From Raja Ampat to the World: Neda's Journey and the Power of Believing in Young People
In a village on the edge of Raja Ampat, where the reef meets some of the clearest water on earth, a young woman once wondered what her future might hold. Her name is Neda, and this International YouthDay, her storyreminds us of something worth celebrating. When the right people believe in a young person, and choose to walk beside them, the horizon suddenly stretches much further than anyone imagined.
Young people shape the future of our communities, our workplaces, and our industries. But potential rarely rises on its own. When governments, educational institutions, businesses, and communityorganisationsjoin forces, young people gain far more than encouragement. They gain the chance to keep learning, to buildreal experience, and to give back to the places that raised them.
At Atlas Pearls, supporting the next generation is close to our heart and central to our commitment to building thriving communities. By working alongside schools, universities, and community partners, we help open doors for students to continue their education and step confidently into the careers ahead of them.
Neda's story shows exactly what collaboration can make possible.
After graduating from Child Aid Papua in June this year, Neda was awarded an academic scholarship to study Hospitality at Telkom University in Bandung. To help her take that leap, Atlas Pearls provided a special scholarship covering her flight to Bandung and her accommodation costs, complementing the tuition scholarship provided by the university, so that distance and cost would never stand between Neda and her ambition.
Her connection with Atlas Pearls began through our internship program, where she gained hands on experience across several departments while completing her studies. Earlier this year, she returned during her school holidays to lead an English Camp for Grade 6 students in Selpele Village, passing on everything she had learned to the younger children in her community.
Reflecting on her journey, Neda said:
As someone born and raised in Raja Ampat, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this internship program. The experience strengthened my determination to continue my education in Hospitality at Telkom University.
I believe that the knowledge I will gain through my studies, combined with the practical experience I have already received, will provide a strong foundation for achieving my dream of building a career in the hospitality and international cruise industries.
I am committed to studying hard, giving my very best, and one day returning to contribute to the people of Papua while sharing the beauty of Raja Ampat with the world.
Neda's experience shows the quiet power of organisations working together to support young people as they continue their education and begin their careers. This International Youth Day, we celebrate Neda and the many young people across our communities who are still learning, still contributing, and still lifting up those around them.
Her story is just one of the many beautiful stories that reflect our ongoing commitment to young people, and to the communities that help support our operations. We are proud to walk alongside our partners to create opportunities that benefit young people and the communities they will one day return to shape.
