In the lush highlands of Papua New Guinea, where opportunities are often as scarce as paved roads, a young boy named Cedric Cotu Kengi faced challenges that could have easily defined his life. But Cedric was no ordinary man—he was a dreamer, a fighter, and someone who refused to let circumstances dictate his destiny.
It all began in 1992 when Cedric dropped out of grade 10. In rural PNG, this wasn’t just an academic setback; it was a roadblock to any future prospects. "Back home," Cedric recalls, "if you don't get enough marks to progress, there aren't many other ways to continue your education." Yet, even then, something inside him burned brighter than the obstacles before him.
From Dropout to Dream Chaser: The Inspiring Journey of Papua New Guinean Cedric Cotu Kengi [Photo by FraNoah Jay]
Rugby: A Pathway Out of Poverty
Cedric turned to rugby league—a sport beloved across PNG—as both a passion and a lifeline. Playing for local teams like the Mendi Muruks and eventually representing his country with the Junior Kumuls squad, he found not only financial stability but also hope. Rugby took him to Australia for the first time in 1995-96, where he played in Gympie and trained at the prestigious Brisbane Broncos facilities. For the first time, Cedric glimpsed what lay beyond the mountains of his homeland.
But rugby wasn’t just about personal success for Cedric. He understood its power to transform lives. When the Australian Government announced plans to bring a PNG team into the National Rugby League (NRL) by 2028, Cedric saw more than just sports—it was an opportunity for youth, tourism, and economic growth. “They chose Papua New Guinea,” he said proudly, “and it will open doors for so many.”
Family and Faith: Anchors Through Adversity
Life had other plans for Cedric too. Marriage in 1999 and the birth of his first daughter in 2000 reignited his determination to finish what he started. Despite working full-time as a security guard—a job considered low-class back home—and juggling family responsibilities, Cedric embarked on a grueling 13-year journey to complete his grade 12 certificate.
His faith became his anchor during these turbulent years. Active involvement in the Seventh-day Adventist Church gave him purpose and strength. “The church contributed a lot to my growth,” Cedric reflects. “They saw potential in me despite my lack of formal education and nurtured my character. That encouragement shaped who I am today.”
Education: A Lifelong Pursuit
With renewed confidence, Cedric pursued higher education. In 2009, he enrolled in a public policy degree at the University of Papua New Guinea, graduating in 2014 after taking a brief hiatus to contest local elections. By 2022, while completing a Master of Business Administration, he worked tirelessly as First Secretary for MP Belden Namah. Balancing family, work, community service, and international programs tested his resolve—but Cedric never wavered.
“I knew education would be my ticket to making real change,” he says. And so, driven by ambition and belief in the transformative power of knowledge, Cedric set his sights on an Australia Awards Scholarship—one of the most competitive scholarships globally.
UQ: A New Chapter Begins
After applying three times, Cedric finally secured the coveted scholarship in early 2025. With dreams bigger than ever, he arrived at the University of Queensland (UQ), drawn by its reputation as one of the world’s top universities. “I wanted a university that matched my ambition,” he explains. “UQ offers excellence, and their Master of Governance and Public Policy aligns perfectly with my goals.”
For Cedric, this isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about giving back. “I know that with the skills and knowledge I gain here, I’ll help my country. I want to be competent, the best in my field, and make meaningful contributions to policy-making in PNG.”
A Legacy of Perseverance
Cedric’s story is more than one man’s triumph over adversity—it’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. His wife and youngest daughter will soon join him in Brisbane, ready to embrace the new chapter unfolding before them. This journey promises to change not only their lives but also those of countless others inspired by Cedric’s example.
Rachel Panousis, Regional Coordinator for Sponsored Students, sums it up beautifully: “Cedric embodies the spirit of the Australia Awards program. His determination shows us that education creates ripple effects—transforming individuals, families, communities, and entire nations.”
As Cedric walks the halls of UQ, he carries with him the hopes of a nation. From dropout to scholar, from village rugby fields to global classrooms, his journey reminds us that no matter how steep the climb, perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Cedric Cotu Kengi is proof that every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to greatness.
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