The Kokoda Primary School has announced a major fundraising campaign aimed at raising a targeted amount of K2 million, to support critical infrastructure and educational development projects at the school.With the theme “Walking for a Better Future” the campaign will begin with a week-long Walkathon along the Kokoda Trail from 21st – 28th of June 2026, starting in Kokoda Station through the historical track to Owens Corner.This initiative is seeking to draw investment opportunities, through the interest and participation from corporate sponsors, government agencies, business houses, Alumni groups, parents of Kokoda Primary, community members of Kokoda, churches and friends of Kokoda Primary School for the future of the students attending the school.All proceeds from the targeted amount of K2million from this fundraising will go towards various priority projects for the school that needs immediate attention.These priority areas include, new school hall, school fencing, renovations of classrooms and staff houses, setup of an e-Library and Wi-Fi, Computers, laptops, printers, school arch and monument, new standby generator and the school band instrument set.The purpose of taking on the iconic Kokoda trail for the interested participants is to promote educational development, community engagement, public awareness, national pride and fundraising support.The walkathon also aims to highlight the values associated with Kokoda Trail in courage, endurance, mate-ship and sacrifice, while encouraging support for quality education and improved learning facilities.The fundraising drive will start with a fundraising dance at the Cosmopolitan in Port Moresby, on the 18th of June. The walkathon starts on the 21st of June in Kokoda Station and ends end Owens corner on the 28th of June. On that evening a fundraising Dinner will be hosted at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby where, participants will share their experiences walking the historic trail, while further details will be announced for the community engagement programs which includes, awareness campaigns, educational visits, fundraising events.According to the organizers, the feature of this fundraising drive is the Kokoda Trail Walkathon. Following the walk, participants are expected to take part in a series of awareness and fundraising activities in Port Moresby with visits to institutions, community engagements, dinner events and public performances.As the Kokoda Primary School organizing committee extends invitations for sponsorships, donations and participation from interested individuals and or organizations towards this worthy cause, they are appealing on behalf of the students as each contribution will help towards improving educational amenities, a sound learning environment with greater learning opportunities for the students to pursue their dreams.For sponsorships, donations, and participation opportunities, interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to contact the Kokoda Primary School Fundraising Committee 2026.  

Speaking at the Youth Forum in Port Moresby on Saturday 6th of June, NCD Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao highlighted the importance of the National General Election (NGE) as a vital democratic process in Papua New Guinea (PNG).The participating students from Jubilee Catholic Secondary, Marianville Secondary, Tokarara Secondary, La Salle Technical Secondary, De la Salle Secondary, Gerehu Secondary, Sogeri National School of Excellence, were taken through the basics of checking their names in the Electoral Roll and were also engaged in a mock Election exercise.He reminded the students on the importance of National General Elections, as it allows citizens to choose leader who will make decisions affecting education, health, infrastructure, employment, security and development of communities, which leads to the country’s national growth.“For democracy to work effectively, citizens must participate responsibly. This is where you, the youths, play a vital role. Your first responsibilities as an eligible citizen are to check your eligibility and get properly enrolled on the electoral roll.”The Electoral Roll is the foundation of a credible election. Therefore, I encourage every eligible young person to Register as a voter, verify your details on the electoral roll, update your information if you have changed residence, and please, do encourage your friends and family members to do the same.” Said Mr. Hawengao.He adds that the current Electoral Roll Update and Verification exercises nationwide, are designed to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. And with the significant percentage of youth population in PNG, the youths have the power to influence positive change in society.As the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 National General Elections, Hawengao urged all young people to become champions of a peaceful election. He pleaded to the young people not to allow political differences to create conflict among their pier groups, families and communities.“I also plead to you to respect different opinions, Respect the rule of law. Respect the democratic process. A peaceful election is everyone’s responsibility.Remember that elections come and go, but friends, families and communities will remain,” he said.In his concluding remarks, Mr. Hawengao reiterated to the young people that, PNG’s future beyond 2027 starts with the youths.“Yes, it starts with us registering to vote. It starts with us verifying our names on the electoral roll. It starts with you saying ‘NO’ to corruption. It starts with promoting peace and unity. It starts with participating responsibly in democracy. And it starts with every young person making a commitment to contribute positively to the future of Papua New Guinea.“I encourage each of you to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens, together, we can strengthen democracy and ensure that the 2027 National General Elections are inclusive, peaceful, transparent and credible.” Concludes Mr. Hawengao.The youths learned how to check their names on the electoral roll and then participated in a mock election exercise.The importance message to the youths at the forum was, ensuring their name is registered on the common roll, as it is the vital first step to making their voices be heard through their vote.

On Saturday the 6th of June, a Youth Forum was held in Port Moresby at La Salle Technical Secondary, with the Theme: 2027 Starts with Us – Your Role as Youths in the National General Election.Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) in partnership with the PNG Electoral Commission, Youth in Elections PNG and Transparency International PNG, hosted an inspiring youth forum aimed at preparing young voters for the National General elections and what they need to know about getting enrolled to vote and how to vote.Over 100 participating students from 7 different secondary schools in NCD were engaged in this forum, where they were taken through the basics of checking their names in the electoral roll and were also engaged in a mock election exercise.The participating schools were Jubilee Catholic Secondary, Marianville Secondary, Tokarara Secondary, La Salle Technical Secondary, Dela Salle Secondary, Gerehu Secondary, Sogeri National School of Excellence.NCD Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao from the Electoral Commission was the guest speaker at the forum, where he commended Youth Against Corruption Association Youth in Elections PNG and Transparency International PNG for bringing together young people to discuss democracy, leadership, integrity and the future of PNG.Mr. Hawengao reminded the students that, the future of Papua New Guinea begins today, with every decision made, values uphold and the actions taken today will determine the future of our nation.“As young people you are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, you are active citizens of today. Your voices matter. Your opinions matter. Your participation matters.”“However, as youth, you must reject corruption, violence. Intimidation, misinformation, and any mal practices that undermine democracy. Instead, become ambassadors of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect and peaceful participation,” he said.Mr. Hawengao urged the students practice the safe use of technology, especially with the rapid rise of modern technology in the world today. He encouraged the students to be responsible when using social media.“Share facts, not rumours. Promote unity, not division. And try to encourage informed discussion rather than spreading misinformation,’’ he said.Corruption weakens public trust, diverts resources meant for development, and undermines democratic institutions. The fight against corruption begins with individual choices. It begins when young people choose honesty over dishonesty, service over self-interest, and integrity over personal gain.The youth population of this nation has a role to play building a transparent and accountable Papua New Guinea.Mr. Hawengao advised the youths that leadership is not about titles or positions, but Leadership is all about influence, good character and faithful service.“You can lead in your school, your church, your community, your workplace and your family. Some of you sitting here are future leaders of Papua New Guinea. Some of you may become Parliamentarians, public servants, business leaders, educators, or community advocators. Remember that the habits you develop now will shape the leaders you become tomorrow,” said Mr. Hawengao.This partnership between YACA, Transparency International PNG and the Electoral Commission demonstrate the importance of building a culture of integrity for PNG's young population.

Gabagaba village in Central Province recently completed the first successful Mini Paperless Census exercise as part of a community engagement program. Initiated through Ward Member Peter Malabag, the project was launched in partnership with JS Pro Trainers & Consultants, a local business specializing in corporate training and data management This partnership combines expertise in Digital Solutions, Local Governance, and Community Engagement to replace traditional paper methods with an efficient Digital System. The six-week exercise was carried out by the Managing Director and Owner of JS Pro Mr. James Sabadi along with his team of trained Enumerators, and Gabagaba Ward Recorder Mr. Douglas Hare. Together, they implemented a secure digital platform for real-time data entry and reporting, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the census process. The Digital Census gathered detailed data on education, employment status, income and social economic challenges, transforming the census into a broader feasibility study that provides valuable insights into the community’s living conditions. According to Mr. Sabadi, he reached out to National Statistical Office (NSO) prior to taking on this census exercise, with a preposition for a partnership to trial the paperless census exercise, but he never got a response. Seeing the importance of such an exercise, he took it upon himself and reached out to Gabagaba Ward Member Mr. Malabag. “When we heard about NSO coming up with a digital idea in 2024, I was thinking, I could actually get myself involved in this area,” said Mr. Sabadi. “I was hoping to partner with them and assist them in this area. Eventually everything did not go well, and it all went quiet for some time, so I came up with the idea that I could do something on my own and show them that it can be done properly from a mini scale.” He is now calling on NSO and other government authorities responsible for the national census, to forge partnerships with local PNG owned digital business to enhance the work of census in the country. “Digital census is way better and the way forward. I just hope the government bodies responsible for this matter get onboard with what we’re doing now, because digital census is simple and far better.” To prepare for the rollout, JS Pro took in volunteers and put them through Enumerator Training, equipped with the knowledge and skill to record data and do correct entry into the digital system via an Offline Digital Application that was used by JS Pro. Mr. Sabadi noted that the digital census is very useful and very accurate in gathering data and information of a person or household information, allowing them to collect data from an infant to the most elderly person living in Gabagaba village. The paperless census was very effective and very essential, especially for the household exercise conducted. Every member in a household was counted for and registered. Even when individuals were unavailable because they were away at work, out fishing or gardening, the team ensured they were not missed. Enumerators sent the necessary forms directly to them via WhatsApp, which the residents filled out and returned. The team then filtered and uploaded the details into the system offline, ensuring nobody was left out of the final count. “It is so easy. Even the enumerators who were on the ground can know how many people they have already registered physically.” “Imagine the amount of time it takes up with paper registration, and the amount of work it takes to do data entry on a spread sheet.” “You could just digitalize the whole thing, and you could do more work in just a few minutes. That is the wonder of doing digital census.” Based on the success of this first ever mini paperless census, JS Pro is hoping to expand this exercise into other communities and villages. Mr. Sabadi continues to urge the National Statistical Office and other government organizations to come onboard and provide support, build local partnerships, and collaboration to help promote digital innovation by using local knowledge. This initiative highlights how technology and collaboration empower local governance and community planning. The strong partnership and active participation from the people of Gabagaba village demonstrates the power of shared leadership in driving innovation.

The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter, is currently in Fiji’s capital, Suva, attending the Pacific Islands Forum women Leaders Meeting that is currently underway. The which began on June 3rd and will conclude on June 5th, brought together Forum Ministers responsible for Women who gathered for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Ministerial Retreat to reflect on the future of leadership in the Blue Pacific. Guided by the theme, “Leading Together: Strengthening Collective Voice, Agency, and Connection”, discussions explored how inclusive, values-based leadership can help advance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The retreat provided a dedicated space for leaders to share experiences, discuss the barriers, and opportunities facing women in leadership and consider practical ways to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across regional priorities. Conversations also highlighted the importance of intergenerational leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape decision-making at national, regional, and global levels. Discussions will focus on moving from policy to issues focused decision-making including improving prevention and response to gender-based violence, improving women’s health, strengthening the region’s commitment to disability inclusion, and progressing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming, backed by the commitments of the revitalized Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED). This meeting also compliments the Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and Meeting of Ministers for Women by providing a critical link to Forum Leaders on a regular basis. Papua New Guinea is represented by Minister Jason Peter alongside the Director for the Office of the Development for Women, Ms. Nancy Kavop.

Former National Athlete and a renowned Trainer and Coach, Nelson Stone was once again overlooked at the recent 2026 SP Sports Awards, despite his active involvement and contribution towards Papua New Guinea (PNG) sports and athlete development.He took to social media after the awards to express his disappointment after another year of setback, missing out on the Sports Official of the Year category for the seventh year in a row. Since 2020, after Stone called it quits on his glittering athletics career in 2019 and built on his N.E.S.T (Never Ever Stop Trying) Program, as well as coaching and mentoring, he was a finalist in the Sports Official of the Year category from 2020-2026, only to end up as the Runner-up consecutively. When PNG Haus Bung reached out to Stone and asked him about his thoughts on missing out on the awards, his response was, “I respect the judges’ decision. It is what it is. I’d say, I’m not disappointed I just knew it’d be the same result. It does not bother me, I guess I’m used to this set back and it’s ok, I just have to move on. Maybe this is God’s plan for me not to win this year.”When asked about his focus now and moving forward from this year’s SP Awards set back, he said, “I always work hard and I keep turning up, it’s been 3 decades of hard work and I’ll keep going. My focus now is on empowering communities, women, and youths through my NEST program. I want to see people live a better life and free from bad choices and directions from bad people. Never Ever Stop Trying in whatever they do or dream of in life.” Meanwhile, prior to the SP Sports Awards, the Australian Government, through the Pilai Lo Stap Wantaim initiative had recognized the community empowerment programs that Stone does through his N.E.S.T program as the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ewen McDonald presented Stone with a Community Grant that will help him continue with his community programs. “It’s quite amazing to receive such grants from the Australian Government. It clearly shows the recognition of my dedication of the work I do. This recognition gives me hope for my contribution and service to the people, through health, sports, fitness and other community engagements through the N.E.S.T program.” Concludes Stone.

The Papua New Guinea Rehabilitation Centre, together with its stakeholders, advocates and residents are appealing for immediate intervention from the relevant authorities concerning their eviction, unlawful take-over of the Board and denial of justice. The appeal was made in a Press Conference held in Port Moresby today at the Hohola Rehab Centre, by the acting Chairman of the PNG Rehabilitation Centre, Mr. Dona Ou and Ms. Fiona Kapi the Chairlady of Brown Kapi Foundation, who are the mandated Caretaker of the Centre. At the joint media conference, Mr. Ou and Ms. Kapi said, despite clear evidence of the constitutional violations and ongoing fraud investigations, an illegal management regime is actively working beyond their boundaries to evict the rightful occupants of the centre. According to the Chairlady, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Centre and the Foundation in 2011M, giving the foundation the mandate to take care and operate the centre interim. It was an effort to sustain vital operations and maintain care for its community and members that are cared for by the centre. The PNG Rehabilitation Centre is a registered Non-Governmental-Organization dedicated through its services to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWD). It was established and headed by former Chairman, Late Brown Kapi, who passed on tragically in 2015. Seeing the prolonged leadership vacuum left behind by Late Brown Kapi, an alleged individual (named) unlawfully bypassed proper orga Mr. Ou shared some light on this matter and recalled back to late Mr. Kapi’s passing and the events that occurred straight after his death. He said, after the late chairman’s passing the residents at the centre were pushed out to be left on the streets, as this alleged individual took over the Rehab Centre.  “This particular individual then set up a new board, went as far as to IPA to deregister the organization. And then, even to the extreme of going to the Lands Department to have the Title of the Land transferred under h** name, which is illegal and fraudulent,” said Mr. Ou. He said that all these infighting over the land, the organization and position is not healthy and doesn’t serve the purpose of the people that matters the most. Mr. Ou emphasized also that; Persons with Disabilities are the most vulnerable people in all these ongoing farces that will be badly affected because of the personal interests of certain selfish individuals. “Let me just set the record straight that, as a registered organization, we have at the moment an interim board that is already in-place. And we hope to sit down soon to put a permanent board in-place quickly, to get things moving,” He said that there are few other serious concerns that needs to be made public about this matter and the negative effect that are really affecting their livelihoods and their operations as an organization. However, Mr. Ou refused to make any further comments on those concerns, stating that the matters is already before the Supreme Court. He only wished for a fair judgment and ruling by the court to rule in their favor to put this matter to rest once and for all. In supporting Mr. Ou’s comments, Ms. Fiona Kapi, Chairlady of Brown Kapi Foundation is asking serious questions and is demanding for transparent answers. She asked, why has the Police Fraud Squad failed to prosecute this case two (2) years ago after they lodged and official complaint with evidence of Land Title fraud. Why were the NGO (Rehab Centre) denied a proper, full trial in both the District and National Courts to fairly and thoroughly challenge an eviction driven by an unconstitutional board? And how has an individual facing serious fraud allegations been permitted to operate for this long and illegally organizing a hostile takeover? “We are making a desperate, formal appeal to the Minister for Justice, the Police Commissioner, the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and the Department of Lands and the Department for Community Development as the custodians for Person with Disability, to step in immediately. State mechanisms must not be used as instruments to exploit the vulnerable. The responsible authorities must halt the pending eviction, investigate the fraudulent board registration, and safeguard the institutional assets of the PNG Rehabilitation Centre,”said Ms. Kapi. She made this final appeal stating that if nothing is done, we will lose a vital sanctuary for the persons with disability.

So far so good with the turnout of the general public to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) electoral roll display and verification in the various electorates in Port Moresby city.That was the response from PNG Electoral Commission’s – Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao when interviewed by PNG Haus Bung today, Tuesday 2nd June. He said the Electoral Roll Display and Verification exercise for the completed Motu-Koita, Moresby North-East and Moresby North-West electorates respectively went quite well despite a lone incident that occurred on the 20th of May at the Gerehu suburb, where EC officials conducting the exercise, drawing concerns from the public. Despite this minor matter, all three electorates competed in their exercises within the specific timeframe given without any major hiccups or incidents. “We are now rolling out the roll display and verification exercise in Moresby South. They actually started theirs yesterday (Monday 01st June), and we’re looking to wrap up this exercise within 2- weeks from now,” said Mr. Hawegao. A total of Nine (9) Teams will be stationed at various designated locations, covering all four (4) Wards in the Moresby South Electorate. Eligible voters are urged to look for the electoral officials at their respective wards to be part of this exercise, in preparation for the Electoral Roll Update which is expected to commence on the third week of this month. Mr. Hawengao elaborated that the recently completed roll display and verification exercises were informative as they were able to capture good statistics on people’s movement, changes of names, age, and other vital information. He added that from the information and statistics gathered, it will be filtered and used on Form 11 which is the actually Electoral Roll Update. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is currently carrying out similar exercises nationwide as well as awareness for the upcoming Electoral Roll Update Exercise to commence in a couple of weeks. All these are preparations for the 2027 National General Elections next year.

Over twenty (20) Master Trainers in Financial Literacy Training recently completed the first ever Digital Financial Literacy Training delivered by the Centre for Excellence and Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in Port Moresby city.The week-long training arranged by CEFI from May 25th – 29th was facilitated by FinValue Advisors, a consultant firm specialized in the digital development finance field. When congratulating the participants, Mr. Sanja Pepae the First Assistant Secretary – Macroplanning with the Department of National Panning & Monitoring, told the participants that the training is a milestone, and the first ever in Digital Financial Literacy training, making them the pioneer Master Trainers in Financial Literacy to receive digital training. He thanked FinValue Advisors for the partnership especially their collaboration in ensuring the context of the training they provided was translated into contents that are more relevant to PNG financial market, while also ensuring the participants receive the experience in building their capacity and capability to access digital transformation. Mr. George Kulisi, the Director Program Development with Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, in his remarks as the keynote speaker at the certificate presentation ceremony, told the participants that to attain such training and learning is a privilege. He told the 11 male and 12 female Master Trainers to grab hold of this digital financial literacy training as ambassadors and leaders in their own community or organization to extend and contribute immensely to digital transformation. Mr. Kulisi urged the participants to know their target markets, which is also an important aspect of the digital financial literacy training. Moreover, he urged the participants to put this training and achievement into their walk of life by starting or investing in their own household, families, communities and respective organizations that they represent. Meanwhile the Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel, challenged the master trainers to be the difference and be the agent of change through the Digital Financial platform. The FinValue Advisors core areas of business include management and strategic consulting, technical assistance, advisory support, digital transformation for financial institutions, digital transformation linked policy development, behavioral research, training, capacity building, program and pilot implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs.

The return of National Court circuit hearings in Namatanai District of New Ireland province, has been welcomed and fully supported by the New Ireland Provincial government.President for Namatanai Local Level Government (LLG), and Provincial Executive Council Chairman for Works, Transport, Mining, Oil, Gas, and Primary Industry Mr. Elias Towarkia, announced this on behalf of the provincial government and Governor Byron Chan during the announcement of the revival of National Court Circuits recently. In welcoming Justice Panuel Mogish, President Towarkia said the New Ireland Provincial government supports the revival to progress further. “Namatanai welcomes back national court circuits after seven years absence from the district,” President Towarkia said. He stated that it has been a long time coming for this important judicial approach; however, despite the setbacks, it is now more important to partner and propel the rendering of judicial services and its implementation at this level in the province. “On behalf of the people of Namatanai and New Ireland, I call on the judiciary services to continue from here on with the backing of Justice Mogish, being a local to climb the ranks and file and get to the top to maintain this crucial government arm.” Meanwhile, President Towarkia challenged the younger generation to pursue taking up law studies and bringing the service closer to the people. “I challenge our young people especially those who are studying and those who are already in Judiciary to be determined and rise to greater heights in this field.” “I want to see more New Irelanders excel in all education and in ranks and files and various fields they are serving in, in Papua New Guinea.” In response to this, Justice Mogish stressed the importance of having the courts closer to people as it is a human right. He said safety is not guaranteed for people traveling along the Boluminski Highway for four to five hours down to Kavieng to access judiciary and magisterial services and is also costly to access these services from Kavieng. He said back in the colonial days, Namatanai was one of few first districts in PNG who had its own Correctional Services and as a proud son of Namatanai, he hopes to see Namatanai return again to where it used to be with a CS reestablishment. “Having a CS in Namatanai brings detainees, parents and guardians closer to them for visitation purposes. Many detainees escape the Kavieng CS because they are far from home,” said Justice Mogish. He indicated that justice must prevail and those who break the rule of law must face the consequences. Construction work has begun starting with a modern courthouse facility in Namatanai and is expected to be completed in a year or so.

PNG Athletics sensation, Paias Wisil took out the Top Award of the night at the SP SPORTS AWARDS, claiming the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD as well as the MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD.The double awards show Wisil’s distinguished commitment and performance in the sport of athletics in 2025. Unfortunately, he was not available to receive the awards as he is currently competing overseas. In the FEMALE ATHLETE OF the YEAR category, PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio took home the award.Picture: PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio She acknowledged God for making it possible for her to receive this award. She said trying to balance motherhood and a football career is challenging, but she worked so hard and her sacrifice has paid off.The winners of the other awards category are as follows;Junior Male Athlete of the Year, Lawrence Oala of WeightliftingJunior Female Athlete of the Year, Ani Geua Gavera - WeightliftingTeam of the Year, PNG Lewas - CricketNational Performance of the Year, CB Sparrows - Netball Sports Official of the Year, Willie Mavara Tamasi - Weightlifting Community Sports Initiative of the Year, Jonah Kautu AcademySports Media of the Year, Terry Longbut - TV WAN CPL Para Athlete of the Year, Dorna Longbut - Para Athletics Sports Photo of the Year, Simon Keslep - Post CourierThe 2026 SP Sports Awards was held last night at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby city, recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea sports.The event honored all outstanding athletes, teams, and officials on a night dedicated to celebrating achievement across the sporting community, under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honouring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.”

It was a double celebration for the Longbut family at the 2026 SP SPORTS AWARDS held last night in Port Moresby city.Sports Media veteran and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Rugby League commentator, Terry Longbut, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to sports reporting, taking out the Trukai Industries Sports Media of the Year Award. While daughter, Dorna Longbut took home the CPL Para ATHLETE of the Year AWARD, rounding up a great evening for the Longbut family. With her dad on duty travel and unavailable, Dorna received the award on behalf of her father. "To get this award and also for dad with his award means so much for the family. It basically for the sacrifices and the support we show as a family and we're really proud," said young Dorna. She also stated on behalf of her father that, he would be proud to finally get the Sports Media of the Year Award, because he's worked so hard and the commitment that he puts into his work has finally paid off.