The boy at the airport fence

Leeroy Karapo's fascination with aviation began as a boy in Munuwai Village, Kavieng, New Ireland Province, where he would spend hours watching planes at the local airport. His father, Magistrate Orim Karapo, often took him to work at the courthouse next to the airport, fueling Leeroy's imagination about the world beyond his village.

Tragically, Orim Karapo passed away in 2013, leaving his wife and two young children. However, his planning ensured continued support for his family. As a Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) member, he had nominated his children as beneficiaries. Following his death, Leeroy's entitlement was placed into an NSL Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Minor Account, where it grew with interest until he reached adulthood.

This financial provision offered Leeroy's mother peace of mind, allowing her to focus on raising her children without the immediate worry of future education costs. Years later, the savings from the RSA Minor Account became instrumental in Leeroy's pursuit of his aviation dreams. The funds helped him complete a Diploma in Information Technology and later supported his studies in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, including licensing examinations.

Even after graduation, the RSA Minor account continued to be a vital resource, covering Leeroy's rent and living expenses as he searched for a job in the aviation industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions made accessing NSL branches difficult, NSL officers provided remote guidance, ensuring his application for funds was processed quickly. Leeroy reflects that the account was more than just savings; "It wasn’t just money," he shared. "It gave me the chance to keep going."

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It wasn’t just money. It gave me the chance to keep going.