Listen to the story of Papua, easternmost province of Indonesia. Papua is an overwhelming country. It is unprecedented in beauty and diversity. The natural resources are inexhaustible. The Papuans live in harmonious connection with their village, community and ancestors. They take your heart forever.
But the natural balance between humans and their habitat is disturbed by changes from the outside and inside. Transmigrants from elsewhere displace the indigenous population from the labour market. The Papuans are marginalised and their voices are not heard. The appeal of modern times threatens the survival of traditional societies. Hapin listens to the Papuans and helps them to keep the road to the future open.
Featured project
To this day, men have an important position in the Papuan culture. Socially, economically and politically they have a lot of authority, which unfortunately sometimes leads to violence against and a disadvantaged position for women. Rode Wanimbo, head of the Women Department of the GIDI churches, saw from an early age how poorly women are sometimes treated. And how this can lead to a deep-rooted feeling of inferiority. That is why Rode is committed to programs that help to strengthen the self-confidence and self-esteem of Papuan women.
Papua
Papua is one of the largest islands in the world. The island stretches from the eternal snow fields on top of the Puncak Jaya to the tropical beaches of Raja Ampat. Enriched by deep valleys, special animal species and a diverse culture.
Hapin was founded in 1972 by Dutchmen and Papuans who feel connected to the fate of the original population of the former Dutch New Guinea.
Exploring Samenage
Last year, Tri Arisanti rang the bell at Hapin. Tri had recently returned to Jayapura, after working as a volunteer teacher for several years in Samenage (near Wamena).
Rossy and Margareth Inarkombu can go to school again
These two sisters from the village of Koya, near Jayapura, do not have luck on their side. Their father and mother died of AIDS. An uncle and aunt took care of them.
Realised projects
For 45 years we have been supporting students, entrepreneurs, mothers, children and schools in Papua.
Hapin has granted scholarships to at least 2,000 students. Already we have provided 160 microcredits and supported 1,200 projects.
View the projects and students we have supported over the years.
About Hapin
Listen to the story of Papua. Province of Indonesia. The land of the Papuans. Snowy high mountains and meandering rivers. In one of the largest rainforests in the world, the bird of paradise shows off her feathers, the queen among the birds. Papua, with its fantastic diversity of peoples, cultures, languages, traditions and stories. So colorful, so unique, so rich. The Papuan, get to know him, and you’ll never forget him again. Friendly and gentle.
But a tragedy looms. The familiar environment of the Papuans is at risk from large-scale logging and mining. Their precious ancestral land is no longer safe for the interests of the multinationals and greedy army officers. Economically, people from outside push the Papuans to the margin. Education and health care are substandard. Resistance and protest against this discrimination is forcibly suppressed. Papua Support Foundation (Hapin) wants the voice of the Papuan people to be heard and stands next to them in their struggle to direct their own future. Since 1972.
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet Ursula
Ursula is the youngest in the sewing class. She has just completed her SMP (similar to junior high school). This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet Maria
Maria, now 20 years old, married at a young age. For many young girls, self-protection is an important reason to get engaged early. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet mama Kornelia
Mama Kornelia is a cheerful and intelligent woman brings a lot of energy in the sewing class group. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet mama Yosefa
Unfortunately, violence against women is a common problem in Papua. This has been the reason for mama Yosefa to leave the Asmaro neighborhood and live with her family further down the city. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.