Scholarship for Education and Success in Bringing Change to Papua

"There is no change without education," said Legius, currently the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Office of West Papua Province. His dedication to Papua can be realized because of his never ending fight to continue attending school from elementary until graduate school.  

As a child, Legius never imagined that he would become a civil servant. He almost dropped out of school. His family's financial condition could not afford his education in high school. "From elementary to junior high school, my mother was sick. My parents worked as elementary school teachers. So at that time, my father had to work while taking care of my mother. So the financial condition was very difficult," he said.  

One day in 1994, Legius, who was about to drop out of school, met a WVI staff member. At that time, WVI's operational office for Jayawijaya district was conducting activities with children at a church near his home. "The WVI staff approached me and asked how my school was going. I still remember when I was very difficult, this person encouraged me. He said, I have to study, I have to be patient with the situation," he said.   

Legius was still a teenager at the time. A high school student who had to think about how to make money for school fees, how he also had to think about the lives of his younger siblings finally found an oasis. The figure of the WVI staff who paid attention and became an encouragement was deeply imprinted on Legius' heart.  "Meeting with WVI staff in the past was like giving reinforcement. I was told not to be afraid. Life will be better," said Legius.  

Legius was then registered as one of the sponsored children who received educational scholarship support of IDR 100,000 per month. Legius was entitled to the support because he was an outstanding student. At that time, WVI's operational office was running an education scholarship program for bright Papuan students who were in danger of dropping out of school due to economic conditions.  

Legius used the scholarship money he received to pay for his education until he graduated from high school. In the 1990s, IDR 100,000 was already a lot of money. In addition, there was no scholarship program like this in Papua. Legius was able to use the money for books, uniforms, and to cover the cost of transportation from home to school. "Because of this support, I was able to finish high school and continue my undergraduate studies with a scholarship. I even continued with other scholarships," he said.  

Successfully getting an education because of scholarship support from WVI and the state, Legius feels he must use his life to repay all the kindness he has received. "As a Papuan child who now serves as an civil servant, I have a desire to share. I want Papua to be a blessing for many people. To achieve this, we must equip ourselves with knowledge," concluded Legius.  

In his role as Head of Department related to the management of special autonomy funds, Legius is currently also actively participating in the KOLABORASI program which is a implemented by WVI and USAID. Legius would like to see the Papuan government manage these funds 100% for the welfare of children and communities. So that Papua, which is like a small paradise in this world, can give birth to brighter generations who will achieve the sustainable development goals.

Writer: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)