Thelandofpapua.com – The 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) and National Teachers’ Day (HGN) was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Ceremony Field, Gunung Merah, Sentani District, Papua Province.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Strong Teachers, Great Indonesia”, emphasizing the vital role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
The event was highlighted by captivating cultural performances, including the traditional Yosim Pancar (Yospan) dance and solo singing, which brought vibrancy to the festivities. Prizes and trophies were also awarded to winners of various competitions held during the lead-up to the celebration.
Chairperson of PGRI Jayapura Regency, Andreas Swewali, explained that a series of events had been organized since November 18 to commemorate the occasion.
These included chess, pencak silat, women’s volleyball, Yospan dance, solo singing, quizzes, healthy walks, and exercise activities.
“This is the culmination of all the events we have conducted. It has been an exciting journey for everyone involved,” said Andreas.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Yospan dance competition, which saw participation from schools across the region.
Yustina Marian, a teacher from SD YPK Onomi Flafou Sentani, proudly shared that her students won first place in the competition.
“Our 12 students trained intensively for two weeks under a dedicated coach. They practiced diligently in the mornings at school and in the afternoons at home,” said Yustina.
She also noted that the school’s focus on extracurricular activities has significantly contributed to their students’ success in various competitions.
“There are other extracurricular programs at our school, but this group excelled in the dance program,” she added.
The victory earned the school a trophy and a coaching fund, further motivating the students and staff.
The celebration not only recognized the dedication of teachers but also showcased the talents and cultural heritage of Papua, underlining the importance of nurturing creativity and excellence among students.
