4 Papuan students graduated in New Zealand

A total of four Melanesian students from the provinces of Papua and West Papua have completed their education at several universities in Aotearoa, New Zealand, from April to May 2021. They have graduated in undergraduate and postgraduate education programs in various disciplines.

Nathan Sonyap graduated with a Master of International Tourism Management Studies from Waikato University on 21 April 2021. Yan Piterson Paiton Wenda earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Management from Otago University on 15 May 2021. Both are scholarship recipients from the Papua Provincial Government.

Gebriella Huberta Regina Thenau earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management with Yuliktus Korain who earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing on 15 May 2021. Both are recipients of scholarships from the West Papua Provincial Government.

The four admitted that they were very grateful to be able to study and graduate from a well-known university in New Zealand. They dedicate this achievement to their families and indigenous Papuans.

As people of Melanesian ethnic background, they said that Papuans studying in Indonesia sometimes face negative stigma in various aspects, and even risk being racially attacked. Many Papuan students studying in Indonesia cannot study with full concentration.

Nathan Sonyap, Yan Piterson Paiton Wenda, Gebriella Huberta Regina Thenau, and Yuliktus Korain had a different experience, experiencing the kindness and generosity of New Zealanders on campus and in their social environment. They feel more comfortable and at peace during their studies, and thank everyone who has been a part of their journey of life and learning.

Gebriella Thenau, known by the nickname Gebi said she never dreamed of studying in New Zealand, given the very high cost. Therefore, he is very grateful to the West Papua Provincial Government for providing him with a scholarship.

He said his parents always reminded him to study seriously, because the government uses Papuan people's money, which his parents call "blood money". He often feels internal pressure when he hears his family asking about when he will finish college.

"My parents, please always remind me to study hard. Sa pu Father always said, 'remember that you are using Papuan money'," said Thenau.

“Despite pressure from family and study brooms, I always believed that graduating from one of New Zealand's top universities would pay off. In the end, I succeeded, and my parents and family are proud of it,” said Thenau.

Thenau, who graduated from elementary to high school in Sorong City, said that having parents who support his journey is very important. “This is a great opportunity, because tong pu tra parents have an opportunity like tong to study abroad. Tong pu mama dong sweat and cry on the street for their children, in order to get a better education. Sometimes women's barrels don't have much opportunity in public places. I hope that the success story will wipe away mama's tears and sweat," said Thenau.

Nathan Sonyap, the first student from the Una Ukam tribe in Yahukimo Regency in New Zealand said he was grateful to Papua Governor Lukas Enembe and the late Papuan Deputy Governor Klemen Tinal for giving him the opportunity to study in Maori Land, New Zealand.

“Really, it's an honor and privilege for me to study here in New Zealand. I don't have a family that can support me to be able to study here. Sa would like to give the highest appreciation to the late Deputy Governor of Papua [Klemen Tinal] for his extraordinary wisdom in leading the Papuan people. I hope that before he dies, he can see our success in our studies and careers, it is part of his dream,” said Sonyap.

SOURCE: https://jubi.co.id/4-mahasiswa-asal-papua-diwisuda-di-selandia-baru/