At 36 years old, Mathew Hare, from Kombulno village in Jiwaka Province, stood proudly at the University of Papua New Guinea's graduation, receiving his Bachelor of Business Management degree. His journey to this moment was one of sheer determination, courage, and a “never give up” mentality that saw him turn his pain into joy.
Hare’s path to success was not easy. Born and raised in Baisu prison, where his parents served a 12-year sentence, Hare's childhood was defined by hardship. After his parents’ divorce, he was taken in by his mother and grandmother, living in the Kombulno village where they struggled to make ends meet. But Hare remained resolute in his dream of achieving higher education.
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| Mathew Hare with his daughter |
Determined to stay in school, Hare saved every penny he could in a box. His family raised pigs, and he ran a social video entertainment house to generate funds. This determination allowed him to complete Grades 7-10 at Fatima and later attend Sogeri National High School, where he continued to make personal sacrifices to fund his education.
After graduating from Sogeri, Hare was selected to study Applied Science at the University of Technology. Unfortunately, he couldn't afford the fees and returned to his village. Over the next three years, he faced dark times, involving himself in illegal activities, including the production of homebrew and marijuana. But a moment of reflection changed his life course – he decided to quit his illegal habits and began selling firewood at Banz market to raise money for his education.
In 2013, Hare saved enough to pursue a diploma in business management, working part-time as a security guard to fund his studies. His persistence paid off when he was hired at Zenag Chicken Farm, where he rose through the ranks from janitor to production assistant manager. However, he needed a degree to further his career, so he made the difficult decision to resign and pursue his education full-time.
Tragedy struck when his wife Serah passed away during childbirth, leaving him with three daughters. Despite his grief, Hare remained focused on his goal. He enrolled at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) in 2021 and later, at UPNG, self-sponsoring his studies while juggling the responsibilities of being a single father.
During his time at university, Hare faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and the demands of parenthood. At times, he and his daughter went without food, but Hare’s faith in God and unwavering resolve kept him going. He even took on labor jobs in the scorching Port Moresby heat to support his studies and family.
Hare’s hard work and determination paid off when he graduated with his degree, dedicating his success to his daughters, late wife, and the strong women who raised him. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the belief that education is the key to unlocking a better future.
Now a champion in every sense, Hare’s advice to others is clear: “Always have a plan, trust God, and push forward with courage and determination.”
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