Marib Integrated Christian School is situated within ward 28 of Karkar LLG in Sumkar District of Madang province. The school proudly stands as a beacon of early learning, catering to young minds in their formative stages.

The genesis of this school revolves around the remarkable tale of Jacob Malau, a venerable figure hailing from Marib village. Fueled by a profound sense of duty, Jacob embarked on a mission to address the pressing educational needs of not only his village but also the neighboring communities.

In the words of Emma Malau, Jacob’s daughter, the daily journey to acquire knowledge is an arduous one for the local pupils. Every morning, these determined students embark on lengthy treks to school and back, enduring a tiresome routine that ultimately takes a toll on their enthusiasm for learning.

Emma Malau further elucidates that the initial fervor to attend school wanes as the academic year unfolds, dampening the students’ spirits due to the sheer distance they have to traverse. The consequences of this predicament are far-reaching, casting a shadow over the educational prospects of many young children.

A dearth of formal education leaves a void that is increasingly filled by negative forces, fostering an upsurge in criminal activities and law enforcement challenges within the community.

Undeterred by the scarcity of resources, limited knowledge capacity, and financial constraints, Jacob Malau summoned the collective strength of the community. In 2018, a transformative endeavor was realized – the establishment of Marib Integrated Christian School. The fruits of Jacob’s labor were borne out of his resolute determination to make a difference.

Currently, the school’s halls resonate with the joyous echoes of over a hundred students, aged 3 to 9, who have been embraced by its early learning program. A core focus of this curriculum revolves around the fundamentals of phonics, empowering young learners with the ability to decipher sounds, letters, and the art of reading and writing.

Jacob Malau’s journey exemplifies the power of an individual’s vision and determination to sculpt a brighter future for his community. Marib Integrated Christian School now stands as a testament to the transformative impact that one person’s dedication can have on the educational landscape. However, Jacob encounters several challenges in his endeavor.

The classrooms where students gather remain incomplete, resembling open spaces furnished with only a handful of desks and a blackboard – the essentials for facilitating learning. One pressing issue is the absence of adequate fencing to enclose the school premises. This lack of boundary poses a security concern and adds to the array of challenges the school faces. Furthermore, the dedicated team of four educators and two assistants who work tirelessly to nurture the students’ growth are not compensated for their efforts.
Jacob takes it upon himself to support these instructors and helpers through community-driven fundraisers, reflecting his commitment to the cause.

Nevertheless, the road ahead is not without its obstacles. One pivotal hurdle is the need for the school to be formally registered, a crucial step in gaining recognition from the education department. Jacob envisions a brighter future for the school, one where it stands as a legitimate and acknowledged institution.

In a heartfelt plea, Jacob’s daughter, Emma, advocates on her father’s behalf. She earnestly appeals to donors, NGOs, churches, and even governmental bodies to extend their helping hand. The objective is clear: to fortify the school’s foundations, ensure fair compensation for the dedicated staff, and ultimately secure the recognition that the school rightfully deserves.

Currently, Emma is engrossed in a two-week training program focused on participatory community journalism, hosted at Alexishafen. Her purpose in undertaking this training is to contribute her newfound knowledge toward tackling some of the obstacles that Marib Integrated Christian School encounters. The training’s core objective is to foster endogenous development within the community.
As part of this initiative, a group of 30 participants hailing from diverse backgrounds such as Community Based Organizations, civil society groups, and church associations within Sumkar District are benefiting from the training’s insights.

During the initial week of the program, participants were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish their own community-based organizations. Guided by the 4-P communication strategic plan, they also delved into the realm of utilizing Android phones as tools to capture stories on film.
Armed with these newfound skills, participants are poised to chronicle the endeavors and initiatives unfolding within their communities. This documentation prowess serves a dual purpose: it aids in generating a comprehensive record of community efforts, and it facilitates the creation of compelling proposals tailored for small grants from potential donors. These grants, in turn, will be channeled into funding small-scale community projects that cater to the distinct needs of each respective community.

An important note is that this intensive two-week training initiative has been made possible through the support of the Lukautim Graun Program, underscoring the significance of collective efforts and external backing in driving positive change at the grassroots level.

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