, the school introduced Grade 8, opening up new educational opportunities for the local children.
Now, in 2024, Wallam Primary School is preparing for its fourth Grade 8 national examination, an achievement that marks significant progress for a rural school in such a remote place.
Fox’s dedication to improving Wallam Primary School extended beyond just expanding the grades.
Through social media, particularly Facebook, he actively sought support from government bodies, businesses, and non-government organizations.
His relentless efforts yielded success, and in 2022, donations from these entities began to flow into the school. With this support, Fox and the school committee were able to build essential infrastructure, including staff houses, double classrooms, and water tanks. They also acquired necessary resources such as printing machines and a generator, all of which contributed to enhancing the school’s quality of education.
Fox’s commitment to Wallam Primary School and the surrounding communities was unwavering. He invested his energy, time, and personal resources to develop not only the school but also the neighboring areas, creating a lasting impact in Wam Local Level Government (LLG) of the Ambunti-Drekikier District.
The people in these rural communities saw him as their hero, a leader whose dedication to their well-being and education uplifted their lives.
The thought of his departure or, even worse, his passing, would be a deeply painful loss for the community and the entire LLG, leaving an irreplaceable void in their hearts.
𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲
After conducting first two church services with his family in one of the run-down classroom made of bush materials, he invited students, parents & the surrounding community to join them church the next Sunday.
While having a Fellowship in that classroom, Fox built a church near the school. He called it the Bible Missionary Church (BMC), remembering his days as an assistant pastor when he was younger. It was the first BMC church in that area & all of East Sepik, giving the people a place to gather, worship, and find hope in God.
A missionary from the United States came to help, and together they bought the land and built a permanent church and a house for a pastor. Fox asked the missionary for a full-time pastor, and soon, one Pastor was sent to live there and lead the church.
The church brought positive changes to the community. Many villagers, who once practiced traditional customs, joined the church, letting go of harmful practices. Fox and his wife taught the villagers simple skills, like dressing, cooking, & so forth. Fox and his wife even took 12 villagers to a church camp in Southern Highlands Province. For many, it was their first time seeing life outside their village.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺
Life at Wallam Primary School was tough. Fox and his wife didn’t have enough resources or help, and some other teachers didn’t take their work seriously. Despite these hardships, they kept working, using whatever they could find to improve the school. They invited parents to help with school activities, making the place feel like a community.
By the end of 2017, Fox saw that the school was becoming a better place. The students felt motivated to learn, and the parents began to value education for their children.
𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗳𝗮𝗿
While Fox worked in East Sepik, he couldn’t easily visit his family in the Southern Highlands. The distance made it difficult, and he could only see them once a year during the Christmas holiday. But Fox’s hard work helped his family indirectly; he saved enough money to pay for his younger siblings’ college and university education.
Fox missed his aging mother and brother deeply but believed his work in East Sepik was important.
“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆,”. “𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏.”
That was the only response he used to give when his family back home used to complain with him for being far from home.
𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
The lack of school resources, the difficult travel and geographical location of the place and the absence of government support made life very hard for Fox and his wife as they were trying their very best to change the face of the school.
Through the held of social media platform (especially Facebook) Fox asked the responsible authorities, Provincial & National Government government to address these issues.
In one of his Facebook post he said, “Road access is very important. The government must help teachers and health workers in these rural parts of East Sepik.”
Teachers like Fox and his wife made a huge sacrifices. “The money we get doesn’t match the sacrifices we make,” Fox explained in one of his FacebookPost, “but we do it for the love of humanity and that’s what God called us to do so only God will reward us & not the Government.”
𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 & 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵
With strong faith, Fox turned his job as a teacher into a mission to improve lives. He taught more than just school lessons; he showed his students and the villagers how to be strong, kind, and hopeful. His story is a reminder of how much one dedicated person can change a whole community.
Fox’s journey was full of challenges, but he found a deeper purpose in helping others. He left a lasting impact on his students, and Wam LLG at large. Fox’s story encourages teachers in every corners of PNG especially those serving in the remote settings to believe in the power of education and trust in life’s greater purpose.
𝗙𝗼𝘅 𝗞𝗶𝗽𝘂’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
On June 14, 2024, Late Fox Kipu, fell seriously ill. The remote location of Wallam, with its challenging terrain and limited access to healthcare, forced Fox to remain in the village, hoping for recovery through natural remedies.
His condition, however, steadily worsened, pushing him and his family into a journey of seekinf medical help.
Fox had long served as a teacher in this isolated area, dedicating his life to educating children in the region despite the harsh conditions. But when illness struck, it was clear the remote nature of Wallam left him with little access to adequate healthcare.
Fox initially resorted to traditional remedies and waited in the hope that his condition would improve. However, as the days passed, his health deteriorated, making it evident that he needed professional medical care. Yet, the journey to Boram hospital in Wewak is a journey that required crossing mountains, rivers, and enduring rough terrain – was one he could no longer undertake on foot.
Making matters worse, Fox was not alone; his family was with him. His wife and three young children – a daughter aged eight, another daughter aged six, and a baby boy just 1 year and 7 months old – were by his side. The thought of leaving them behind to seek medical care was unimaginable, especially given his critical state.
For Fox, the choice was agonizing: stay with his family and risk his health worsening, or leave them and face the treacherous journey alone. Despite his intense physical pain and the pressing need for medical help, he chose to remain with his family, hoping for a solution that would allow them to stay together.
After weeks of suffering, a glimmer of hope appeared. Some local villagers informed Fox snd family that a vehicle had arrived, arranged to take him to the hospital.
Yet, because of the deteriorating road conditions, the vehicle could not reach Wallam directly. It waited instead at the nearest accessible point, miles away from the school. With assistance from the villagers, Fox and his family made the difficult journey to meet the vehicle.
To his surprise, the person behind this act of kindness was a healthcare worker from the Highlands – a Health Extension Officer (HEO) originally from Kagua-Erave District in Southern Highlands Province. This HEO, stationed at a nearby health center, had hired the vehicle to bring Fox to the hospital.
The family was eventually transported to Boram Hospital in Wewak, where Fox was admitted for nearly four weeks. Despite receiving various treatments, none brought the relief he desperately needed. His symptoms persisted, and his health showed little sign of improvement.
Watching him struggle, his family, friends, and community members grew increasingly concerned. Finally, he received a referral from Boram Hospital, directing him to seek advanced medical care at Mt. Hagen General Hospital in the Western Highlands Province.
The journey to Mt. Hagen marked another significant chapter in Fox’s battle for health.
Arriving at Mt. Hagen General Hospital, Fox and his family were hopeful, trusting that the change in location might bring better treatment options. Unfortunately, after less than five days in the hospital, it became apparent that his condition continued to decline. Doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but despite their efforts, his symptoms grew more severe. It was a race against time, with his family standing by, desperate for any improvement.
The doctors at Mt. Hagen then referred Fox to the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, hoping that the specialists and resources at Port Moresby General Hospital might offer a solution.
Upon arriving in Port Moresby, Fox faced the painful decision to leave his two young daughters back in the Highlands while he traveled with his wife and youngest son. The separation was heart-wrenching, as the family was tightly knit and unaccustomed to being apart.
Yet, given the complexity of the journey and Fox’s worsening health, leaving the girls behind was the only viable option. His wife stood by him as they checked into Port Moresby General Hospital.
The hospital in Port Moresby became their second home, with Fox undergoing numerous tests and treatments. For almost eight weeks, he went back and forth between various wards and specialists, enduring countless medical procedures and long hours of waiting.
Yet, despite the relentless efforts of doctors and nurses, Fox’s condition continued to deteriorate. Every test, every treatment, and every dose of medication seemed to have little effect, leaving his family in a state of sorrow and helplessness. Each day brought a new wave of uncertainty, as his loved ones watched his health decline despite the advanced care he was receiving.
𝗔 𝗦𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗯𝘆𝗲
In the afternoon hours of October 26, 2024, after months of pain, hope, and sadness, he took Fox took his last breath in Port Moresby General Hospital.
He left behind his loving wife, two young daughters, his baby son, and a grieving family, friends, and community who had been with him through every step, hoping and praying for his recovery.
Seeking medical treatment in Port Moresby General Hospital was not an easy choice.
Fox had to leave his two baby daughters below the age of 9 behind in the Highlands while he went with his wife and youngest son seeking medical assistance. This was heartbreaking for the family, as they were close and had never been apart. But he had no choice, hoping that this journey might bring healing.
At Port Moresby General Hospital, Fox went through many tests and treatments. For nearly two months, the hospital became their second home. His wife stayed by his side, and their baby son was a small reminder of the life they hoped to return to. Friends and family visited, sharing their prayers and love, but Fox’s condition continued to worsen.
Days turned into weeks, and the sad truth became clearer to his family. Fox’s once-bright smile faded, and his strength began to give way. He had fought hard, but the illness was stronger. On that Sundaymorning, with his wife by his side and his son nearby, Fox’s journey came to an end.
The news spread quickly, filling the hearts of his family, friends, and community with deep sadness. His wife now faced the heavy responsibility of raising their three children alone. His young daughters, too little to fully understand, would grow up knowing their father had fought hard for them.
Though Fox’s journey is over, his impact remains. He lived a life of quiet bravery, and his passing is a great loss to those he left behind. May his legacy live on in the hearts of those he helped and in those who continue his important work.
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝘅 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 – 𝗜𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝘂-𝗦𝗛𝗣
Next week, the body of the late Fox Kipu will leave Port Moresby, embarking on its final journey home.
His dedication as a teacher, friend, and father has left a lasting impact, and his absence is felt by many. To honor his memory, 𝒂 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚/𝑻𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒂, 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅.
Fox Kipu was more than a teacher; he was a friend, a leader, and an inspiration to his students and the entire community he was part of. He dedicated his life to education in East Sepik Province, serving rural areas where resources were scarce and healthcare was hard to access.
His journey was not an easy one, and those who knew him remember the many challenges he faced with resilience. Whether bringing knowledge to children in remote villages or facing his recent health struggles, Fox showed an unwavering commitment to those around him. He was known for his kindness, patience, and the determination to make a difference, despite difficult circumstances.
The House Cry Program in Waigani is a place for anyone whose life was touched by Fox to come together in a time of sorrow and support. It is a gathering for his family, friends, and community members to remember his laughter, his generosity, and the countless ways he enriched the lives of others.
Fox’s story has inspired many, and this program brings together people from different walks of life, all bound by their respect and love for him. His influence extended far beyond the classroom; he was a role model whose kindness and courage served as an example to all who knew him.
The House Cry organizing committee invites anyone who wishes to help or pay their respects.
Support can be provided in many ways, whether through financial assistance, logistical help, or sharing a message of comfort. Ensuring that Fox’s body reaches his home province for his final resting place is a way for the community to give back to a man who gave so much to them.
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟕𝟏𝟔𝟗𝟏𝟑𝟖𝟒/𝟕𝟓𝟖𝟒𝟐𝟓𝟗𝟏
Although Fox may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on, inspiring those he leaves behind to carry forward his dedication, kindness, and strength. As his journey home begins, may his family and friends find peace, comfort, and a renewed sense of purpose in the example he set.
