Visit of the Papua Black Pearl Foundation and Black Pearl Network Australia to the GKI Teminabuan Classis Board

Teminabuan, South Sorong — The Papua Black Pearl Foundation (Yayasan Mutiara Hitam Papua/YMHP), in collaboration with Black Pearl Network Australia, conducted a working visit to the GKI Teminabuan Classis, South Sorong Regency, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the GKI Teminabuan Classis Office. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration in human resource development through English language education.

The working visit had several strategic objectives, including evaluating the progress of the Black Pearl English Course (BPEC) Teminabuan, enhancing English language skills among communities in villages with tourism potential, and introducing the planned development of the Black Pearl English Academy (BPEA), which will be located in the center of Sorong City.

The Director of the Papua Black Pearl Foundation, Fred Bundah, stated that South Sorong Regency possesses abundant natural resources and significant tourism potential. However, he emphasized that this potential must be supported by the readiness of local human resources, particularly the younger generation.

“South Sorong has very attractive tourism potential. Therefore, strong synergy between the Foundation and the church, in this case the GKI Teminabuan Classis, is essential to jointly develop the human resources of children in this region, especially in English language skills,” said Fred Bundah.

He further highlighted that English proficiency is a crucial key for Papuan children, especially those in South Sorong, to actively participate in the tourism industry and to compete for various educational scholarships, both domestically and internationally.

“English is one of the main requirements for many scholarship opportunities. Through this program, we aim to prepare children in South Sorong for a broader and more competitive future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the GKI Teminabuan Classis, represented by its Secretary, Rev. Yunesti Sagrim, S.Si, expressed appreciation and full support for the sustainability of the English language development program currently being implemented.

 

“Basically, the GKI Teminabuan Classis fully supports the English language program within our service area. We hope this program will have a positive impact on children, especially in areas with tourism potential in South Sorong Regency,” she stated.

Furthermore, the Classis also announced plans to construct classrooms that will function as an English learning center to support the sustainability and quality of the educational program carried out in partnership with the Papua Black Pearl Foundation.

This working visit is expected to serve as an initial step in strengthening collaboration among the Foundation, the church, and the community in creating a generation of young Papuans who are confident, globally competitive, and ready to contribute to regional development through education.