30 PNG Educators Graduate with Certificate in Inclusive Education, thanks to Australian Awards Scholarships

When Jade Kunika first joined the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) team in Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, in 2010, he had no idea what the future would hold. What began as a part-time role in the ground crew eventually transformed into a fifteen-year journey of remarkable growth, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Jade’s early days were spent loading and unloading cargo, working behind the scenes to support flights that reached some of the most remote areas in the country. Step by step, his dedication began to shine. He rose through the ranks, taking on the role of Assistant Base Manager and even becoming a Cabin Attendant on Twin Otter aircraft. Yet, despite his upward journey, becoming an engineer was never something he imagined.

“Engineering was never in the picture,” Jade recalls. “I started off as a traffic officer. It was all I ever wanted.” But life had other plans. A vacancy in the engineering department sparked his curiosity, and with a leap of faith, he applied. That decision marked the beginning of a completely new chapter.

In 2014, Jade began training as an aircraft maintenance engineer—an unexpected turn that he believes was no accident. “It was all just God’s planning, or the timing was just perfect,” he says with a humble smile.

Today, Jade serves as the Maintenance Operations Supervisor in Mount Hagen, where he oversees a vital team that ensures aircraft are safe, reliable, and ready to fly. He coordinates closely with MAF's Maintenance Controller, Stores, Booking Operations, and pilots to keep everything running smoothly.

For Jade, the greatest reward is knowing that his work helps bring hope, supplies, and services to people in isolated areas. “It’s those moments that remind me why I do what I do,” he says.

Jade’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the path we never planned is exactly where we’re meant to be — and that with faith and a willing heart, even the most unexpected opportunities can become a calling.

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30 PNG Educators Graduate with Certificate in Inclusive Education, thanks to Australian Awards Scholarships