Just in time for their end-of-term exams, students at remote Mougulu Secondary School received a long-awaited supply of new chairs flown in by MAF.
Story by Mandy Glass
A buzz of excitement filled the classrooms of Mougulu Secondary School as students sat down for their end-of-term exams - not on the floor or scraps of timber, but on brand-new school chairs delivered just in time by MAF.
Only two weeks earlier, Sally Lloyd, of the Strickland Bosavi Foundation (the organisation responsible for the school) said: “We have students sitting on the floor. But I hope MAF can find a way.”
Getting the chairs to remote Mougulu was no small task. MAF flew in three separate loads from Mt Hagen, carefully arranging each chair to avoid damage.
It’s tiring work – headaches, body aches – but when I saw the photos of the kids sitting comfortably and learning, I felt so blessed. I’m proud to have been part of that.
“It is like a game of Tetris to see how many chairs we can fit into the plane,” said Brandon van Saane who delivered the first lot “We managed to get 65 inside, along with some other cargo. I've never flown a plane with so many seats on board!”
“It was a challenge,” said MAF pilot Jan Ivar Andresen observing the traffic officers loading his aircraft. “You can’t just strap them down any which way. One wrong move and you could snap a leg off. But we made it work, and all the chairs arrived safely.
“Happy students now have good, comfortable chairs to sit in. That makes a huge difference. Instead of being distracted by discomfort, they can actually focus on their studies.”
Behind the scenes, the MAF ground crew worked hard to ensure everything was loaded and balanced properly.
“Loading these chairs was enjoyable,” said traffic officer Jacob Okbon. “We had to think through how to fit them all on the flight.”
Sally was sending through photos of the newly-arrived chairs placed in the classrooms and the students’ bright smiles which was so rewarding to see for the two traffic officers.
“Seeing the students with their new chairs in the classroom is awesome,” Jacob said.
Yoba Dawa, also part of the MAF ground crew team, shared how meaningful the task was for him.
“It’s tiring work - headaches, body aches - but when I saw the photos of the kids sitting comfortably and learning, I felt so blessed. I’m proud to have been part of that. Maybe someday I’ll tell my own kids, ‘Your father helped make this happen’,” he said.
For Deputy Principal Maika Yabua, the delivery marked a milestone.
“It’s my pleasure to see students sitting for their term exams,” he said. “My gratitude goes also to the hardworking staff who got the exam papers ready on time. I’m looking forward to a great week and a great academic year.”
After weeks of sitting on floors and makeshift benches, the arrival of proper seating has brought comfort, joy, and renewed focus for both students and staff.
“Sitting on the new chair, I can learn properly,” Lineth Gogobaiya said.
“I'm happy that I have a new chair. And I'm sitting comfortable in that new chair and I’m learning well,” said Jonah Keffie.
Noami Aima appreciates MAF’ support in the delivery.
“I'm happy also to MAF to bring this chair so far here in the remote area. Thank you,” Naomi said.
With another 30 chairs due soon, the future is looking brighter, and more comfortable, for the students of Mougulu Secondary School.