'Let's show the world we're as good as anyone,' says Drekore
21 October 2016
GLORIA BAUAI | Loop PNG | Edited
JIMMY Drekore will refer to it as “a nation’s achievement” when, next Thursday, he receives the 2016 World of Children Health Award in New York City.
“Even though it’s Jimmy Drekore receiving the award, I will be proud to represent this beautiful country,” he told the media before leaving Port Moresby for the United States with wife Merlyn (pictured).
In 2005, Mr Drekore founded the Simbu Children Foundation, which strives to provide hope for sick and disadvantaged children.
It is a charity that funds airfares, medical costs and expenses for sick village children from Simbu Province to enable them to travel to the city and overseas hospitals for medical tests, operations and other treatments that are unavailable locally.
Mr Drekore was also recognised in 2014 by the Digicel Foundation who gave him PNG’s Man of Honour Award.
In April, he was invited by World of Children to apply for the global award, referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize for Children’s Health’. He was among more than 20,000 nominations from 100 countries screened by 39 judges around the globe.
“To convince them, I think, is something this country should be proud of that we are as good as anyone out there,” Mr Drekore said.
“Despite everything else, I think it’s about time there’s a good story being told to the world that we are like the rest of the world, doing something for our people and humanity across the globe.
“All in all, it’s something this country should be proud of,” he said.
Jimmy I have sent word to Downlands Sacred Heart College Toowoomba.What an honour for the College to have an Old Boy be recognised with such an exalted award.
Posted by: Rob Parer | 22 October 2016 at 11:30 PM
Very well deserved Jim. And I can't think of anyone better suited to take this news to the world. Congratulations.
Posted by: Bob Cleland | 22 October 2016 at 03:30 PM
There are very few people on this planet who'd bet their very well paid jobs for humanitarian causes. You did it with the support of a very supportive Merlyn. Go and enjoy it na lukim yutupla taim yutupla kam bek.
Posted by: Arnold Mundua | 21 October 2016 at 01:48 PM
Go and bring the award back to PNG and the nation will know the hardship behind before getting this award. All the Best Name!
Posted by: Jimmy Awagl | 21 October 2016 at 01:12 PM
Merlyn and Jim, go enjoy it. You will find on the streets of New York that there are people from all parts of the world - in their own traditional clothes, speaking their own languages etc.. Go and mix with them, a proud PNG couple.
Safe trip back.
Posted by: Daniel Kumbon | 21 October 2016 at 12:27 PM
Em nau!
Posted by: Michael Dom | 21 October 2016 at 09:28 AM
You have achieved it & do more to safe more of our disadvantage children here in PNG
Posted by: Leo M Malala | 21 October 2016 at 09:24 AM
Such a happy and positive post! Go Jim!
Posted by: Lapieh Landu | 21 October 2016 at 08:43 AM
Well said, Jimmy. Safe travel to you and Merlyn.
Posted by: Robin Lillicrapp | 21 October 2016 at 06:16 AM