Writing a book about Sogeri National High School is an acknowledgment of the place that the school has in the history of the development of Papua New Guinea as a nation.

I commend the author and his devoted assistants who have given to Papua New Guinea another record of our struggles, this time in the field of education, towards Independence and beyond.

Sogeri National High School in my day was known as the Papuan Central School. As a graduate of the school who, among others, played a role in leading PNG to Independence we owe our spirit of determination to the school that opened up our horizons, brought us together as one people and led us to achieve our goals.

Sogeri students in my time had a vision about contributing in whatever field for which we were being developed. We were constantly reminded that we would go out and do something for our country.

This book illustrates the commitment and determination despite the many difficulties that its staff and students faced and overcame through the years since its humble inception in 1944.

Sogeri National High School developed in its students a sense of giving. Apart from gaining an education, students and staff were always busily involved in fundraising drives for the school and for other charitable organisations over the years.

In the period before and just after Independence the school played an important role in forming some of our great artists. The Sogeri Singsings, Art Exhibitions and the many plays over the years are vivid examples of how students were encouraged to be proud of their cultural inheritance.

Importantly - gratitude and recognition must also be given to the Koiari people who as quiet custodians of the land allowed it to be used without interference in the development of many of PNG’s leaders over the years.

I welcome you to read this book to get an insight into how young Papua New Guineans were fast tracked into the modern world, and where Sogeri National High School is today.