“The Lord works in mysterious ways when you don’t expect it to happen.” This is a saying that is very common to everyone but only few sees the true hand of God.

This is what happened to a student from Divine Word University Vincent Tambure, who now has the privilege to share his story with the rest of Papua New Guinea.

Vincent is now happily continuing his studies at Divine Word University (DWU) and studying Journalism and Public Relations with a bright future.

Originally from Usino Bundi District (Gama LLG) in Madang Province, he struggled to complete his studies at DWU and had to drop out in 2022 (sophomore year) just to find a part time job and save up for his studies.

“Both my parents are illiterate and cannot afford to pay for my fees,” Vincent said.

Through his determination and eager to complete his studies, Vincent managed to save enough to continue his education in 2023 without knowing if he will continue again in 2024.

In August 2023, doing his assessment programs, Vincent went across to Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited RNML Head Office in Madang and accidently met up with RNML Public Relations (PR) Officer Mr. George Joe.

That was a golden opportunity and Gods plan for Vincent!

“I didn’t know who to see or ask and Mr. George Joe came with a warm gesture, asking if I was looking for someone, I said I came from DWU and want to collect stories for my assessment,” Vincent said.

Soon after knowing that Vincent was speaking to the Public Relations officer of the Largest Nickel and Cobalt Mine in the Country, he asked if he can apply to do his Industrial Training with RNML and the officer advised him to officially apply.

“He also said that he will make arrangements for my coming, ‘God is Good’ and there I was, filled with joy and went back to the university campus, crossing path with someone the lord sent based on my needs,” the IT student said.

Vincent’s Industrial Training program started with Ramu NiCo’s Public Relations Department after getting approval from RNML Corporate Office in November 2023 and there he had the chance to work under the Public Relations Office and visited the well-known Kurumbukari (KBK) Mine in Usino Bundi District where the mining of the Laterite Nickel and Cobalt Ore located and also visited RNML’s Basamuk Refinery in Rai Coast District.

“Unlike all my other course mates at DWU, I was the only student to take PR with a world class mine. They all did their industrial trainings with the national media (NBC Radio, Post Courier, National Newspaper etc..),” Vincent said.

RNML PR Officer Mr. George Joe said Vincent’s meeting was unexpected; a rare occurrence where we and I know that he is someone that is of good quality, humble, bright and eager to learn new things.

“Most of all, he is from our Project Impacted Community and is worth assisting based on our Memorandum of Understanding ( MoA).

I have seen students from other universities in Papua New Guinea coming to RNML to do their IT program, but as also an Alumnae of Divine Word University, I was proud of Vincent showing up, interested to do his IT,” the PR Officer said.

The IT student Vincent worked with assistance and advice of the PR Officer about the company, catches the attention of RNML Community Affairs (CA) Department, and there all the doors opened for Vincent.

That was when RNML CA Department decided to make available funds from the company’s education subsidy budget and assisted Vincent to continue his academic year at Divine Word University.

“Vincent is someone that has a bright future and needed a push factor to guide him on his way to achieve all his dreams in life,” CA Officer Mr. David Kurame said.

He said for Vincent to meet with RNML PR Officer Mr. George Joe is rare, as now he has a good training experience with RNML with his first half of his tuition fees paid and the other half is already committed for in the following months.

Before completing the academic year in 2023, the only thought that went to Vincent’s mind was for him to return back to the village and skip 2024’s academic year to look for his school fees.

“God had open new doors for me to meet with the two RNML officers Mr. David Kurame and Mr. George Joe, who facilitated me for my Industrial Training and open new horizons for me by making available funds from RNML to continue my studies.  The Lord Sure works in Mysterious Ways,” Vincent said.

The now 3rd year student thanked Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited for giving him the privilege to work, interact, receiving financial assistance and understanding the vast knowledge of an internationally recognized mining company.

Young Vincent’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of corporate support. Despite coming from a family with limited means, Vincent demonstrated his determination by seeking opportunities to overcome financial obstacles. His initiative in approaching MCC for part-time work reflects his proactive attitude towards achieving his goals.

With Mr. George Joe’s intervention, along with the support of Ramu NiCo, showcases the importance of mentorship and advocacy in providing opportunities for those in need. By recognizing Vincent’s potential and advocating on his behalf, they enabled him to secure a part-time role in news writing, where he excelled.

Mr. David Kurame’s recognition of Vincent’s determination further underscores the impact of positive affirmation and support on an individual’s journey.

Vincent’s story serves as a reminder that with determination and support from the community, individuals can overcome challenges and pursue their aspirations.