A mom-of-nine, absent from education for almost 20 years, graduated with a diploma in accounting from the International Training Institute in Lae last week.
From Hula in Central, Dorothea Vui, completed her secondary education in 1995 at Bugandi Secondary School in Lae, Morobe, where she was selected to further her education at Papua New Guinea University of Technology, East Taraka campus.
Vui was selected in 1996 to take a diploma course in business, but she could not further her studies.
When I withdrew from my studies, I went directly into the work force. I have worked with quite a few companies for the last 27 years.
No schooling, nothing.
Dorothea Vui
Work for so many years did not take away the hunger and love of education from Dorothea, even though she was a mother of nine children.
Her passion for accounting was still there when she applied to the International Training Institute to take a one year diploma course where she graduated on Wednesday, topping her class.
I decided to join ITI to complete my dream of being an accountant. I came in July last year and took the course.
Vui
She said managing her family, business and studies were not easy.
I am attached to a blended marriage where I am currently looking after four children from my husband’s past marriage and our five children. A total of nine children and studying is a tough job for one, but I managed. I am excited because it’s quite an accomplishment for me despite being a mum-of-nine. I make sacrifices for such an accomplishment.
Vui
She was planning to pursue an advanced diploma and later a degree in accounting, still with ITI.
I am doing table marketing and running a business that is on and off. I’d like to run my own business, I have been employed for too long.
I’d rather be my own boss.
Vui
She was thinking of becoming an entrepreneur and running her own business one day.
Vui’s encouragement to others who share similar stories like hers:
To everyone out there, education does not stop.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, what background you are from. You can still make it.