Revitalising Morata Vocational Centre BY DANIEL PATRICK GEORGE In a forgotten and much-avoided part of Port Moresby, the Lions Morata Vocational Centre has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a rundown training facility into a thriving institute hosting million-kina infrastructure development. Once neglected by the government and facing the threat of closure, the centre’s revival was made possible through the efforts of its manager, Hillary Damke, with the support of local residents and a group of dedicated teachers. Years ago, the institution was on the brink of shutting its doors due to a lack of resources, outdated equipment, and deteriorating infrastructure. Students and instructors struggled to keep learning alive in an environment that seemed to have been forgotten. However, Damke refused to let the school collapse. With the backing of the former school board chairman, the late John Yoko, he launched a campaign to secure funding, modernise facilities, and ensure that vocational education remained accessible to the community. “The situation was dire when I took over in 2005,” Damke recalled. “We were barely functioning with what we had, but we knew that with the right support, this institute could become a leading training hub for young people.” Inspired by a vision for empowering local communities, Damke took it upon himself to advocate for the centre’s development. Together with the support of his teachers, they worked to secure agency, government and private sector support, ensuring that the centre not only survived but flourished. Their combined efforts led to million-kina investments from the European Union that facilitated the construction of modern classrooms, fully equipped workshops, and new ablution facilities. In 2017, former Morata resident Michael Sio, who is the current electoral officer of Kainantu MP William Hagahuno, then served as a project coordinator with the late Sir Mekere in the Moresby North-West District office. As the man-on-the-ground, he arranged an invitation for the former prime minister and Moresby North-West MP to officiate at the centre’s EU project groundbreaking in 2019. According to Sio, upon arrival at the school for the groundbreaking, Sir Mekere asked him if the centre was a private-run institution and was surprised when told that it was a government institution that had been in existence since 1977 and had been established by the Lions Club of Australia. Sio, whom Sir Mekere and Lady Roselyn nicknamed ‘ the young general’ owing to his eloquent oratory skills, also advocated Sir Mek for the purchase of a 15-seater minibus for the school, which the late knight approved and delivered. “I invited Sir Mekere to the groundbreaking as a matter of courtesy and a safeguard, owing to his status as a senior statesman, to ensure the project for the school was delivered in full and not left incomplete,” Sio said from Kainantu over the phone. “It was delivered in its entirety.” Technology-driven learning spaces and industry-standard machinery and training equipment have since been introduced, significantly improving the quality of training offered to students. “Damke’s dedication to this centre has been truly transformative,” say former students and community leaders at Morata 1, where the centre is located. “Without his leadership and persistence, we wouldn’t have the training facilities we have today.” Beyond infrastructure improvements, Damke has also been instrumental in forging partnerships with businesses and industries to create job placements and apprenticeship opportunities for graduates. His network within the community has helped students transition seamlessly from vocational training into stable employment. Former student John Amasuo, now a second-year carpentry apprentice, attributes his new lease on life to the training he received at Morata Vocational Centre. “Without the new resources and opportunities, I wouldn’t have had the confidence or skills to pursue this career,” he said. “I left school at an early age and had no way of getting back into the education system – so I resorted to the streets. “Life was tough, with each day being a struggle to find where my next meal was coming from. Resorting to petty crime is but an automatic response for survival for most youths on the streets. “Then I heard about Morgan Apokore, a volunteer admin officer of the centre, who was enrolling underprivileged youth around the city for skills training at the school. “Morgan approached myself and several others at Garden Hills and asked if we would be interested in going in for skills training. “I put my hand up and have never looked back since. Now I have a good job and can take care of myself and contribute to my family’s wellbeing. “Lions Morata has changed my life.” Meanwhile, centre manager Damke says he remains committed to the continued growth of the institute. His future plans include advocating for scholarship programs to assist underprivileged students and expanding course offerings to include emerging technical fields. “My focus is on the underprivileged and providing them a pathway to secure their future well-being,” he said. “For me, just being an underprivileged youth on the streets qualifies you to enroll at Lions Morata. “In the long run, we plan to become an innovative technical college that integrates our students training with real-world practical application within the school premises as a service. “This is so we become more self-sustainable.” In support, Sio said helping the underprivileged was satisfying and has helped reduce lawlessness if somewhat on a microscopic scale. “During the EU project groundbreaking, the late Sir Mekere made known his belief in empowering communities through education, and we want to honour that legacy by ensuring this institute continues to thrive,” he said. “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and we will keep working to give young people a good start in life.” Due to the tireless dedication of Damke and his small team of dedicated teachers and supporters, Morata Vocational Centre now stands as a beacon of progress, keen on equipping the underprivileged with skills that can help drive Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development.