Sophie Wijsenbeek-Schreurs

Programme & Communication Manager

Sophie studied cultural anthropology at the University of Utrecht. She carried out research on the ethnic and national identity in the multicultural society of Malaysia. She has been working for Hapin since 2008, initially to support the scholarship programme. Because of her interest in website construction, search engine optimisation and social media, she is programme manager as well as communication manager.

Vera Wesseling

Finance & Project Manager

Vera studied Cultural Anthropology and Political Science and recently made the switch from political research to Hapin. Vera: “More than 17 years ago, my grandmother – born and raised in Papua – took me to this special island for the first time. The Papuans have had a special place in my heart since this trip. Not only because of their unique culture, but also because of the position of the Papuans on the world stage and the lack of their voice in the media. Ever since that trip I have boarded the plane back to Papua several times. Among other things, to investigate the role of young Papuan women at home and at school for my research as part of my bachelor’s degree.” At Hapin, Vera is responsible for the finances and projects in Papua, working closely with the consultants in Sentani.

Nova Seseray

Scholarship coördinator Papua

“I am proud to work as a consultant for Hapin. I see this as an opportunity to give back to my people in a time when it is much needed. There are much changes in Papua and effects of globalisation is seeping through society. Papua is rich in resources and there is so much talent among our people. Yet a lot of people let themselves be subdued by the promises of the government of well paid jobs that makes them dependent on the welfare state of Indonesia. Papuans lose their motivation, creativity and self reliance. We need to prevent this and stimulate enterprising Papuans to help build and strengthen their villages and communities.”

Irma Awoitauw

Project coördinator Papua

Irma lives in Sentani. Her father is from Jayapura and her mother is of Moluccan origin. This means that Irma grew up with a diverse upbringing in terms of culture, religion and values. That fueled her passion for indigenous cultures and community development. She studied International Studies and International Development at the University of Canberra, Australia. Irma: “At Hapin it is my job to network, introduce Hapin to various organisations, assess project applications, monitor ongoing projects and of course report all this to colleagues in the Netherlands. I really enjoy these tasks, it gives me the opportunity to be creative and improve my skills.”

Yvonne Carels (Chairwoman)

Yvonne Carels is the daughter of Eef Mamoribo. Her mother was born in Warsa on the island of Biak. “The Biak temperament I inherited from my mother. Biakkers are stubborn, proud people and do not do what they’re told. They create their own opinion, not influenced by others. It helps me filter what is relevant and what is really important in life.”

Andrea Koomen (Secretary)

Having grown up in the former Dutch New Guinea and pursued history studies, I have always felt a strong connection to present-day Papua. As a member of the Hapin team, I hope to contribute to the well-being of Papuans in my homeland.

Reinoud van der Baan (Treasurer)

Most of my knowledge about Papua comes from books. I have a collection specializing in the 19th century. Papua is a fascinating region with the most languages in the world and the richest flora and fauna. For a long time, I have been a donor to Hapin. As a board member, I can do more for the Papuans. And what could be more rewarding for a teacher than supporting education…

Muaha Tatipata-Ireeuw

“Even though I was born and raised in the Netherlands, I’ve always felt a strong connection to Papua. Over the course of the last 25 years I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of close relatives in Papua. Aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, even some second cousins who, in Papua, are considered grandchildren. Sadly, a lot of them have passed away. Oftentimes at a very young age. In most cases as a result of inadequate healthcare, an important social issue in Papua. Hapin supports projects in Papua on various social themes, such as education and (women)empowerment. My personal focus has always been on imaging and cultural identity/heritage, in Papua as well as in the Netherlands. As a board member of Hapin I hope to make a useful contribution.”

Samuël Itaar

“Born in the Netherlands, I have always felt connected to and involved with Papua due to my roots. As a board member, I hope to contribute to the wonderful projects supported by Hapin and help people in Papua develop further where needed.”

Moni Hanasbei

“My family roots lie in Papua and the Netherlands. I completed the dance academy and then followed a project management course (post graduate continuing professional education). I have been working in the mental healthcare (GGZ) for more than 21 years now and I have worked at a mental healthcare community project in Amsterdam since 2016. My focus is on strengthening self-control. I like to bring adults into action. Hapin is an active and warm team where I feel at home. I want to use my creativity and knowledge for Hapin.”

Wietse Tolsma

“Since 1987 I have been involved with Hapin. After a journalistic mission for Hapin to Papua I became attracted to these special people. I found that the specific relationship with the Netherlands still existed in Papua. I decided to become involved with Hapin when I saw the serious situation of the Papuans with my own eyes. The Netherlands cloaked itself in ‘guilty’ silence and I was not pleased with this. I became a member of the board and later, when Hapin expanded, I was appointed as part-time manager and project assistant, besides my work as a teacher in secondary education. I am now retired and returned to Hapin as a member of the board and as a volunteer at the office in Utrecht.”