Page 38 - IB April 2022

People People

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES TO

OPPORTUNITIES

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH AWARD WINNER, THOMPSON AURI

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti (US$3909 ) for their project.
Auri is an information specialist and airstrip surveyor for a
Softly-spoken and humble, Papua New Guinean Thompson non-profit organisation, the Rural Airstrip Agency, which works
Auri exudes a quiet confidence and an ease in village life. So to restore abandoned airstrips. “There are over 600 airstrips
the news of his selection as the Pacific’s Commonwealth Youth throughout PNG and most are not serviceable or [are] aban-
Award winner came as a pleasant surprise, which is shown doned,” Auri says. “For the last three years, there are more
in the wonder in his eyes and wide smile as he struggled to than 30 we have restored.”
express his feelings. Air access is critical in a country where the terrain, climate,
“I was shocked. I mean, I couldn’t believe it. I was over- size and distance between communities can make land access
whelmed with emotions and speechless,” Auri said. “I was in a difficult.
remote village doing some airstrip service. When I came back, For the East New Britain born-and-bred man, this project
I saw the notification in my email and logged into Facebook to is close to his heart. “I went to school in a rural setting. We
see the announcement.” used to sit on the floor and write on blackboards. We didn’t
The Commonwealth Youth Award recognises and rewards have any textbooks or school materials,” Auri says.
outstanding youth (aged 15–29) from different parts of the “This is why I love helping people, especially those living in
Commonwealth region. Regional winners receive £3,000 unfortunate conditions.”

38 Islands Business, April 2022