Testimonials

Testimonials: Impacts of Ragats Programs

Ragats are volunteers who pay attention to the progress of society, especially people in the Ewer parish area. It has been in the Agats area since 2018. Involved in children's education and health, and also paying attention to the spiritual life of Catholics by providing prayer facilities and enthusiasm for worship because there are benches and buildings available. Even though this is still on a small scale, over time, we realize that we are building a school culture.

Currently, children who study English in the afternoon are increasingly forming a good learning lifestyle. Likewise, I believe that in villages that study online, a good learning lifestyle will also be formed. Discipline and so on. Apart from that, many children in Agats excel in class because their grades are good. Of the 7 students, 5 students ranked in the top 5.

Another factor that helps the children we foster is the provision of breakfast by the Ragats. Every time before breakfast, I oblige them to attend Mass at the cathedral or at the monastery.

Ragats are great. They can be in remote villages and really get involved in easing the burden on their work partners.Thank you Ragats.

So far we have collaborated with Ragats in the form of social health services, in villages such as Yepem, Per, Uwus, Aou to support health services in Asmat Regency.

By collaborating with specialist pediatricians, health checks for babies, toddlers and children will become more specific, bringing specialist services closer to the villages.

It is hoped that this social health service program can continue to run despite human resource constraints by targeting areas far from public health centers.

I feel very happy to be able to help teach Agats children who are very different from Jakarta children whom everything was there. Teaching them is a big challenge for me with all its limitations. Firstly, I have to teach online. Secondly, the signal is sometimes unstable, thirdly the children's abilities are not the same. However, the reward is that the child is very passionate and enthusiastic. Little by little they have started to be able to say hello, count, ask simple questions and answers, and acquire vocabulary that suits their surroundings. This lessons make them not too left behind from their friends in the city.

Actually, this activity really helps us at school too. With online classes they can have time to study in the afternoon.

“and do not stop caring for the vine that has been entrusted to you. After that, leave the rest in God's hands so that He can perform His miracles at the best time according to Him."

— St. Angela

Historically, Asmat has struggled with inadequate infrastructure, resources that have not been optimally managed and cultural differences that have hampered the delivery of qualified education. Many schools in the region lack adequate facilities, trained teachers, and relevant curriculum.

Realizing this urgent need for change, in the last six years, Ragats in collaboration with the Agats Diocese took an important step to increase access to non-formal education for Asmat children.

The impact of the Online Class Program in Asmat is very impressive. Children become more confident, brave and able to work together. Children also show better academic abilities in formal schools. This progress truly brings hope because the journey towards developing the Asmat Community is still far from over. Children in Asmat have emerged and their consistency still needs to be maintained. As one of the caregivers who was given the opportunity by Ragast, I also experienced a transformation in faith, hope and love. Apart from that, there is a special joy in being able to accompany Asmat children.

Thank you RAGATS friends for bringing a new color to education in Bayun village.

Initially, the Asmat children took part in the Watercolor Holiday Class that I held in July 2022. After that, they continued to learn to draw every Wednesday, after school. Currently there are 4 villages participating: Per, Uwus, Ewer and Yepem. Because the class is online, sometimes the internet network becomes a problem. But I was amazed, they were still enthusiastic about learning.

The development of children's abilities is very rapid. From the beginning their drawings were only small in the corner of the paper, now they are able to draw big and colorful drawings. At first they were shy, now they have the courage to answer questions out loud.

Hopefully, this activity will bring joy, hope and the opportunity to continue moving forward for Asmat children.

Thank you Ragats, because this online class is very helpful for the children, as we usually have activities on Saturdays and we ask Pastor Sixtus to be the speaker.

And praise God, it has been almost three weeks since the children who never went to church and used to loiter on the streets every Sunday are no longer there.

Yesterday, I was at church and a member of the community said to convey their thanks to Ragats who organized this activity.

And I am very happy too.

Testimonial of the impact of having live in Ragats staff/ teachers in Per Village.

When Mr. Longginus Hadi arrived and lived among the people of Per village, there was an adaption proses. The results were visible when I went there; Mr. Longginus's concern was always going to class even if other teachers were not present. Currently, the condition of Per village is much more advanced since Mr. Longginus was there. Stands out from other places as well as the church life of its people. Another team must be there to provide him with ammunition. Supporting team that conceptualizes and thinks about the development of the evaluation data. So that, education in Ewer and Per village are good because the teachers are quite reliable.

Compared to parishes in other villages outside Agats, the facilities of the parishes that Ragats has served are superior, better and updated than other parishes. Also, in terms of quantity, the addition of nutrients is better.

Mr. Jonson is amazing. A teacher who loves education and wants the children of developed countries to achieve their dreams. Mr. Jonson is a passionate person full of dedication and loyalty. Mr. Jonson's presence brought a hopeful color to education in Bayun. Online learning media is also very helpful and has its own charm. All of this exists and is possible thanks to the presence and full support of RAGATS.

On behalf of YPPK Yan Smit and personally, I would like to express my thanks very much for the full attention and support from the RAGATS Community.

God bless.

Mr. Jonson arrived at the Roh Kudus Bayun parish on April 06, 2024. During this time Mr. Jonson lived with me in the rectory. In his daily activities, Mr. Jonson helps to teach at YPPK Roh Kudus Bayun Elementary School.

Apart from that, during this month there will also be distance learning activities via Zoom which are mastered by Ragats. He also helps at the church with choir practice and the preparation of the officers for the prayer service and the Eucharist. Sometimes he also goes to stations during tornei and other activities, such as visiting and providing green bean porridge for children in villages and bevak places to find food.

In short, Mr. Jonson's presence at the Roh Kudus Bayun parish was very helpful, both in the educational and pastoral fields.

Thank You.