The Matthew Leonard Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship

POSTED ON 20 October 2009

In August 2009 Australia and Papua New Guinea witnessed the tragic Airlines PNG plane disaster that resulted in the deaths of 13 people on board. The passengers on board the fatal flight included 9 trekkers who were on route to Kokoda village to begin their journey across the infamous Kokoda Track. Leading their trek was the passionate and energetic Matthew Leonard, who was on his way to his 2nd crossing of the Track.

Matt was a well respected and loved member of the Malvern East fire brigade who worked part time for Melbourne-based tour company No Roads Expeditions. His friends and colleagues remember Matt for his enthusiasm, passion and humility and are deeply saddened by his death.

Matt was developing a great love and passion for the Kokoda Track and its wonderful people, and his family and friends have decided to honour Matt’s love for the Track by creating a school scholarship in his memory.

The Kokoda Track Foundation is delighted to announce the Matthew Leonard Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship in memory of Matt’s journeys to and from the Kokoda Track. The scholarship will be awarded to a student from Kagi village which is situated halfway along the Kokoda Track and is the PNG home for the No Roads tour guides.

In 2009 the scholarship will be awarded to Jordan Ghavo who comes from Kagi village. Jordan attends Kavovo Primary School and is in Grade 6 this year. Through the generosity of Matt’s family, friends, and work colleagues, the Foundation is able to support Jordan to complete his primary school at Kavovo and to go on to high school in one of the catchment area schools. Jordan is an exceptionally bright student and always tries very hard in school. His parents are subsistence farmers in Kagi village and were delighted to be told that Jordan will receive the scholarship. 

The Foundation is able to direct any additional donations to the Matthew Leonard Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship to help assist more young students from Kagi village to gain an education. Please contact the Foundation’s executive director, Gen Nelson, on 0412 869 210 if you are interested in making a donation to this particular scholarship.