History of Partnership between West Papua and UCSA

Uniting World Relief and Development operate livelihood programs through the GKI Department of Diakonia. Meanwhile, Uniting World Church Connections is committed to supporting advocacy work through the GKI Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Unit.

A significant focus of the Partnership is supported educational programs through I.S. Kijne Theological College and Ottow and Geissler University (both operated by the GKI) and health projects through the GKI Department of Diakonia. Connections with the university involve support for English language programs and the provision of resources (books, IT etc). Support for health programs come through a focus on the development of a clinic of Numfor Island (funded by groups such as the International Mission Op Shop based at St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church Glenelg) and a focus on the diagnosis and care of HIV/AIDS patients through a clinic In Yoka, near Jayapura (funded by projects such as the Waikerie Dried Fruits Project led by Jennie Hosking).

Relationships between the two churches were strengthened by the placement of Rev Adam and Mrs Kate Tretheway in Abepura from 2001-2004. In addition there have been substantial visits to Papua by the Blackwood Uniting Church Congregation and visits from various church leaders, students at I.S. Kijne Theological College, youth from I.S. Kijne congregation attended SAYCO in 2005, young people from Biak Island attended the 2009 Assembly (and then spent time in Adelaide) and other young people from the Biak/Numfor region have been hosted by Blackwood UC.  Unfortunately for various reasons, primarily related to difficulties in obtaining visas, there have been limited visits on either side in recent years.

There have been significant projects and activities pursued to give effect to the Partnership which include:

  1. Supporting medical treatment for Flora, who is a young woman from the Island of Numfor, to obtain a prosthetic foot - run by Blackwood Uniting Church
  2. Developing a Medical Clinic on the Island of Numfor
  3. Providing resources for a Medicine Shop on the Island on Numfor
  4. Developing links with the students of the Theological College (STT)
  5. Financially supporting the Women’s Centre and HIV/Aids Clinic (P3W) in Walihole
  6. Providing medical equipment for the Medical Centre on the Island of Biak
  7. Purchasing a boat to facilitate transport for the Island of Biak