Qubisa Empowers Papua's Youth for the Digital Age

Enos, the Youth Leader of a church in Jayawijaya Regency, is having real experience on how digital skills can transform lives. Amidst limited technology access and the geographical challenges of Papua's mountainous regions, the youth have found new hope through digital literacy training facilitated by Wahana Visi Indonesia in collaboration with Qubisa. 

This training is designed to equip young people with digital skills, particularly the ability to use presentation applications like Microsoft PowerPoint. For many, these skills might seem simple, but for Enos and his peers, it is a giant leap towards self-empowerment and their community. 

During the training, Enos learned how to create effective and engaging presentations. He learned the importance of choosing the right font, using appropriate colors, and adding relevant visuals. It was not just about technicalities but about conveying messages meaningfully and effectively. 

Enos immediately applied his new knowledge to his church. The worship bulletins he created with his newfound skills received many compliments. Enos became increasingly aware of the importance of visualization in communication. When messages are well-packaged, communication flows more smoothly and helps to boost the activity’s engagement. 

Aldo, a student, also felt the positive impact of this training. "I learned how to create good presentations for school assignments. I was also taught how to select appropriate photos and videos from the internet. This knowledge is very helpful for me in completing my future assignments," Aldo said. With these skills, Aldo feels more prepared to face academic challenges in the digital age. 

Wetemina, a young woman from one of the churches, also experienced the same change. "I am very happy to attend the Qubisa training. The knowledge I gained about creating PowerPoint presentations is very useful for my college assignments and future work," she said. For her, this training was not just about gaining new skills but also about building a foundation for a successful career. 

Qubisa's support in this program has not only provided technical skills but has also boosted the spirits and self-confidence of the youth in Jayawijaya Regency. Rev. Richardo, the pastor of one of the churches, also saw the positive impact of this training. "The benefits of this training enable young people to create interactive presentations, manage the appearance of presentation slides for reports and ministry to the congregation. Thank you for everything you have given," he said. 

This training has not only improved individual skills but has also ignited the spirit of the community. Enos, Aldo, Wetemina, and other youth are now better prepared to be agents of change in their region. They are not only able to keep up with technological developments but are also ready to lead their communities towards a brighter future. This collaborative program between WVI and Qubisa is proof that with the right support, change can happen even in the most remote places. 

Author: Joko Prasetiyo (Area Programme Manager in Pegunungan Tengah, Papua) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)