Port Moresby, 3 December 2025 – Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology Minister Hon. Kinoka Feo has urged students of Waigani Christian College to anchor their futures in faith, respect and discipline as more than 550 young people graduated during a major ceremony in Port Moresby on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Addressing Grade 8, 10 and 12 students, along with parents, teachers and guests, Minister Feo described the graduation as “a launching pad” for the next generation, reminding them that true success begins with putting God first. He said the year’s theme—Respect God, respect yourself and others, and you will succeed—reflected values that would guide young people throughout their lives.
The Minister opened his remarks by paying a strong tribute to the founder of Waigani Christian College, Hon. Benjamin Mul, commending him for his vision and courage in establishing an institution that is now transforming hundreds of lives. He said Mul’s leadership had helped build “a pillar of hope” for the city and the nation, and congratulated the school for achieving a major milestone with the launching of the Philippines Christian University programme and the college’s new offshore website.
Feo told the graduates that their achievements were also a victory for their parents and guardians, acknowledging the difficult sacrifices many families make in order to support their children’s education. He thanked teachers and staff for treating their profession as a calling and for shaping the mindset and discipline of the students.
In an emotional part of his speech, Minister Feo shared his own story of hardship, describing how he was once homeless in Port Moresby, sleeping at Manu Market and surviving by begging. He said he worked his way up—from a street boy, to a security guard, to a cleaner, then to a businessman—before entering politics. He encouraged students not to underestimate the power of faith and hard work, reminding them that God can raise anyone to heights they never imagined.
He also warned young people against alcohol, substance abuse and negative peer pressure, urging them to value their lives, plan big, and stay focused on their goals. “Many young people don’t respect themselves. If you don’t respect yourself, how can you respect others?” he said.
Feo told the graduating class that today marked the beginning of their future and encouraged them to remain disciplined, honour their parents and hold firmly to their faith. “If you do these things, I can assure you, you will never fail—because God himself will go before you,” he said.