Joshua Skate, son of the late former Prime Minister Bill Skate, has been awarded dux in Academic Excellence and Scholarships at the IBS College of TVET graduated hosted outside Port Moresby.
The 22-year-old from indigenous Pari Village was a Grade-10 school leaver.
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He dedicated his achievement to his stepmother, Mrs. Lady Rarua Skate.
“My achievement of overall academic excellence and scholarship exhibition today is dedicated to my stepmother, Mrs. Lady Rarua Skate,” he said in an interview with PNG SUN after the graduation.
The Pari lad emphasized that Mrs. Skate was instrumental and passionate about his education journey when he lost interest in education after completing grade ten.
“I lost hope and joy in my heart, which led me to lose interest in school for more than two years,” Joshua said, explaining that his father, the late Bill Skate, passed away in 2006, and his mother, Ms. Linda Nou died in 2023.
However, Mrs. Lady Rarua Skate supported his studies, enabling him to enroll in the IBS College of TVET program.
“She was so kind and did everything in my life to enable me to study in the IBS College of TVET program. Therefore, I dedicate my academic excellence achievement awards to my hardworking stepmother, Mrs. Lady Rarua Skate,” he said.
Joshua also thanked the staff and management of the college for giving him the opportunity to be awarded the scholarship exhibition for his future studies.
“I am committed and take this opportunity with both hands to progress in my studies,” Joshua said.
He advised fellow youths to take opportunities given and work harder every day to achieve their goals in life.
“Everything starts from humble beginnings, despite having big dreams in life. And so, I advise my fellow youths, take the opportunities given to you, and work harder every day to achieve your goals in life,” he said.