Patianus facilitated reading the story, Power of Goodness workshop, Hosanna Papua Orphanages
My name is Patianus Momiake, also known as Patianus Penyayang (Caring Patianus) among friends in the Onomi Imea Papua Peace Volunteer Community.
I am the second child in a family of four siblings. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when our parents were killed by residents in Paima Village due to circumstances beyond our control. In the wake of this devastating event, I made the difficult decision to leave the village and discontinue my education in Jayapura. My father was an evangelist, and my mother was the head of a Kamugu (community group) in Paima Villages, Yahukimo.
I am currently in my sixth semester at Sekolah Tinggi Agama Kristen Protestan, where I am majoring in Christian Religious Education. Fortunately, I was awarded a scholarship that enables me to pursue my studies. Despite hardships, my family instilled in me a sense of passion and dedication in everything I do. As a result, I have taken on various odd jobs to support my daily needs and help finance my younger brother’s education, who is currently in his second year of senior high school.
In April 2022, I had the privilege of attending the online Creating Cultures of Peace training offered by Peace Place Pati, Indonesia, thanks to an invitation from my friend, Sint Aidit Tokoro. This experience proved to be transformative, as it led me to join the Onomi Imea Peace Volunteer Team in Papua.
As a member of this team, I feel honored and deeply responsible for helping individuals who have experienced violence in their lives. To further enhance my skills, I underwent training and served as a face-to-face Power of Goodness and Creating Cultures of Peace facilitator at the Hosanna Papua Sentani Orphanage.
Being a facilitator evokes a range of emotions within me, including empathy and concern. I interact with individuals who have endured difficult and traumatic situations, and they attend the training in search of support and a chance to break free from the cycle of violence. Witnessing their courage in the face of adversity and their determination to find better solutions inspires me to continue growing and practicing.
Listening to their stories and experiences is challenging, but I have learned to remain calm, compassionate, and attentive. Each participant has a unique background and set of needs, and I strive to create a safe and supportive group environment where they feel valued, heard, and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. Building trust and maintaining confidentiality are crucial aspects of my role.
I am grateful that practicing non-violence has played a significant role in my own healing journey. It has helped me bring out the best in myself and others, fostering healthy relationships. Moreover, it has empowered me to gain control over my emotions and overcome the trauma I experienced. I continue to practice and am fortunate to receive support from friends in the community.