Maybrat, January 8, 2024: New hope for Papuan children to master the English language is now increasingly real! The Mutiara Hitam Papua Foundation and the GKI Klasis Ayamaru have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to open an English training program, Black Pearl English Course (BPEC) Ayamaru. The event took place at the GKI Ayamaru Klasis Office, Maybrat Regency.

In this activity, the Chairman of the GKI Ayamaru Klasis, Rev. Abraham Semunya, S.Si., Secretary of the Commission for Evangelism, Discipleship, and Partnership (KMP2K), Rev. Herman Sagisolo, S.Si., MM, and representative of Black Pearl Network Australia, Ross Gobby, were present. The Director of Mutiara Hitam Papua Foundation, Fred Bundah, S.Si., was also present, accompanied by Tutor Spenyer Naa, S.Pd.

The English course has actually been running since September 2023 for three months with 85 participants from elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Through this new collaboration, the program will continue and grow further in the Ayamaru Klasis.

The Chairman of the GKI Ayamaru Klasis, Rev. Abraham Semunya, gave high appreciation to the churches in Western Australia who have supported the education of Papuan children. “We will continue to oversee this program because this is a long-term educational investment for GKI children, especially in Maybrat. We also hope that parents can support their children in learning,” he said.



Fred Bundah added that BPEC Ayamaru is the 18th learning centre that has been opened in eight years. Previously, similar programs have been present in various regions such as Jayapura, Wamena, Biak, Nabire, Wasior, Manokwari, Raja Ampat, and Merauke.

Fred also highlighted the importance of English language skills for Papuan children in order to take advantage of various opportunities, both in the world of work and education. He cited several prestigious scholarship programmes, such as the LPDP for Papuan Children and the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), which provides a large quota for Eastern Indonesia, including Papua. Unfortunately, many Papuan children are still unaware of this opportunity.

“In addition to guiding children in learning English, the Mutiara Hitam Papua Foundation is committed to helping them get information about various scholarships at home and abroad,” said Fred.

With BPEC Ayamaru, Papuan children now have a greater opportunity to improve their skills and achieve a brighter future. May this program continue to grow and benefit the younger generation of Papua!