Phase I Evaluation of Siberut PBA, Mentawai

On 13-15 November 2023, Phase I Evaluation of PBA Siberut, Mentawai Islands Regency was conducted for 14 study groups in South Siberut Sub-district, namely in Buttui, Ugai, Masipaket, Rokdog, and Salappa Hamlets, and there is one remaining group in Southwest Siberut, namely in Sarausau.

Apart from Salappa Hamlet, all other hamlets can be reached by motorbike by road. Salappa is the furthest hamlet. To get there, the team had to travel through a river that was shallow due to the dry season by pompong for 4 hours from Muara Siberut (where the PBA Siberut office is located).

 

In Salappa, the team evaluated two study groups run by a young tutor with learners who were, on average, much older than the tutor. However, this did not deter her from continuing to teach.

 

"Sometimes today we learn letters and they already know, but the next day they have forgotten again. But I'm happy because even though it's difficult and they often forget, they are diligent in joining this reading class," explained Kirenius Pareu Salaisek, a tutor at Salappa. He also said, "My hope is actually simple, so that they can know how to write so that when they want to send things to children or relatives who are far away, they can write their own names or messages on the boxes or their shipments."

The results of the phase 1 evaluation in South Siberut sub-district were also quite satisfactory as many were able to read, write and calculate well. This adds enthusiasm and hope that those who previously did not know letters and reading will one day be able to read the Bible together as God's people.

After South Siberut, on 16-19 November 2023, the evaluation will continue to Central Siberut District with 19 study groups. Let us pray that the evaluation will run smoothly and that the evaluation team, tutors and learners remain healthy, diligent and joyful. The evaluation will continue to Siberut Tengah Sub-district with 19 study groups.

From Muara Siberut, Biblical Greetings to All.