First Evaluation of Siberut's PBA Programme

The first evaluation of the Siberut PBA programme in Mentawai Islands Regency has begun. The evaluation team consists of LAI staff and personnel from each location. The first location is in the sub-district of Southwest Siberut, which was held from 9-12 November in the hamlets of Peipei, Taileleu, Bolotok, Malilimo, and Toloulaggo.

On Thursday, 9 November 2023 the team evaluated 5 study groups in Peipei Hamlet. Then continued on 10-11 November 2023. This time the evaluation team was divided into two, respectively for Taileleu hamlet with 9 study groups and Bolotok with 6 study groups.

The journey to Bolotok took 5 hours from Taileleu by pompong(small boat) with 4 PK engine through the river and against the current. It was a challenge because the river was receding.

On Sunday, 12 November 2023, the evaluation team went to Malilimo and Toloulaggo hamlets, which consisted of 3 study groups. As these two hamlets are located close together, the evaluation could be conducted on the same day mnoting the results in Southwest Siberut sub-district, it seems that around 50% of the learners have started to be able to read. With this new ability, some have dared to be involved in the world of service in the church for example sermon(bible study) made by the church. Previously, they tended to refuse to participate in these activities because they were ashamed of their inability to read. On the sidelines of the evaluation, the team also had time to give some short lessons and motivation for the tutors to be enterprising and patient in teaching.

The Siberut PBA evaluation team's journey will continue to South Siberut and Central Siberut sub-districts until 19 November 2023, with a total of 33 more study groups still to be evaluated.Hopefully this evaluation will give us an idea of how the learning has gone over the past few months and help us strategise for the last 4-5 months of the programme, all with the aim of getting more people reading the Bible. From Muara Siberut, "Bible Greetings to All!"