Award-Winning Education – Top Grades in the Classroom and on Stage
- Verein Child Aid Papua
- Dec 28, 2025
- 4 min read
A great deal happened at our school in Raja Ampat during the fourth quarter of 2025. With the English Contest, the year-end celebration, the film premiere, and the Christmas markets in Switzerland, it was a quarter full of challenges—both literal and figurative—but also full of joy, recognition, and visible progress for our students as well as for the development of the entire school.
A Strong Sign of Recognition: Grade A in School Accreditation
One major milestone this quarter was the school accreditation. For an entire week, representatives of the provincial education authorities visited our school, observed lessons, and reviewed the school administration, structure, and quality of teaching—in short, everything that makes a school what it is.
What moved us most was the level of appreciation shown by the evaluators. They were visibly impressed and repeatedly emphasised that, in all their years, they had never encountered a school like ours—neither in terms of quality, structure, commitment, nor atmosphere.
After a two-month waiting period, we finally received the official confirmation: Our school has been awarded the highest possible grade: A.
For us, this distinction is far more than an administrative classification—it is a powerful affirmation that high-quality, well-structured, and future-oriented education is possible even in a remote region when heart, discipline, and a clear vision come together.
Proud of Our Students – Success at the Raja Ampat Festival & English Competition
In this quarter, our children and young people not only acquired a great deal of knowledge but also had the courage to put what they learned into practice.
At the Raja Ampat Festival, they took part with traditional dances, created educational games, and invited other children to explore and learn together through play. The joy, pride, and self-confidence of our students were clearly visible.
A particular highlight was the English Contest. For the very first time, our learners participated—and immediately achieved 1st place in English debating. They even succeeded in outperforming large schools from urban areas. In addition, one of our students was awarded Best Speaker of the entire competition.
These moments demonstrate clearly: Even though our school is located far from major centres, we provide education at the highest level—and our young people are seizing this opportunity.
Further Expansion of Our Infrastructure – Space for Safety, Growth, and the Future
To ensure that education is not only possible today but sustainable in the long term, we continue to invest intensively in expanding our infrastructure.
Construction of the girls’ boarding house is currently underway—a crucial step to ensure that all our students will have a safe and reliable place to live. This is essential for the school’s development, as many children come from distant islands. Completion is planned for spring 2026 and will increase capacity by an additional 25 beds.
At the same time, the sanitary facilities are being expanded, and two additional classrooms on the second floor of the new school building are being further developed. Step by step, the school is growing—and with it, the opportunities for young people in Raja Ampat.
Closing 2025 in Raja Ampat: A Moving Year-End Celebration
The now well-established year-end event became one of the most moving moments of the entire year and fully lived up to its predecessor. Entirely planned, organised, and implemented by our students, they presented an impressive, professionally staged show—including a musical performed entirely in English.
At its heart was a powerful, identity-shaping narrative: the importance of nature, deeply rooted for generations in the culture of the indigenous people of Raja Ampat. This message was not merely told—it was brought to life through moving songs, impressive traditional dances, powerful poetry, and an exceptional student speech that deeply moved the audience.
In front of around 200 guests, the evening reached its climax with the world premiere of the documentary film “What We Learn – Nature is My Teacher.” Produced by internationally renowned and award-winning filmmaker Simon Lister, the film offers striking, authentic, and deeply moving insights into the lives, learning, and growth of our students—set in one of the most remote educational regions in the world.
The emotional imagery, authenticity, and depth of the film generated great enthusiasm among the audience and were met with standing ovations. As a special honour, Simon travelled from Australia to Raja Ampat to attend in person—an experience that ultimately made this evening a historic moment for Child Aid Papua.
Closing 2025 in Switzerland – Christmas Markets
We were also active in Switzerland. Child Aid Papua was present at two Christmas markets, creating moments of connection, conversation, emotion, and engagement with many people who supported us, asked questions, and offered encouragement. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all visitors.
The calendar sold at the Christmas markets is still available: Contact | Child Aid Papua
A Special Outlook – “What We Learn” Film Premiere Coming Soon to Switzerland
And since we are already reporting from Switzerland: another major highlight lies ahead. Following its debut in Raja Ampat, the documentary “What We Learn – Nature is My Teacher” will soon celebrate its Swiss premiere. In Glarus, on 3 January, the film will be personally presented by Jonas.
Join us in discovering the world of Child Aid Papua and gain a new perspective on our work and the daily lives of our students. Free tickets for the premiere can be reserved here:
Thank You – Your Support Is Our Future
None of these developments would be possible without your support. Every word of encouragement, every donation, and every act of shared commitment gives children and young people in Raja Ampat perspective, education, safety, and hope.Thank you for believing in education. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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