PHILIP G KAUPA
WAY up in the highlands it stands, an almost legendary land of rugged terrain, fast flowing rivers and magical views where the earth meets the sky.
A land its forefathers knew for the rock that dwelt amongst the soil.
Rocks that are the building blocks of the highest peaks; that are sacred; that today bear two cloudy lakes, Piunde and Aunde, once part of the Pacific ring of fire.
Below its misty forest canopy and its icy mountains, its warrior tribes united saw the light the missionaries brought and tasted the salt the kiaps brought.
Standing the test of time they inherited cultural diversity and shared languages that slightly vary and practice similar traditional ways.
It is a place known for its majestic birds of paradise and its spectacular costume. The home of ancestral karim leg and annual pig killing ceremonies.
With pride and dignity, the forefathers stood tall; bow and arrow in one hand, shield in the other. Their unique war cry they sang for knowledge and prosperity .
With arms crossed at chest and heads up, the fathers sang high are we, it is where we belong, the highest place is ours. From the rocks we rise, never to fall. We shall manoeuvre and prosper like fast streams through rocks.
Despite the landscape, and the blood and sweat, this is a place where the natives greet with open arms, friendly smile, a hand shake and a hug. A place where there is fullness of greetings and maximum appreciation.
From the simple garden hut to a complex men’s house, along the slopes and over the hills and peaks, by the river and along the road, they gather.
Simplicity is their way of life. Disadvantaged by mountains, agriculture always was difficult.
But its sons and daughters gathered and listened, they saw a common goal, education.
They listened to their fathers war cry, they saw written on the stones the lyrics of their songs, words of courage and words of honour, words of a warrior.
They saw the battle plan, a simple plan about humbleness, politeness, pride, leadership - and knowledge.
This is not mere hope, it is their birth right. The ones who listened with their heart grew wings and flew high to bring forth knowledge. It is the only wealth their fathers sought, it is found in education.
This is a song sung by their forefathers. It is a song of appreciation of good deeds and with their heart they sing, Sippuu! Sippuu! Sippuu!. Today this place is called Simbu.
A place of rocks, a place of mountains, a place of the fast rivers, a place of the forests and a place of simple, friendly people with open arms and a good heart.
Come and see this place, Simbu.