By CHRISTOPHER YANDAWAI
TRIBAL fighting is said to be endemic in the highlands and as a result every tribe, family and community, including ordinary citizens, continue to become victims of its repercussions.
The disparities and agony caused by conflict are severe – and only clear-headed people can overlook the immediate obvious and look on the brighter side of life.
Those (people) who cannot stand such tumultuous living not only lose their hope in life, but invariably embrace a lifetime full of misery.
The life of the Lora family from Suku Valley in the Kagua-Erave District of Southern Highlands Province was not easy as the family had to go endure tough times due to a tribal fight.
It all started when a bloody tribal fight erupted between two warring tribes in the Suku Valley in 2013.
The fighting lasted for almost three years, claiming many lives and displacing thousands of people.
Like other families around them, the Lora family lost their home and everything they owned. They eventually had to seek refuge in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province.
The bloodshed inflicted so much pain and havoc in the lives of the people of Suku Valley, even affecting education, business and farming activities.
The education of many children has been disrupted to some extent and even today, many families are still traumatised and cannot and are afraid of sending their children back to school.
Despite this, the Lora family stood tall and even though they had to flee their comfort zone, their interests in pursuing education and business have not wavered.
This bold move and commitment has led to the family having the opportunity to witness and celebrate the accomplishment of their eldest son, Clifford Lora, who walked away with a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Papua New Guinea last Tuesday during the university’s 68th graduation ceremony at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
Clifford graduated with a degree, majoring anthropology, sociology and archeology.
During a low-key family gathering at Erima in Port Moresby after the graduation, Clifford’s father, John Lora, said Clifford’s achievement is a testament of choosing between pursuing an education rather than supporting a tribal fight.
“I did not plan to fight nor I did buy guns,” he said.
“My personal war was for education.
“I said no to fighting and chose to fight and invest my resources into the education of my children and the Word of God.
“If I had bought guns and got involved in the tribal fight, we would not have witnessed this achievement.
“My tribesmen felt offended when my small brother and I didn’t step in to buy guns and bullets, but that was the right decision we made for the benefit of our family, as well as returning peace and normalcy back in Suku Valley.”
Apart from Clifford, Lora said his daughter has also graduated from a teacher’s college this year.
He said two of his sons are still in school – one doing first-year at the University of Goroka, while the other is doing grade eleven (11) this year.
Lora urged everyone from the Suku Valley to do away with tribal fighting and instead embrace peace and focus on education and business to rebuild the valley again.
Clifford said the tribal fight affected his education journey for about seven to eight years as the family had to deal with homelessness.
“But that did not discourage me,” he said.
“I realised that education was my only hope so I committed myself to my studies.
“For the last four years, had to study hard to be eligible for HECAS, so I did.
“Every Christmas, I used government-provided tickets to visit my mother’s place in Ialibu for holidays because I could not go to my father’s place in the valley.
“I’ve gone through so many challenges in life – spiritual, social, physical and emotional – and those have had built me over time to be where I am today.
“My challenge to the young generation is that you must not narrow down your potential and capability.
“If you see that there are barriers along your way, always look for ways to pursue your studies with positive mindset.”
Clifford had a Christian upbringing and was a committed member of the Christian community in the village.
He has been supporting pastors, as well as participating in organised church activities throughout his years of study at UPNG.
