West Papua students secure future in New Zealand with new jobs

A group of students from West Papua fearful about their future have been able to secure work visas and jobs through a construction company.

About 40 students from the Indonesia province have been studying at different tertiary institutions in New Zealand, but their place in the country came under threat when their scholarships were unexpectedly stopped.

In December they received a letter from the Provincial Government of Papua saying their living allowances, travel and study fees were stopping and they had to return home because their studies had not met expectations. About 12 have since returned home, but the rest were concerned about their future.

In May eight of the students finished their carpentry course at Palmerston North polytech UCOL, but things remained uncertain.

But through a connection at the Grace City Church in Palmerston North, the students got in touch with Patrick Phoa, a health and safety advisor for V-Pro Construction in Manawatū, and they secured working visas through support from the company.

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One of the students, Roy Towolom, said they were all thankful at being able to get work and stay in New Zealand.

“It’s a miracle. It’s pretty unreal. We thank God that all the boys have got a good opportunity.”

They are living in shared accommodation, but are now earning and are able to pay rent.

Towolom said it was a good opportunity for them to learn and they were enjoying the job.

Phoa arranged interviews with the students and said he was happy they were able to stay and contribute to the community.

He had previously worked in student support at tertiary institute IPU New Zealand.

“I treat them like my sons. I’m looking after them.”

The company’s owner and managing director Jacky Xing said the new recruits had been helpful and they were training them.

He had been keen to support the men once he heard of their situation.

“We really wanted to help once we knew they were in a critical situation. We knew we had to act fast rather than later.”

The Papuan Students’ Association Oceania has been advocating for the students who lost their scholarships.

Of the remaining students at UCOL, one is still waiting on a work visa and the others are waiting for their tuition fees to be paid so they can proceed.

There are other students at IPU, Massey University, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology and Ardmore Flying School, who are being supported by churches and community groups.

Some are still having their tuition fees covered by the provincial government, while others are working with the provincial government to pay the fees or to get a new visa.