IN a remote village nestled deep in the remote part of Solomon Islands, lived a boy named Elvis Japhlet.
Japhlet comes from a family of six – two sisters and six brothers.
He had never ventured beyond the boundaries of his village and had never seen a vehicle in his life. His family was very poor, and they struggled to make ends meet.
Despite their hardships, Japhlet’s mother instilled in him the importance of education and hard work.
Meet Dr Elvis Japhlet from Ilanunu village, East Kwaio, Malaita Province.
Dr Japhlet comes from a tribe called Osi.
Dr Japhlet did his grade 1 to 5 at Waneagu Primary School in East Kwaio.
And then went on to complete his grade 6 at Imbo Adventist Primary School also in East Kwaio.
One day, Japhlet received an opportunity to attend a boarding school far away from his home in Malaita Province to the Western Province.
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 the KAC, he went on to do Form 6 and 7 at King George Sixth School in Honiara.
He recalled that with nothing but a single pair of clothes and no shoes, he set off on his journey to Kukudu.
He carried with him a woven pandanus leaf mat, which he used as a sleeping mat.
Life at the boarding school was tough. Japhlet had no money and had to work for the school staff during holidays and weekends to pay for his school fees.
He saved every penny he earned to buy soap and school stationeries.
Despite his struggles, Japhlet never gave up on his dreams. His spirit remained unbroken.
He studied diligently and consistently topped his class. His determination and hard work paid off and he eventually became a successful surgeon.
Years later, he decided to give back to his alma mater, Kukudu Adventist College (KAC).
Because of this, over the past three years, Japhlet established an award for the top-performing Form 3 student each year.
Each year, he donated $5000.00 to help struggling students like himself achieve their dreams.
Japhlet’s story became an inspiration to many. His generosity and dedication to education transformed the lives of numerous students, proving that with hard work and perseverance, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.
This year Cecillia Kabu is the lucky recipient of the scholarship.
