Harapan || English Course One

Just over nine months ago our first course began in Harapan, a small area outside the big metropolis (but still on a main road). It has become a trial run for a village program and we have been learning much. Though Terri has spent more time helping with this course than she first envisaged, it has been a good thing as now she knows the course well, which will help with subsequent courses.

10 children, aged between 5 and 10 years of age, who have never been to school, are attending this English immersion course. They are a delightful bunch of young potentials and their parents and carers seem very happy to support and encourage the teacher, Florence, herself a native Papuan.

The course has now entered the second semester of a total of one year. First semester focused on learning basic speaking skills in English and learning the sounds of the English alphabet. It was very exciting for the children to receive completion certificates for their ABC’s at a small presentation ceremony at which every child had a parent/carer representative.

It wasn’t long after that we had our first excursion to a friend’s farm in outlying Papua, complete with goats and butterfly house. A dream come true for the owner, who wants to focus on teaching young Papuans about their wonderful and unique ecology. Some parents also enjoyed the day with us.

Following Christmas break we entered term 3/semester 2 with serious intentions to develop the children’s abilities to read and write. This has basically begun but now needs to involve serious focus as we aim for all children to be able to do basic English reading and writing before they finish the course.

However, it is not always serious. We play games, celebrate birthdays, do craft activities and help the children develop characters that are happy, loving, caring, helpful and know there is a God who also loves and cares about them. This is such a privilege to be part of such a wonderful program.

To see more follow these links on You Tube ….

Harapan, a Way of Hope … www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCPNQUaH91M

Harapan English Course nearly halfway … www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYHlpf5EHyg

Back in Papua - October 2022

Nelci and family, one of my girls from way back in orphanage days …

The miracle happened and I am back in Papua.  Already here 2 weeks, getting used to the way of life again. The greater part of these 2 weeks has been spent reacquainting myself with those I know and love. It has been great to successfully surprise a few!

My Papuan grandkids with their cousin.

Now to sow the ground. I have already spoken to several people who would like to see one of our courses in their area. We have decided these will not be called schools but centres of learning for preschool children, especially learning English. This way we avoid many requirements schools have here as it is basically at this time just a one year course. Local heads of villages and their families will eventually be responsible for these centres. In the meantime, all they need to provide is a place of learning and we will provide the program and the teacher/supervisor.

One of the local Compassion run meeting centres.

I am also currently searching for those who will be teachers of these courses. They need to have a reasonable understanding of English. Already a couple have been suggested to me and I know a few others. So I will meet with these individuals to gauge their interest and their ability.

Victor and Kezia’s grandson turned one. Great celebrations!

So the next few weeks will involve meetings and just getting involved in life here. One of the things I must continue to do is find a house suitable for my needs. I am staying with wonderful friends but they are also busy and have lots of other responsibilities.

Part of the walking track to the shops

Loving the food, the people, the lifestyle and adjusting to the weather, the taxis and the walk up the hill!!!

Till the next update, God is good!!