Tanam Adventist Primary School hosted its first-ever pre-independence celebration on Tuesday at Tanam in Lae, bringing together students from early childhood learning through grade 8 to commemorate Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.
The celebration was filled with patriotism, history, and reflection, as students learned about the nation’s journey to self-governance.
Among the special guests was Dafol Kamili, who was just 16 years old when Papua New Guinea raised its flag for the first time in 1975. Sharing his memories, Kamili recalled the emotions of that historic day and a poignant exchange between Australia’s Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and PNG’s founding father, Sir Michael Somare.
“Gough Whitlam told Michael Somare, ‘How can you become an independent state when you don’t have doctors, teachers, pilots, lawyers?’ And Michael Somare replied, ‘Can you see the mothers sitting with their grass skirts? They are hiding them under their skirts.’”
Kamili said, witnessing independence, giving him hope for a peaceful, self-reliant nation.
“I was so young and saw our country living up to its highest hope as a developing nation with no bloodshed. I am happy to share this memory with these children as a reminder that this country has so much to offer.”
Papua New Guinea achieved independence on September 16, 1975, after nearly 70 years under the Australian administration. Unlike many other nations, PNG’s transition was marked by peace and unity, without conflict or bloodshed. Sir Michael Somare, widely remembered as the “Father of the Nation,” led the country into sovereignty, laying the foundation for a democratic and diverse nation built on its rich cultural heritage.
Established in 2010 as an elementary school and upgraded to primary status in 2013, Tanam Adventist has grown from an initial 150 students to nearly 800 enrollees today. Students travel from as far as Fourteen-Mile and Markham Farms, attracted by the school’s accessibility and quality of education.
Rickson Kamban, school inspector for Morobe LLG Schools, praised the school’s development.
“There’s opportunity for this school to turn into a high school or secondary school. Its location at the gateway of Lae; whether by road or plane which gives it potential as a model school,” he said.
Kamban stressed that with the 50th independence milestone, investment in education should remain a top priority.
Head Teacher Oathly Omali acknowledged strong parental involvement in making the event a success.
“Having that kind of support shows in this first-ever pre-independence celebration. Events like these revive historical knowledge and remind our students of how this country came about,” Omali said.
The program featured the unveiling of a monument to mark the 50th anniversary, symbolizing the school’s commitment to patriotism and history.
Adding color to the event, soldiers from Lae’s Igam Barracks provided a ceremonial guard, while the PNG Defense Force staged a mock battle that became a highlight for excited students seeing the military in action up close.
For a school that has operated for just over a decade, Tanam Adventist’s pre-independence celebration was more than a patriotic gathering but a symbol of growth, unity, and aspiration. As PNG reflects on its 50 years of nationhood, the school community looks ahead with renewed commitment to education and nation building.
