The Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) Centre in Lae has given education and hope to young Patrick Maiku, who was turned away by secondary schools due to his physical disability.
Maiku is wheelchair bound.
His shocking story was published by the Post Courier two weeks ago and caught the attention of the Education Department and others, who rallied to support him continue his education.
First assistant secretary of FODE and inclusive education Andrew Angobe presented a wheelchair to Patrick on behalf of department secretary Uke Kombra and Minister for Education Jimmy Uguro, and made clear that Patrick will further his education with FODE.
Mr Angobe said with the three systems they have at FODE; the upgraders, matriculation studies and working class, education there is still equivalent to the other systems because the curriculums are the same.
FODE principal Anthony Rayappan welcomed Patrick and presented a tablet PC where all the FODE soft copy learning materials are loaded for studies.
We are here to give the message that we are here for you, we care for you and you are going to be the role model to the rest of the children in the country.
You will be treated as equally as the rest of the students and you should be proud that you are going to achieve something in the future.
We have so many donors and agencies, business partners who will definitely come but I’m going to personally sponsor you and make sure you get selected to any university.
Rayappan
Mr Rayappan said with the new division called the FODE and inclusive, they are now open to anyone and people with special needs like Patrick to pursue their education.
FODE centre’s door is open to anyone or a child that do not have access to education at any place are all welcome to FODE.
Anthony Rayappan