The Intercultural Workshop in Nabire

Nabire-Papua. From May 11 to 17, 2026, an Interculturality Workshop-Recollection took place at Le Cocq d’Armandville College for 10th and 11th-grade students. This program aimed to provide cross-cultural life skills training, typically found in international universities, with around 15 hours of instruction per participant. The workshop included activities during the school week, culminating in a weekend of reflection.

Dr. Roberto Vale, a Brazilian researcher, facilitated the workshop. His research focused on trust in cross-cultural interactions, showing that trust issues are central to human experience and are influenced by vulnerability and decision-making. The workshop aimed to help students understand themselves, connect with peers, and build trust amid diversity. Its framework focused on three aspects: personal identity, connections, and trust.

Classes were designed to mix 10th and 11th-grade students to promote interactions between those who usually do not engage with each other. The format was mostly interactive, comprising about 80% activities, conversations, reflections, and hands-on practice, with minimal lectures involved.

The opening sessions focused deeply on cultural identity—inviting everyone to reflect on who they are, where they come from, the values they carry, and how their heritage shapes their worldview. It was interesting to see the results. In many groups, students discovered that their neighbors came from different ethnic groups, including Mee, Moni, Javanese, Toraja, Ambonese, Kei, Batak, Serui, Biak, and many others. They shared stories about barapen (stone burning), traditional houses, mother tongues, funeral ceremonies, family traditions, and even the values ​​passed down from their parents. Encouragingly, they discovered that despite their cultural differences, many values ​​converge: mutual cooperation (gotong royong), togetherness, family, and respect.

On Saturday, the focus shifted to cross-cultural communication skills. Children were encouraged to build meaningful conversations by asking good questions—not just to fill the silence, but to truly get to know others and build empathy. Roberto introduced a technique, developed from his research, showing that good questions help people build deeper connections.

He told the students, “If you can ask good questions, you will have three important life skills: you will be less lonely because you can build deep and meaningful conversations; you will be able to learn anything and from anyone; and you will have the ability to resolve relational conflicts more humanely.”

The evening session ended with a prayer around a campfire, symbolizing unity among children who usually stuck to their friend groups. Despite coming from different cultural backgrounds, they shared a common passion for supporting others. This shared experience brought a sense of warmth and connection.

On Sunday, the focus was on building mutual trust within diverse communities. The next morning, children participated in a fun exercise session, dancing to local pop songs and the Brazilian song “Axé. ” Following this, they engaged in a walking meditation with friends from Emmaus to discuss insights from the workshop.

After a week devoted to exploring identity and communication, a final session prompted students to ask important questions about safety, acceptance, and building a trusting community. Teachers also received guidance on fostering trust in diverse classrooms.

Everyone expressed gratitude for Roberto’s involvement, as his practical, relevant framework transformed their views of community. The school boasts over twenty different cultural identities, enriching the environment. The workshop also promoted intergenerational collaboration, with teachers and recent graduates taking active roles.

Roberto, usually working with smaller groups, gained valuable experience managing sixty students daily and hundreds during the retreat. He also visited a traditional market, taught refugee children, and facilitated an online cultural discussion with his wife.

Overall, the event was more than a simple workshop; it was a cross-cultural experience. It highlighted that Papua is not only a place to address challenges but also a vibrant space for learning and understanding diverse communities in new ways.

Contributor: Fr Isidorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho, S.J. and Supporting Team of Intercultural Week Kolese Le Cocq d’Armandville