Different journeys, shared dreams: Kopkop College welcomes Mougulu secondary school
NESTLED deep within the rainforest of Papua New Guinea's Middle Fly District lies Mougulu Secondary School—one of the country's most remote secondary schools and a remarkable example of resilience, determination and community spirit.
Serving approximately 300 students from communities across the Middle Fly region, Mougulu Secondary School has no road or river access. The school depends heavily on Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) aircraft to transport teachers, building materials, food supplies, stationery, examination papers and other essential resources. Without these regular flights, the school simply could not operate as it does today.
Many students also undertake long journeys on foot to reach the school, with some walking for several days before the start of each school term and then living in boarding facilities throughout the school year.
Despite these extraordinary logistical challenges, the school continues to thrive. Founded in 2020 by Mrs Sally Lloyd through the Strickland Bosavi Foundation, Mougulu Secondary School celebrated its first-ever Grade 12 graduating class in 2024—a milestone that has transformed educational opportunities for young people across one of Papua New Guinea's most isolated regions.
Today, that remarkable story came to Kopkop College.
Kopkop College was honoured to welcome a delegation of 24 Grade 12 students and four members of the school's leadership team as part of their educational excursion to Port Moresby.
The delegation was led by Mrs Sally Lloyd, founder and Board of Management representative, Mr Ian Lloyd, principal, Mr Maika Yabua, deputy principal, and Mr Tobias Mack, head of department.
The visit followed a chance meeting between students and staff from both schools during the 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption last Sunday. What began as a simple conversation quickly developed into a meaningful friendship, prompting Kopkop College to invite the Mougulu delegation to visit the campus while they were in the nation's capital.
The visitors joined Kopkop College's Grade 10, 11 and 12 students for a special SOLI Assembly, where they participated in the College's weekly Virtue Education programme focusing on this week's virtue, Obedience. They also enjoyed performances by the Grade 11 Choir and a creative shadow play presented by Grade 12 students.
Following the assembly, the delegation toured both the Primary and Secondary campuses, meeting students and teachers while learning about life at Kopkop College. Throughout the morning, students from both schools exchanged stories, experiences and aspirations, discovering that while their environments are vastly different, their hopes and dreams for the future are remarkably similar.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Mougulu delegation presented gifts to Dame Maria Kopkop, the Kopkop College administration, the SOLI principal and the SOLI deputy principal as a gesture of appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to them.
In return, Kopkop College presented each Mougulu student with a Kopkop College backpack and school hat to commemorate the visit. The College also presented a K1,000 donation to Mougulu Secondary School, received by Mrs Sally Lloyd, in support of the school's ongoing development.
Speaking during the visit, Dame Maria Kopkop, executive director of Kopkop College, reaffirmed the College's commitment to supporting Mougulu Secondary School into the future.
"Today was more than a school visit. It was the beginning of a friendship. We have been inspired by the resilience and determination of the Mougulu community, and Kopkop College will do its best to support Mougulu Secondary School as we move forward together. Education has the power to connect communities, and today we have witnessed that first-hand," Kopkop said.
Mrs Sally Lloyd thanked the Kopkop College community for its warm welcome and generosity, describing the visit as a memorable experience for the students and staff.
As the delegation departed, both schools reflected on a morning filled with learning, generosity and mutual respect. The Mougulu students left with new friendships, treasured memories and gifts to remember their visit, while the Kopkop College community gained a deeper appreciation of the resilience, perseverance and achievements of one of Papua New Guinea's most remarkable school communities.
The visit demonstrated that although the journeys of students may be very different, their dreams for the future are remarkably similar. It also marked the beginning of what both schools hope will become a lasting partnership—one built on friendship, collaboration and a shared belief that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to quality education.
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