Wearing a graduation gown was a moment of triumph for Ms. Cathy Mathew, a victory she had worked hard to achieve despite the doubts of those around her. Many of her relatives believed it would take her six to seven years to graduate, while others questioned if she would ever succeed. They estimated the cost of her education would range between K10,000 and K17,000 annually, making a total of K50,000 to K70,000. As subsistence farmers, her family could not imagine making such a significant investment in a female. They believed that it was the male members of the family who should be educated and return to support the village, leaving Ms. Mathew to face these challenges largely on her own.
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| Ms Cathy Mathew/Photo credit: Ms Cathy |
She recalled how her relatives questioned who would support a girl from a broken home, especially since she was female. They doubted she would complete her studies and assumed she would give up along the way. Even if she did finish, they believed any benefit from her education would go to her future husband. Despite these doubts, Ms. Mathew pressed on, determined to prove them wrong and succeed against the odds.
With the help of her siblings and the DHREST TESAS scholarships, Ms. Mathew was able to ease the financial burden of her education. The overpayment from the TESAS scholarship covered her compulsory fees for almost three years, allowing her to continue her studies without adding additional strain on her family. She also received assistance from the NW School Fee Schemes, which enabled her to register as a day student. Over the course of four years, she managed to pay approximately K13,000 to complete her degree.
Through perseverance, faith, and hard work, Ms. Mathew became the first in her family to earn a degree. This achievement, she said, was not just a personal victory but a testament to the strength and determination of those who are often underestimated. Her journey was a reminder that, despite the challenges, success is possible with enough determination and support.
Ms. Mathew believes that education is not just about securing the best job but about adding value to one’s family and community. An educated person, she said, can bring motivation and inspiration to those around them, contributing to a peaceful and progressive community. For her, education was not only a personal achievement but also a way to uplift others.
To families, she urged never to underestimate their daughters or sisters when they show progress in their studies or business endeavors. Offering support to them is crucial, as they may one day be the ones to lend a helping hand when needed. Ms. Mathew emphasized that education is a lasting investment that benefits entire families and communities.
She expressed her deepest gratitude to her siblings and mother, who stood by her through the most difficult times. Ms. Mathew also acknowledged her teachers from BEPS, BLSS, MSS, and University, who were more than educators—they were motivators who played a significant role in her success. She mentioned several of them by name, including Mrs. John, Miss Kip, Mr. Peter, Mrs. Kapi, and Mr. Unakau.
Ms. Mathew had one final message for women facing similar challenges: never give up. She encouraged them to keep moving forward, reminding them that tough situations do not last, but the rewards of perseverance do. While marriage may seem like a solution to some, she advised against seeing it as the key to success. Instead, she urged women to focus on their goals and keep pushing forward until they reach their dreams. #pngonlineSchool #inspiration
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