Meet 27-year-old Cyril Hunahau, whose experience from being brought up in the village in Small Malaita to accessing university at regional level, is a testament of resilience and determination.
At just 4 years old, his mother tragically passed away from breast cancer. That same year, he was moved to his uncle’s care, whilst his father relocated to Honiara. He began primary school in the village at the age of five. Ten years later, his father returned from Honiara and sadly, passed away just as Cyril successfully secured a place for my Form 1 (Year 7).
Despite the challenges, Cyril preserved. His determination and education journey allowed him to earn a place at St Joseph’s Tenaru National Secondary School for Form 6 (Year 12) and eventually completing foundation studies at King George National Secondary School.
Cyril was awarded a Solomon Islands Government scholarship to study Construction Management at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management.
At Hatanga, he works as a project officer within the property department and has the privilege of interacting with the team, sharing in learning, and adapting to the professional work culture. Once he completes his internship, he hopes to apply for and secure a permanent position with the team as he expressed his “experience with the company has been invaluable”.
We believe the training Cyril is receiving will better equip him for a full-time position and we hope his journey will continue to inspire other young people within the community.
"It's our responsibility to seize opportunities, face challenges with courage, and learn from the experiences of others" - Cyril Hunahau