SARMI — The Head of the Sarmi Regency Education and Culture Office, Province of Papua, Fransina Padwa, paid a direct visit to the third day of the Terfo Traditional Weaving Training, joined by female students from elementary, junior high, and senior high schools at the GKI St. Antonius Sarmi Hall on Friday (28/11/2025). Her visit signaled strong institutional support for preserving local cultural heritage through hands-on skills training for the younger generation.
Upon arriving, Fransina greeted the participants warmly, encouraging them to continue learning, practicing, and appreciating the cultural identity they inherit. She emphasized that this training goes far beyond teaching weaving skills—it is a vital effort to revive pride in Terfo Weaving, Sarmi’s traditional textile known for its historical and cultural significance.
The enthusiasm shown by students from eight participating schools drew special appreciation from the Education Chief. She noted that their eagerness reflects how this training successfully fosters both cultural awareness and character-building amid the pressures of modern globalization.
During a brief conversation, several students expressed excitement at learning directly from experienced local weavers.
“This is a new and enjoyable experience. We want to be able to make our own fabric,” said one senior high school student enthusiastically.
The training, initiated by the Cultural Affairs Division of the Sarmi Education and Culture Office, brings in local weaving experts who teach a variety of materials, including the introduction of weaving tools, basic thread-weaving techniques, and the meaning behind Sarmi’s signature motifs.
Fransina hopes this initiative will not stop as a one-time program. She encourages schools to adopt weaving as an extracurricular activity so that Terfo Weaving becomes more than an occasional lesson—rather, a consistent component of arts and cultural education.
By planting cultural appreciation early, the young generation of Sarmi is expected to grow into guardians and successors of their rich and proud local traditions preserving a cultural identity that will continue to shine far into the future.
