FOR the past three years, a former student of Kukudu Adventist College (KAC) on Kolombangara island, Western Province, has been supporting the top performing form three student.
This is part of giving back to KAC for educating him.
Meet Dr Elvis Japhlet from Ilanunu village, East Kwaio, Malaita Province.
Dr Japhlet comes from a tribe called Osi.
His story is an account of struggles, hard-work, courage, determination and giving back to those who helped him reach where he is today – a medical doctor.
Dr Japhlet did his grade 1 to grade 5 at Waneagu Primary School in East Kwaio.
He completed his grade 6 at Imbo Adventist Primary School also in East Kwaio.
After sitting the Secondary School Entrance Exam at Grade 6, Dr Japhlet secured himself a space at Kukudu Adventist High School where he did forms 1 to 5.
After completing form 5 at Kukudu, he went on to do forms 6 and 7 at King George Sixth School in Honiara.
Because of his excellent grades, Dr Japhlet received a scholarship to undertake medical studies in Papua New Guinea. After after completing his studies, Dr Japhlet secured employment there.
He is currently the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, Enga Province, Dr Japhlet also works as a Consultant Surgeon in that province.
As a student, who worked hard to complete the first five years of secondary education at KAC, Dr Japhlet decided to give back to the school by funding a scholarship each year to the best performing student in form 3.
Through this annual Japhlet Scholarship Award that commenced in 2022, Dr Japhlet offers the recipient $5000 SBD for Tuition fee.
The first recipient of this scholarship was Jamie Masa in 2022, the second was Tina Jayson in 2023 and recipient for this year is Cecillia Kabu.
Ms Kabu expressed gratitude to be the recipient of the scholarship for this year.
The KAC administration is grateful to Dr Japhlet for his generous financial support to the best performing Form 3 student each year.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
