Since 2019, FORCLIME has organized an internship programme for students from universities in Tanah Papua. During 2023, FORCLIME continued with its internship programme, which this year was organized for seven students drawn from four universities across Papua, specifically Papua University, Cenderawasih University, Ottow Geissler University Papua and Musamus University. Prior to their deployment in the field in order to participate directly in the implementation of FORCLIME activities, intern students attended an introductory workshop, which aimed to increase their overall knowledge and skills, particularly in relation to FORCLIME activities. The internship programme was implemented for a period of six months between 3 October 2023 and 4 April 2024.

Prior to the end of the programme, the interns made a presentation of what they had learned during their internships. This session also aimed to evaluate FORCLIME in terms of its organization of the internship programme. This presentation was divided into four sessions that were held from 22 – 28 March 2024 in line with the following schedules and presenters:

1. Hana Soakakone and Pradista Dwi Saputri from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cenderawasih University (22 March 2024).
2. John B. Hassor and Br. Yosina Demetouw from the Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Marine Sciences, Ottow Geissler University, Papua (25 March 2024).
3. Adi Prasetyo from Musamus University (25 March 2024).
4. Papua Pastimair Deijka Peday and Rizal from the Faculty of Forestry, University of Papua (28 March 2024).

“Through the internship programme, students not only received the opportunity to study in college but also to complete internships. So that they could get to know the working environment better, while the universities also had the opportunity to learn about FORCLIME and its various projects. This means that the universities receive inputs and thus get to improve their programmes in line with developments that relate to forestry and environmental issues, as implemented by FORCLIME," explained Deputy Dean 3 of Papua University, Dr. Petrus A. Dimara.

Lecturers from each university expressed their appreciation for FORCLIME‘s internship programme. From the presentation given, these lecturers determined that the participating interns had been given the opportunity to put the knowledge that they had learned on campus into practice.

“We would like to thank GIZ for the collaboration with Cenderawasih University, which was originally initiated back in 2019. During this time we have witnessed our students completing their tasks with skill and becoming increasingly confident. Another important message to convey is that FORCLIME internship alumni quickly manage to secure jobs after graduation," explained Dr. Noper Tulak, a lecturer from Cenderawasih University.

The attending lecturers also expressed their hope that the internship programme would continue due to its enormous benefits. Moreover, the lecturers also expressed the hope that the implementation of the internship programme would be brought into line with the university schedule so that it won‘t interfere with lectures.

For more information, please contact:
Anna Manyakori, Adviser for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Province
Otniel Effruan, Junior Adviser for Rural Livelihood, Forest Management and Conservation Southwest Papua Barat
Edy Marbyanto, Strategic Area Manager for Human Capacity Development
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Tanah Papua