A Teacher on a Mission

Helbert “Hil” Pamat is a registered Tagakolu teacher and is known as one of the most passionate and creative educators among his peers. For over 10 years, he has dedicated his life to teaching his community at the Malita Tagakaulo Mission, ensuring that his pupils receive quality, relevant, and culture-based education at the IP School Lebleb.

Since 2021, Hil’s salary and ongoing training have been supported by Assisi’s PIP-IP education program. Before the establishment of the IP School Lebleb, young children faced significant challenges in accessing education. They had to cross dangerous rivers and creeks to reach the nearest public elementary school. Tragically, this perilous journey led to the death of a Grade 1 pupil, Aljun Manuel—on his sixth birthday, September 18, 2011.

Following this heartbreaking incident, the community appealed to the Department of Education to establish a school. However, their request was denied due to insufficient enrollment numbers. Undeterred, the community sought help from the Missionaries of Jesus, administrators of the Malita Tagakaulo Mission. This marked the beginning of their journey with MATAMIS.

Hil acknowledges the ongoing challenges his community faces. “For me, it’s the forced migration of families due to a lack of stable economic activities,” he said. This migration often results in young children dropping out of school, a reality that threatens their culture and society. Once families relocate to cities and integrate into the cash economy, they gradually lose their connection to their land and heritage.

Despite these struggles, Hil is inspired by the cooperation and relentless efforts of those who remain to sustain the school.

He considers Assisi’s presence in his community a blessing, describing their partnership as “meaningful, holy, and something to be proud of.” Hil believes the principles of sustainability and collaboration instilled by Assisi continue to fuel their work.

“I dream of a time when our IP school can be fully sustainable. I pray that God will continue to grant us the courage and strength to sustain the work for IP education,” Hil expressed, with hope and determination.