Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has delivered an inspiring message to school children in Vanimo, urging them to put God first, reject harmful influences, and pursue education with determination, saying the future of Papua New Guinea rests in the hands of disciplined, educated and God- fearing young people.

Addressing students after they proudly displayed the Papua New Guinea flag during a school gathering on Friday, the Prime Minister said he was deeply moved by the patriotism shown by the children and encouraged them to always carry that same love for their country throughout their lives.

“I am honoured to see all of you carrying our country’s flag with such pride,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“You have shown today that Papua New Guinea is in your hearts. Continue to love your country, respect your nation and grow up to become citizens who will make Papua New Guinea a better place.”

The Prime Minister used the occasion to share personal life lessons with the students, drawing from his own upbringing and educational journey.

Recalling his early years as a student at Oksapmin Primary School in the late 1970s, he said every child, regardless of where they come from, has the potential to succeed if they remain faithful to God, listen to their parents and teachers, and stay committed to learning.

“I want to leave you with a few gifts for life,” he said.

“Whatever God has planned for each one of you, become the man or woman that God created you to be.”

The Prime Minister’s first message was for students to place God at the centre of their lives.

“Always put God first,” he said.

“Never forget this day. Wherever life takes you, let God guide your decisions, your character and your future.”

His second message was a strong warning against smoking, alcohol, drugs and other destructive habits.

Prime Minister Marape said these substances rob young people of their potential by damaging both the body and the mind.

“Your body is God’s temple,” he said.

“Smoking, alcohol, drugs and other harmful practices destroy your health and affect your ability to think
clearly. They steal your future and prevent you from achieving your dreams.”

He urged students to protect their minds because education requires discipline, concentration and good judgement.

“Your mind is precious. It is meant to learn from your teachers, listen to your parents, think positively and prepare you for the future.”

The Prime Minister’s third message focused on the importance of education.

Sharing a deeply personal story, he recalled the advice his father, a pastor, gave him after he completed
Grade 8.

“My father looked at me and said, ‘Son, I have put you on the road of education. Stay on that road.’”

“I have never forgotten those words.”

Prime Minister Marape said he remained committed to education throughout his life, and that decision eventually led him into national leadership.

“Education carried me to where I stand today. It opened doors that would otherwise have remained closed.”

He encouraged students not to allow temporary distractions or peer pressure to derail their education.

“There will always be temptations in life, but stay focused. Continue to learn, continue to work hard and continue to believe in yourselves.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the important role parents, teachers and churches play in shaping the
next generation of Papua New Guineans.

He said raising responsible citizens requires a partnership between families, schools, churches and government, with each playing a vital role in nurturing young people.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government remained committed to investing in education because it remains one of the country’s most important long-term investments.

He said every classroom in Papua New Guinea has the potential to produce future teachers, doctors, engineers, nurses, farmers, entrepreneurs, public servants, business leaders and national leaders.

“Our nation’s future is sitting inside classrooms like this,” he said.

“Among you are future Prime Ministers, Governors, Members of Parliament, judges, teachers, scientists, pilots, engineers and business leaders. Believe in yourselves and prepare yourselves well.”

The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging the students to remain proud Papua New Guineans, honour their parents and teachers, respect one another and use the opportunities available to them to build better lives.

“Love God. Love your country. Respect your parents and teachers. Stay away from things that destroy your future. Follow the road of education, because it is a road that can take you further than you can ever imagine.”

“As you stood proudly carrying our national flag today, remember that one day you will also carry the future of Papua New Guinea.”