It can’t be denied that among many tourist destinations in Papua and West Papua, Raja Ampat still places the first place as the most visited and loved tourist spot. Not only stunning but Raja Ampat is also magical since it nurtures 75% of the world’s fish and corals. No wonder Raja Ampat is called the last real paradise.
Now that the world knows about this paradise island, many have paid a visit. This circumstance brings effects on locals living nearby. Nowadays, many children in Arborek Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua become fluent in English.
English Greeting From Children in Arborek
Something unique when visiting Arborek Islands, Raja Ampat is visitors will be greeted with a good-morning welcome from local children. While throwing the warm greeting, these children also flaunt their smiles as if they are familiar with the foreign visitors.
It turns out, this friendly habit has been introduced by those who care about the education of people in the Arborek Islands. One of those who care about education here is the CEO of Kitong Bisa Raja Ampat, Githa Anathasia. To National Geographic Indonesia, Githa opened up that in Arborek, they made themselves familiar with greeting in English whoever they meet.
Githa gave an analogy that educating English to elementary school students on the Island is like tearing down a concrete wall using a bare hand. Githa, who initially volunteered for a community-based tourism destination development program, further revealed that many children in Arborek didn’t know how to hold a pencil or pen correctly, especially first and second-grade elementary students.
For children in Arborek, memorizing was much more common to them compared to writing. In the meantime, the English curriculum in West Papua was way too fast for these children.
For example, the understanding of days. The subject was repeated over and over again until Arborek children can differentiate the distinction between today, tomorrow, yesterday, and the day after tomorrow. Once they understood this matter, the lesson was then carried on to a higher level.
Regarding the financial needs, Githa said that all the expenses are supported by her diving shop named Arborek Dive Shop. Kitong Bisa foundation has strived to give salaries to all volunteers teacher but the amount is too high.
At first, she was simply eager to empower locals on Arborek Island. Even though Raja Ampat has become a famous tourist destination, it still preserves much potency. Githa also actively leads Kitong Bisa Learning Center Raja Ampat which focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship. Through the program, she invites people to not only earn money but also be more responsible for their business, family, and environment.
Class of Dreams
Besides focusing on sustainable entrepreneurship, Kitong Bisa also has a program called a Class of Dreams. Here, children can see many interesting and motivating documenters. Githa hopes someday, children of Arborek can travel the world whether it is to continue their studies or for other great reasons.
Kitong Bisa Raja Ampat was held since 2018. The learning themes are mostly about tourism, marine life, and environmental insights. Githa uses English as a language of instruction while teaching. Another thing that is taught in this Class of Dreams is character building.
For Githa, this character building is very important especially when these children take higher education. In Waisai, there is a calling for children who came from the Islands. They call these children “amber” child which also means an immigrant. Amber is considered incapable. Therefore, Githa wishes to erase this stigma.
By learning English, Arborek children now have something they can be proud of. It wasn’t without struggle for Githa to start the Kitong Bisa foundation. The first is because she is a woman and the second is because she is not Papuan. Even though she is married to an Arborek resident, she often receives threats and cursing.
Women Empowerment
Other than focusing on children’s education in Arborek, Githa also empowers women on this island. One of the things how she did was by supporting women in creating Kapowen, Papuan’s traditional bag that looks like Noken but is made of sea pandanus.
Githa gives input concerning the model or design and also the marketing support. Because the number of tourists is still minim, Githa buys the Kapowen from them and uses the bags as a souvenir for Arborek Dive Shop’s guests.
How Kitong Bisa Raja Ampat Starts
At first, Githa and her husband Marsel Mambrasar joined a local tour guide for children of Papua’s training in Fak Fak. The two registered from Raja Ampat and that’s how Kitong Bisa Raja Ampat was started.
Billy Mambrasar, the founding father of Kitong Bisa as well as the millennial special staff, revealed that Githa and Marsel proposed to open a branch in Raja Ampat. Kitong Bisa itself has a foundation that is called RESPECT. It stands for Responsibility, Entrepreneurial, Social, Power, Environment, Culture, and Trust.
Besides offering the natural beauty of West Papua, locals’ hospitality will also boost tourism in one area. As for the locals, the increasing numbers of the visitor will offer a better economy for them.
