Hospital ·
From Kikori to Port Moresby: Mercy Manu’s Story of Faith, Education, and Hope
Mercy Manu’s journey from a coastal village in Kikori District to continuing her education in Port Moresby is a powerful story of faith, perseverance, and support through Kapuna Life School.
From Kikori to Port Moresby: Mercy Manu’s Story of Faith, Education, and Hope
My name is Mercy Manu, and I come from a coastal village in the Kikori District of Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. In 2025, I completed Grade 8 and am now attending a church school in Port Moresby.
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As I look back on my almost 18 years, I can clearly see God’s hand directing my path.
I was born at Kapuna Hospital but raised in the village. As a child, I loved being with my family, and I was privileged to attend school. However, one of the biggest challenges I faced was language. We were taught in our local language, so I did not know how to read and write in English.
When I was nine years old, my dad became sick and passed away. He left behind my mum, my small sister, and me. As I grieved for my father, I also grieved for my own future. I felt lost, lonely, and depressed because I knew my mum could not afford to continue my education, and our local school was not functioning well.
Then a new chapter began in my life.
I was sent to live with my auntie and uncle, who became my wonderful adopted parents. They helped me continue my education at Kapuna Life School. Even then, school was not easy for me. I was getting low grades, and my teachers encouraged my parents to help me speak English at home.
In many ways, I had to start my education again from the beginning.
During that time, I would secretly cry out to God, asking Him to help me. I stood on His Word: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
God answered my prayer
I should not have passed Grade 8, but I want to give all glory to God. I also want to thank my hardworking parents for supporting me, and my teachers at Kapuna Life School, who spent so much time helping our class prepare for our Grade 8 exams.
In Grade 8, our classes began at 8am, and even on Saturday mornings we were back in the classroom. When we heard that we had passed, our hearts leapt for joy.
Isaiah 42:16 says, “I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”
I thank God, and all those around me who loved and cared for me. They gave me hope for tomorrow.
Mercy Manu.