Inspirational Figure: Christina Kbarek & Her Dream of Advancing Papuan Education
02 May 2024
This is an inspiring story about Christina Makmeser Iriani Kbarek. A Papuan woman who loves the world of education and dedicates herself to education in Papua.
Christina, is often called, made her career teaching in Biak and then dedicated 14 years to caring for young minds at the Jayawijaya Tembagapura Education Foundation School. This school is in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining operations area.
"I want the Papuan generation to rise up and be successful in the future," he said, starting the story.
This dream grew strong within her because she was inspired by her late father, a sub-district head in West Biak who served the community and dedicated himself to teaching. She was also inspired by two Indonesian education figures, RA Kartini and Ki Hajar Dewantara.
Born on August 13, in Biak, Christina completed her education up to Masters level in Early Childhood Education (PAUD). Currently she is trusted to be the Principal of the PAUD School at the Jayawijaya Tembagapura Education Foundation school.
Last April, she went to Japan as one of the representative from Indonesia to take part in the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit 2024. Christina presented her ideas about inclusive education in front of more than 60 young leaders from 25 countries in the Asia Pacific. His paper is entitled "Optimizing the Zone of Proximal Development in the Assessment of Children with Special Needs to Achieve Equity in Inclusive Education".
In this event, she won an award as runner up of the Peace Innovation Group Project Idea Competition. A competition where she collaborates with young leaders from various countries to develop ideas and innovations for global peace, as well as discussing human rights.
Christina's enthusiasm as an educator has also resulted in various awards and achievements.She is an Assessor for the National Accreditation Board for Early, Primary and Secondary Childhood Education (BAN PAUD PDM) for Papua Province, and is also a Speaker at a number of national and international activities including The Association of National and Private Schools (ANPS) in 2017 and Speaker at the International Children's Conference Early Age which will be held by Panca Sakti University, Bekasi, in 2022.
"From various experiences as a speaker at national and international events, the experience of meeting many people who are passionate about education, this has made my horizons of thinking wider. "Hopefully there will be more things I can do for Papua," he said.
Christina hopes that there will be equal distribution of education in the Land of Papua and the development of a curriculum based on local wisdom that meets the long-term needs of society, as well as improving the professional quality of teachers supported by the government, community and other stakeholders.
The most memorable moment he experienced as an educator was receiving a message from a former student who had achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. This sincere recognition further strengthens his commitment and calling as an educator at YPJ School.
YPJ School was founded by PT Freeport Indonesia on August 7 1973. This school provides inclusive education for the families of PTFI employees and also indigenous Papuan children from villages around the PTFI work area in Tembagapura, Papua. Education at this school starts from PAUD to junior high school.
“We have to dare to get out of our comfort zone. Set clear goals and continue to invest in yourself and strive to achieve them. Take advantage of opportunities and opportunities. "Don't measure yourself by other people, but measure yourself," Christina advised her students and the young generation of Papua.
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