Inspiring young minds and strengthening community through education.
For nearly a decade, Elias Dominic has dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring young people at Grace Memorial Secondary School, building a quiet legacy in Wau.
Originally from Wantoat in Markham District, Dominic is now in his ninth year at the school, where he began his career in 2018 after graduating from the University of Goroka.
What started as a posting has since grown into a deep personal commitment to the community.
His path into teaching was shaped by the influence of a former teacher, Mr Effes, who taught him ‘Social Science’ during his high school years.
That early inspiration, along with leadership roles in school and church, gave him the confidence to pursue teaching as a lifelong career.
Choosing Wau was also about giving back. As a recipient of the Morobe Gerson-Solulu Scholarship, Dominic felt a strong responsibility to return and serve his province.
“Wau is home to me,” he says. “It’s a place where you can grow, even when there are challenges.”
In the classroom, he teaches Economics and Personal Development, subjects he says allow him to connect closely with students.
His lessons are often filled with laughter, especially during Personal Development classes, where students feel free to engage and express themselves.
Beyond academics, Dominic brings learning to life through sports, organising soccer and basketball as part of students’ physical education.
These moments, he says, often create lasting memories for both teachers and students.
One of his proudest achievements came in 2023, when a student scored 48 out of 50 in the national Personal Development examination, a result he describes as a milestone in his teaching journey.
Over the years, he has watched many of his students progress to national high schools and tertiary institutions across the country.
Seeing their success and later meeting them in workplaces where they acknowledge him continues to motivate him.
“I want to be someone they remember,” he says. “I tell them I will write my name in their hearts.”Like many young teachers, Dominic faced early challenges.
His first years required balancing lesson preparation with strict documentation and inspections needed for teacher registration.
Through discipline and persistence, he was able to meet those demands.
He credits the local community for supporting education, particularly in maintaining order in schools and providing financial assistance when needed.
Looking ahead, Dominic is hopeful for the future of education in the district, especially with growing attention from leaders in the new Wau Waria electorate.
He believes teaching is more than just a profession.
“It’s a calling,” he says.” You work with young minds every day, and that keeps you young. There is purpose in what we do.
”After years in the classroom, Dominic says teaching in Wau has shaped him in every aspect of life personally and spiritually.
“I now understand this is where I’m meant to serve,” he says. “This is my purpose”.
Mr. Elias Dominic
Mr.Elias engaging students during classroom session at Grace Memorial Secondary School in Wau. These moments reflects his dedication to creating an interactive and supportive learning environment.
Tags: Erenge Media / Wau-Waria District/ Education/ Teacher/ Classroom/ Community Development