Man of Honour Drekore in finalists for international award
04 August 2016
FRANCIS NII
The 2015 Digicel Man of Honour and founding president of Simbu Children Foundation (SCF), Jimmy Drekore, is one of the finalists for an American award for services to children’s health.
The San Francisco-based World of Children Award is run by a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 by husband and wife team Harry Leibowitz and Kay Isaacson Leibowitz.
The award is the ‘Nobel Prize for children’s advocacy’ and its mission is “to improve the lives of vulnerable children by funding and elevating the most effective change makers for children”.
The award recognises change makers in the areas of education, health, humanitarian and youth, providing cash grants to support development of programs serving children.
The eligibility requirements are tough with a multi-tiered selection process and vetting through a series of reviews by independent committees.
Mr Drekore’s nomination had passed through the vetting process and a final audit was conducted last Saturday.
This on-the-ground investigation was basically to physically check and confirm the information that had been submitted in the nomination and it all went smoothly with no hiccup.
Mr Drekore took the opportunity to make a quick PowerPoint presentation at the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Hospital mess in Kundiawa (picture) in the presence of doctors, nurses, patients and guardians.
Delka, a staff member of the New Zealand High Commission, was the investigative agency representative and in the picture she is sitting between Jimmy and me.
Delka couldn’t hold her tears back when certain sections of the SCF video clips revealed the sorrowful and painful moments of SCF’s journey in serving the children of Simbu. She wept openly as did others who witnessed the presentation.
Everybody was highly impressed and wished Mr Drekore all the best. Let’s keep our fingers cross and wait for the official announcement in September.
The presentation will be very impressive and heart breaking. I know what comes from the heart will always give satisfaction to heart. I hope this coming September will put SCF on cloud nine.
Posted by: Jimmy Awagl | 05 August 2016 at 04:42 PM
Akra JD and Yalkuna Nii. Thank God for he sees through the heart and uplifts those who truly serve and strive to make his kingdom become a reality on earth. I join others in sharing the joy that comes with this news.
Posted by: Bomai Witne | 05 August 2016 at 08:35 AM
Jimmy, you're already the winner and the champion for the youngsters that look up to you.
You need no international validation.
We share in the joy nevertheless; for being recognized in you and your wife's sacrifice and commitments.
Posted by: Corney Korokan Alone | 04 August 2016 at 09:51 PM
My late nephew, David James Dawa, who passed away at Kewamugl village two weeks ago was amongst the many children in Simbu who were assisted and mentored by Mr Drekore.
Jimmy, you are a champion of the underprivileged and the
needy in Simbu. I was unfortunately not there to attend the funeral but I was told that you and Mrs Drekore were there to give your last fare well to a youngster you have so dearly loved.
Mr and Mrs Drekore, thank you so much for everything.
The Good Lord will bless you every step of the way.
Posted by: Paul Waugla Wii | 04 August 2016 at 07:56 PM
I always knew the sky was the limit for this great man. Congratulations, Jimmy! Lets keep our fingers.crossed and hope for the best, come September.
Posted by: Arnold Mundua | 04 August 2016 at 05:53 PM
Wonderful news! Congratulations, Jimmy.
Posted by: Rashmii Bell | 04 August 2016 at 11:04 AM
Well done, Jimmy and SCF folks.
I hope we pay better attention to our politics and make our politicians more responsible so that we can reduce the amount of suffering that our people endure that makes us have to go to extraordinary measures just to deliver the basics.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 04 August 2016 at 10:46 AM
Congratulations Jimmy and thank you Francis for your report.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 04 August 2016 at 08:44 AM
They Call Me Papa
Oh little ones
Laden with affliction and hopelessness
You think you’re alone
But I am with you
You think I don’t hear your cry
But I do hear your cry
You don’t think I will come for you
But I will come for you
Whether sunny or stormy
Mountain or valley
I will be there for you
Not to give you gold or silver
But to carry you
In the palms of my hand
Your happiness
Is my happiness
Your sadness
Is my sadness
Until you get healed
Of your affliction
For you have the right
To live a healthy life
If no one supports me
I alone will carry you
Until you smile and say
Papa, thank you, I am healed
Then my heart will be at peace
My soul will rest
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” –Mahatma Ghandi.
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes [and in our own little ways] to remedy this kind of poverty.” – Mother Teresa
Posted by: Francis Nii | 04 August 2016 at 08:36 AM
Positive news for all Papua New Guineans. Lets all turn our backs on politics and see what we as individual people can do for ourselves and our country so change and happiness can flourish among our young ones.
Posted by: Daniel Kumbon | 04 August 2016 at 07:17 AM
Go Jimmy, you are a change-maker.
Posted by: `Robin Lillicrapp | 04 August 2016 at 06:56 AM