13 June 2022
“All roads lead to Rome”
This saying indeed applies to Priska Maria Poana, a YPMAK scholarship recipient who graduated from Sam Ratulangi University with a degree in dental medicine.
The Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation YPMAK which manages the PT Freeport Indonesia partnership fund consistently endeavors to improve the standard of living of the Amungme and Kamoro people, along with their 5 kindred tribes, through award of academic scholarships to children of the Amungme , Kamoro and 5 kindred tribes.
One such YPMAK scholarship recipient is Priska Maria Poana who on 7 June 2022 took part in a commencement ceremonyn at Sam Ratulangi (Unsrat) Manado University in North Sulawesi. Born in Jayapura on 24 March 1989, she has been a YPMAK scholarship program participant from middle school through university. “My first participation in the YPMAK scholarship program was in middle school and high school. Although I was born in Jayapura, YPMAK keeps track of Kamoro children,” Priska said.
At one point after graduating from high school and beginning studies in university, she lost contact with YPMAK. But her family became aware of a YPMAK scholarships award program and asked her to return to Timika to join the program, as at the time she was still staying in Jayapura.
After reviewing her academic track record, YPMAK invited Priska to join their scholarship program, and under the program she was accepted at Sam Ratulangi (Unsrat) University School of Dental Medicine in Manado, North Sulawesi.
“It was not difficult for me to be accepted in the YPMAK scholarship program. YPMAK consistently keeps track of, and monitors Amungme and Kamoro children, and perhaps the 5 kindred tribes as well, and summons those who are eager to further their education,” said the eldest of the three children of the couple Max Alberto Werluken and Margaretha Bernadetha Poana.
In other words, in order to join the scholarship program, the interested individual must proactively seek information. Gaining a scholarship is not difficult, and there are no specific requirements. “Well, at least you must be unmarried, and be easily adaptable to your environment. As for grades, there appears to be no limitation, so any Amor child anywhere willing to acquire schooling should just register,” she said.
To boot, YPMAK engages several schools and universities in their scholarship program. So, scholarship program participants are accorded special consideration.
Throughout the program she was only required to focus on her studies. YPMAK attended to all other matters with the university concerned. “In addition to taking courses, I enjoyed numerous facilities, such as regular six-monthly medical checkups, and participating in retreats for spiritual guidance every 3 months. There were recreational breaks as well, staying in hotels and joining tours, and the most momentous experience for me was the opportunity to represent Unsrat students at Harvard University, America for 2 months,” she recounted.
Representing Unsrat at Harvard University
While studying in university, she was afforded the opportunity to go to Harvard University to take part in the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) program. This was not instantly determined, but took into consideration her academic performance, in particular in the English language. All expenses were borne by YPMAK, from passport to visa arrangements, and tuition and living costs at Harvard University. “Only 7 were selected out of a list of 20. And two of the seven were YPMAK scholarship recipients, myself, and dr. Herlina Somilena, and that is a special point of pride for me,” she said.
Dispatching Unsrat students to Harvard University is part of a program for student associations from UN member nations. At Harvard they engage in discussions and dialog, and at the time she was assigned the topic of cyber security in Timor Leste. As Timor Leste is a recently established nation, suggestions and inputs were requested on this topic. “Although it was only for two months, my experience in Harvard University was truly exceptional for me, as it is not afforded to everyone,” she said.
Her experience proves getting schooling is not difficult. For Papuan youths, in particular the Kamoro in Mimika, facilitation is available, namely through YPMAK, and all that is required is will. “There are many opportunities open out there that we can seize. I was able to go to Harvard University. I am able to realize my ambition to become a dentist. Everyone knows it is expensive to become a dentist, entailing the high cost of dental medicine equipment and seeking patients on your own during the Koas (Co-Assistant) period,” she divulged.
Kami menghimbau para pencari kerja untuk berhati-hati dan mewaspadai beragam modus penipuan perekrutan yang mengatasnamakan PT Freeport Indonesia. Dalam setiap proses rekrutmen dan penerimaan karyawan, PT Freeport Indonesia maupun konsultan rekruitmennya tidak memungut biaya apapun.
Untuk melihat lowongan, silakan akses melalui link berikut: ptfi e-recruitment
Untuk melihat informasi magang, silakan akses melalui link berikut: Internship Program
