More children, more responsibility, more impact – Child Aid Papua between selection, graduation, and expansion

Inspired and encouraged: A high-ranking visit from the capital

The second quarter of 2025 was once again marked by a multitude of inspiring encounters and significant developments at our school. We are particularly proud of the visit from the wife of the newly elected Governor of Southwest Papua, accompanied by a committee from the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta. The delegation was deeply impressed by the atmosphere, the concept, and the dedication of our students and the entire team. It has become clear once again that ChildAid Papua, as a pioneering school in the province, is gaining recognition not only regionally but now also on a national level. For us, this recognition is not just a validation, but a clear mandate to continue our path with responsibility and foresight.

106 applications for 19 spots – joy and sorrow side by side

A particularly impressive sign of the impact of our work was the selection process in May: 106 children and teenagers applied for the new school year to continue their education at Child Aid Papua – for only 19 available spots. The admission interviews took place in person on-site and were moving: families traveled by ferry and boat for hours – some for two full days – to participate in the interviews and the selection process. This enormous effort shows how much trust in our school has grown – and how far our reputation now reaches. This made the decision to select only a small group from so many motivated young people all the more difficult. For us, it is not just about academic performance in general knowledge, math, or reading. Our focus is on the life realities and the opportunities for the applicants to build a future with fulfilling prospects outside of Child Aid Papua. Priority is given to children from families who could not afford a regular private school – many of them live from fishing, gardening, or the forest. Our goal is to open up new possibilities for exactly these children, who would otherwise be unable to break the cycle without support. We therefore involve the parents intensively in our decision. In Papuan culture, they hold a high status – and they must commit to our school concept just as much as their children. This means they must set aside time for school attendance and support their children outside of class as well. Given the poor reputation of many schools and the frequent absence of teachers, it is not a given that education is highly valued. This is how we ensure that every child admitted not only receives a school spot but also the necessary environment to fully unfold their potential.

An unforgettable farewell – and a strong transition

Our 9th-grade class successfully passed the national final exams in June, completing their Junior High School education at ChildAid Papua. Especially pleasing: everyone will continue their education with us in the Senior High School starting this summer – with strong results and boosted self-confidence in their luggage. The graduation ceremony was a true highlight: all parents of the 9th graders had traveled to attend – as did many parents of other students, who also all successfully completed their school year. It was a moving celebration full of emotions, beautiful singing, musical performances, and self-developed plays. A celebration that will be remembered – especially by our graduates.

Sporting commitment with impact – 5th place out of 12

Beyond academics, sports were also a central theme this quarter. Our students participated in a major volleyball tournament for the first time – with teams from all over Raja Ampat and even from Sorong. Despite their physical disadvantage – our children were by far the youngest – they achieved an outstanding 5th place out of 12, thanks to months of training. For us as a boarding school, it is essential to foster not only intellectual but also physical and athletic development. This experience has shown the potential within our learners – and it encourages us to continue investing heavily in sports and physical activity in the future.

From 40 learners to 60 – 40 in the boarding school: We continue to grow

With the new school year, our community will grow to 60 learners – 40 of whom will live in the boarding school. This presents us with new logistical and structural challenges: sleeping quarters, sanitary facilities, daily routines – everything must grow along with us. We have been preparing for this for months: we have been reporting regularly for some time on one of the most important projects for expanding our infrastructure: our Blue Oceans School building. With the new school class and the approximately 20 newcomers, space – or rather, new classrooms – is urgently needed. Construction is nearing completion. In addition, we are currently working at full speed to make the necessary arrangements so that our boarding life can be shaped with the same quality and warmth as we provide in our teaching.

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