Conference AMGPM
Program evaluation and elections
A formal meeting, with a formal invitation, for Happy Green Islands. According to chairwoman Leny Latul, Happy Green Islands has long since stopped being an outsider. The foundation has earned its place in the inner circle. We’re proud of that.
For four days, around 150 members of the association are staying in the village of Oma on the island of Haruku. The annual plans are evaluated—and this year is extra special because 15 board members have to step down after reaching the maximum permitted age of 45. Board members are also allowed to hold a board position for a maximum of 10 years. That applies to Leny Latul as well, the chairwoman with whom Happy Green Islands has been collaborating for 10 years.
4 days of evaluating and adjusting
AMGPM has 10 main departments, spread across the islands of Haruku, Saparua, and Nusalaut. Under those departments, each village (27 in total) has a number of sub-departments (ranting), depending on the size of the villages. All main departments and sub-departments carry out a fixed program, including environment and living conditions.
During the conference, the programs are evaluated, adjusted, and then re-adopted for the next five years. This year it was a very exciting meeting for everyone present—and for Happy Green Islands too. Can we continue working together the way we have for the past ten years?
Ibu Jen Latuhamalo from the village of Porto has become the new chairwoman (the woman in the middle wearing a white blouse). Soon, having a cup of coffee with her is on the agenda.
Hospitality in Oma
The residents of the host village, Oma, have been busy for days preparing everything. Oma has about 600 inhabitants. Hosting some 150 visitors and providing them with accommodation and meals is a challenge. Looking back, they succeeded incredibly well. It’s truly amazing how the community in Oma works together and functions during the stay. We lacked nothing. Watch the video of the arrival, the welcome, and the opening in the church.
The unique nature of Oma
Oma is known for its unique nature. There are very few places on this planet with rivers where you can do your laundry in both hot and lukewarm water—and also bathe. Xaviera (volunteer) and I had plenty of time to walk through this nature and ride around the island on a scooter. In the photo: a spot the Portuguese already discovered and used. Together with three local residents, we ended up in the most beautiful locations—places that aren’t on Google Maps yet. Let’s keep it that way 🙂
Visit to Uncle Eli Kissya
Once on the island of Haruku, we can’t not visit Uncle Eli Kissya. He is the kepala kewang of Haruku. The kewang is the traditional guardian of the environment and protector of Moluccan culture. Uncle Eli is a bit like the last of the Mohicans—holding on to old traditions and rules of life. In modern times, that’s almost an Achilles heel. We’ve worked with him for years, and he is the honorary chair of Happy Green Islands. He is our tutor, our advisor, and above all a good friend. This time we also met his son, who will succeed him when the time comes. Xaviera struck gold 🙂
