A third-year student at University of Goroka is calling on the Government and private sector to support young writers and assist him in bringing his first published book back to Papua New Guinea.
Mike Fidelis Rex is also urging authorities to establish a national literary platform to support emerging writers across the country, emphasizing that many young Papua New Guineans have powerful stories but lack opportunities to share them.
“I humbly appeal to any business entities, governmental bodies, and individuals of goodwill to assist me in retrieving my book package from India. Due to financial constraints, I am currently unable to bring it back to Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Mr. Rex, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student, has published his debut book God is in the Story through Penguin Random House India after years of persistence despite financial and technological challenges.
Hailing from the remote Yapi village in Southern Highlands Province, Mr. Rex said his writing journey began in 2022 while he was still in Grade 12 at Kagua Secondary School.
Without access to a computer, he relied solely on an Android phone, using mobile applications to write, edit, and format his manuscript.
“At the time, I didn’t know anything about writing or publishing-I just had an important story to share,” he said.
His book reflects on hardship, faith, and resilience, inspired by the struggles of people in his rural community who travel long distances across mountains and rivers to access basic services.
The author has since written two additional manuscripts, with one awaiting publication and another in progress.
If you would like to support him in cash and kind, contact him directly on:
Mike Fidelis Rex
Phone: 79232713
Email address: fidelismike700@gmail.com