Novince Margarita Selly
Novince Margarita Selly is a peace worker in Sentani, West Papua. She and her husband Sint are missionaries who felt called to respond to children’s need for care and attention. It is a way to witness to the world that peace is possible. She practices peace and justice with children in West Papua. She firmly believes that peace needs to be practiced daily and intentionally. In 2020, she introduced the Alternatives to Violence Project’s Creating Cultures of Peace and Justice workshop series with children in an orphanage and neighboring communities. Together with volunteer AVP facilitators, she supports a team to do Power of Goodness and Read Aloud events with children.
Photo Group RJPT 2024
The Regional Creating Cultures of Justice and Peace Training at Peace Place Pati connected me with new friends from various countries. This was my second experience facilitating at Peace Place. I felt supported and inspired listening to the experiences, challenges, and insights of all the participants. This time I came with two Onomi Imea Papua facilitators, Patianus Momiake and Beti.
I never thought I could connect with everyone in one vision of creating a Regenerative Culture of Justice and Peace. However, even though we had just met, I felt the warmth of good relationships with other participants.
The Onomi Imea team held a debrief session after the meeting to strengthen each other. Beti said “Sometimes I don’t realize that I am experiencing violence. Now, I have learned to solve my problems first by discharging my emotions. Even though in this training I was the youngest participant, I felt more confident and had the courage to speak, to share insights, and to facilitate the Power of Goodness. I feel improved. I made new friends and am happy to be able to enjoy the comfort at Peace Place. It’s new for me to experience adults playing with Lego, dolls, blocks and other toys. As far as I knew, games and toys were only for children and not for adults. I began to train myself to be honest and fair and not to rush into making decisions. Thank you for the new connections, I am touched by the invitation to this training and grateful for all the support.”
Patianus said, “I feel this is important and will introduce the non-violent approach to communities in Papua’s mountainous areas.”
As the Papuan Coordinator, I feel that the seeds of peace will spread through the power of connection from everyone who attends the Justice and Peace Training. Peace is present within everyone.
Patianus(Yellow, Center)& friends RJPT 2024
Papua Team with Sunhadi Tondomulyo Family