Sorong, January 21, 2026 — A strategic step in the development of Papua's youth capacity has once again been taken. The Mutiara Hitam Papua Foundation has partnered with GKI Sorong Classis to launch the Black Pearl English Course (BPEC) Sorong. The official meeting took place at the GKI Sorong Classis office on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

In the meeting, Fred Bundah, Director of the Mutiara Hitam Papua Foundation, was present along with Arthur Ross Gobby from Black Pearl Network Australia. From the GKI Sorong Classis side, the Chairperson, Rev. Jeane Fonataba Haurissa, S.Th., M.Si., was also present.

Fred Bundah stated that the BPEC Sorong program aims to provide affordable English courses for children and youth in the service area of GKI Sorong. "Sorong is the gateway to tourism in Papua. The younger generation needs to be prepared with adequate English skills to actively participate in the tourism industry," said Fred. He also added that BPEC Sorong is the 15th center developed by the foundation, continuing the success of the previous 14 centers in Papua.

In addition to supporting the tourism sector, this program is also designed to help the youth compete for scholarships, both domestically and internationally.

The Chairperson of GKI Sorong Classis, Rev. Jeane Fonataba Haurissa, welcomed the collaboration. "The Classis fully supports this program and will coordinate with all stakeholders within the classis and congregations to ensure its successful implementation. This is a golden opportunity for children in the GKI Sorong service area to develop their English skills," she emphasized.

In addition to BPEC, this partnership also includes the development of the Black Pearl English Academy in Sorong, business and entrepreneurship training, and encouraging the participation of Papua's children in the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) program to Australia.

This initiative is part of the joint commitment to build a brighter future for the younger generation of Papua through education and sustainable empowerment.