From Grade 12 Dropout to a Top PNG SME.

We've read and heard about success stories that were pulled off by people that life pushed down but made their way out to be successful. As indifferent, this may be, but this is downright captivating, for it tells of digitalisation where we embrace the future at present. 

Shane Chinau was born on March 15, 1990, at ANGAU General Hospital in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Over time, he has emerged as a successful entrepreneur despite all the life adversities and educational challenges. Hailing from East Sepik Province, Shane was raised in a family deeply-rooted in Christianity. His parents, Francisca and Joe Chinau, instilled in him the values of Christian faith and placing God at the center of everything.

Shane delightfully shares the siblinghood of the Chinaus with Solomon and Elizabeth, where Shane is the second in birth order. His academic journey began in 1995 when he attended Redly and Bunny Elementary school. He enrolled at Gordens International School in Port Moresby the following year, where he completed his primary education from Prep to Grade 7 in 2002.

Shane repeated Grade 7 at Coronation College in Lae in 2003 due to calamity. He, however, progressively failed Grade 8. But being educationally ambitious, he was determined to overcome his academic challenges. He enrolled at Lae Christian Academy in 2005 to repeat Grade 8. He successfully completed his secondary education from Grades 9 to 12 at Bugandi Secondary School between 2006 and 2009.

Upon completing his secondary education with optimism, however, an affliction stood in the way for him. He didn't secure a place at any tertiary institution. It was a ravaging experience when hopes for the future were high. Ambitiously unswerving, he decided to upgrade his marks through DODL (Distance and Open Learning) at the University of Technology in Lae in 2010. The following year, he enrolled at the (ITI) International Training Institute for a Diploma in Business and Computing.

In 2012, Shane began his professional career as an IT Technician at Seeto Kui Holdings. He later joined Hornibrooks Construction in the same role in 2013. However, in 2014, Shane decided to resign from his job and venture into entrepreneurship. He started a small IT business focusing on raising awareness on computer software.

In December 2014, Shane registered Chayil Information Technology and embarked on his journey as a business owner. In 2015, he received a significant boost when the former member for Lae, Loujaya Kouza, funded the pilot project for Chayil Information Technology to install e-library at Lae Secondary School. This project marked a turning point in Shane's career.

In 2016, Shane had the opportunity to meet Honorable James Marape, who was the then Finance Minister. Impressed by Shane's work, Honorable Marape engaged him to install e-libraries in two locations within his district. As the years went by, Chayil Information Technology flourished, and by 2023, it had installed e-libraries in 50 locations. Shane had interacted with over 500 educationists and 30 politicians while benefiting more than 50,000 individuals through his initiative.

In 2022, Shane decided to extend his success by providing employment opportunities to individuals without IT skills or qualifications. He trained them as apprentices, and after five months of intensive training, they proved their worth in Chayil Information Technology. The team of 15 individuals successfully installed e-libraries in three schools.

Shane's efforts and accomplishments were recognized when Chayil Information Technology won the 2022 PNG SME Awards. He attributed his success to his unwavering faith in God, believing that seeking first the kingdom of God is the key to success. Shane humbly acknowledged that all the glory and honor belonged to God.

His advice to young SMEs is to prioritize their relationship with God, assuring them that success will follow. Shane finds joy not in material wealth or luxury but in witnessing people appreciate the e-libraries he has created to help them. Looking ahead to the future, Shane's vision is to build a digital school where everyone can attend, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of education. With his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission, Shane Chinau continues to inspire others, proving that even a Grade 12 dropout can rise to become a top PNG SME through perseverance, innovation, and the guiding light of divine faith.

Source: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/326819464091972/permalink/6299475626826296/?app=fbl