Suku Mentawai

Fransiskus also added, “This program is important because if we do not take the initiative and take advantage of this opportunity then our culture will be lost and our children and community will be destined for poverty, or worse, disappear. An impoverished culture is as harmful as abject poverty. We have seen a really positive impact on our Mentawai community – particularly the younger generation, since the cultural and environmental learning program has been running here in Siberut Island. The program is now running in six different villages and we have over 350 students. Parents are seeing their children develop new skills and understanding of our cultural wisdom, such as gathering from the forest, making handicrafts, and learning Mentawai’s traditional story, song and dance.”

SUKU MENTAWAI AND THE INDIGENOUS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

YPBM Director, Fransiskus Yan, says “Mentawai youth leaders and IEF Founder, Rob Henry, began working together in 2010-2011. In the early stages, Rob assisted a team of young Mentawai researchers to conduct a baseline survey. By 2013, we had established a suku Mentawai cultural education foundation to develop a program. We are very grateful that the relationship between YPBM and IEF has always been open, honest and focuses on enabling us Mentawai to find our own way forward. We appreciate the way in which Rob and IEF have supported us, but it is the encouragement to be as we are and to assert ourselves that has made the difference.”

To learn more about Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai’s inspiring program and achievements, visit their website at www.sukumentawai.org

Support YPBM and their objectives by making a donation via IEF. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. 100% of your donation is given toward their program initiatives.

Key documents

2011-2012 Community Research Report YPBM activities and achievements, 2017-2019 YPBM monthly activity reports, 2017 onwards