Gorame Tunaoh, a midwifery student at the University of Goroka, is currently doing her practical with the Antenatal Clinic at the Goroka General Hospital. A 7 week practical that will qualify her to be a midwifery practitioner after she graduates at the end of the year. 

“It is so good to finally put all that theory into practice. After a solid year of just learning and theory, doing this practical reminds me of why I wanted to become a midwife in the first place; and that is to provide the best healthcare to mothers and newborn babies,” Gorame shared.

Gorame is one of 10 midwifery  students from the University of Goroka Midwifery School who are financially supported by UNFPA for their 18-month course. These 10 midwifery students are now nearing the completion of their program and according to Gorame, they have all been performing exceptionally well academically. 

“We are all doing well and are on the Tertiary Education Students Assistant Scheme as well, which is a bonus for us too. We have 6 more months of studies before we officially graduate as midwives. ”

successfully completing a year with flying colors, and now, they are well into their final 6 months of their studies. 

These students had the opportunity to meet UNFPA Asia Pacific Deputy Resident Director Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza last month when he was in Goroka during an official visitation. 

“The Deputy Director's visit to us meant a lot. For me personally, it reinforced my desire to be a midwife. Dr. Sasha made a statement about the importance of midwives in rural and underserved areas and that inspired me. I have a greater purpose that through my education and role as a midwife, I can help mothers and babies in disadvantaged communities, ensuring that they have a healthy life,” Gorame expressed. 

Gorame looks forward to becoming a midwife and has set her mind to practice in the rural health centers when the opportunity presents itself.

“I really want to be a midwife in the health centers in rural Papua New Guinea, where accessibility to midwives are scarce. That is my ultimate goal. ”