Story

Hi, my name is Nolish Laban, a 22-year-old from the peaceful island province of New Ireland in Papua New guinea. I come from a humble home, raised by two of the most hardworking people I know my parents. They’ve sacrificed everything to support my education. But now, a heavy loan they took to rebuild our home has left them unable to help me any longer.

This year, I was accepted into the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment, a dream I’ve held close since childhood. I finally saw a future where I could give back to my people and protect the land and resources that shaped my life. But that dream is at risk. If I can’t pay my tuition, I’ll be removed from school.

I’ve done all I can selling food at markets, helping around the community, and finding small jobs just to make ends meet. Some days, I barely sleep. But I won’t give up. This is bigger than me. This is for my parents, my province, and every young person who thinks dreams are too expensive.

I may not have all the money yet, but I have hope, grit, and a purpose. And sometimes, that’s enough to turn the impossible into reality.

This is not the end of my journey. It’s the beginning.