When Neas Wanimbo, a young Indonesian from Wamena, Papua-Indonesia, first participated in an IofC event in Indonesia in 2016, he was shy and not confident. ‘I’m sorry, my English is not good,’ he would say haltingly during that Asia Pacific Youth Conference.
Years later, he stood on a podium at Arizona State University in front of hundreds of people as an Indonesian delegate for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). Neas is the founder of the Hano Wene Foundation — ‘hano wene’ meaning ‘good news’ in his Wamena language — a movement initiated by young people who care about education. Their aim is to build libraries and reading gardens in remote villages deep in the Papuan interior.
In October 2025 Neas arrived in Melbourne to participate in a Life Matters workshop in Melbourne. He reflects on his experience and what it has taught him:
The first time I set foot on Indigenous land at Melbourne Airport, a wave of deep emotion overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my face. I took a moment to calm myself in the bathroom and offered a silent prayer, feeling profoundly grateful to have arrived safely after such a long journey. Standing there, I felt a strong connection to the land and to the history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, a feeling that reminded me of the experiences and struggles of Indigenous communities in Papua.
Participating in this exchange program has been an incredibly meaningful experience, both for me personally and for the work of the Hano Wene Foundation in Papua. The first benefit was the improvement of my English skills. Every conversation, discussion, and piece of writing challenged me to communicate clearly and confidently. At first, it was intimidating, but over time, I noticed my confidence growing and my vocabulary expanding. I can already see how these skills will be invaluable in collaborating with international partners who want to support Hano Wene’s literacy initiatives in Papua.
Another highlight was the opportunity to build that international network. At the Life Matters workshop I met people from many countries, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Through these connections, opportunities for collaboration have opened up that could strengthen literacy and education programs in remote parts of Papua. Some of my new friends have offered direct support through donations, books and purchases of souvenirs created by the Hano Wene community. These gestures are deeply encouraging, showing that our work resonates beyond our immediate environment
Perhaps most importantly, the workshop offered me emotional support and a sense of renewal. When I was invited me to join, I was exhausted and overwhelmed, on the verge of burnout from my work. Stepping into this program gave me a space to pause, reflect, and rediscover my motivation. It reminded me why I began this journey—to bring hope, learning, and opportunity to the children of Papua.
Overall, the workshop has been refreshing for both my heart and mind. It has strengthened my commitment, renewed my energy, and reinforced the foundation of my work. I return from this experience more inspired than ever to continue spreading good, through education and literacy, carrying with me the lessons, connections, and hope that I gained in Melbourne.
If Neas’ story inspired you, join us at the next Life Matters workshop in Melbourne in February 2026. A three-day workshop, Life Matters helps people of all ages from diverse cultural backgrounds to be confident that they matter and belong, and can make a difference.