PAPUAN HIGHLANDS
Mustard Seed's work in the Papuan Highlands began in 1976, when founder Lillian Dickson partnered with Dr. Bob Pierce (founder of World Vision) to establish the first school and teacher training program. Their work continues to shape education in Papua, which has expanded to include one legacy school, four partner schools, and three TransformNation (TfN) Alumni schools across the island.
Despite its rich natural resources, including world-class mining, Papua remains one of Indonesia's most underdeveloped regions. Political instability, tribal conflicts, and rugged terrain hinder progress. Of Papua's 3.5 million residents, nearly 30% live in poverty, with rates exceeding 40% in some areas. Illiteracy affects 21% of the population, and persistent gender inequality limits opportunities for women and girls.
