14/08/2026
Tabar Circuit Women’s Ministry Concludes 5-Day Event with Call for "Change of Mindset"
TATAU, TABAR ISLANDS — The Tabar Circuit United Church Women’s Ministry successfully concluded its 2026 Implementation Meeting on Sunday, August 9, at the Tatau Kabak United Church.
The five-day gathering brought together delegates from across the Island for a blend of spiritual renewal, practical skill-building, and community outreach.
Staged under the theme "Change of Mindset" and sub-theme "Renewing the Mind, Renewing the Woman" (grounded in Romans 12:2), the program hosted attendees from Metlik, Morai, Tumadar, Malakoen, Tatau, and Kabak.
Host families in Tatau welcomed delegates throughout the event.
The sessions focused on devotional study paired with practical workshops, including training in floral design, sewing meri blouses, and producing coconut oil for local income generation.
Delegates also participated in health awareness talks aimed at strengthening family wellness across the circuit's villages.
On Day 4, delegates traveled to neighboring Simberi Island. During the visit, the group met with two head teachers from Simberi Junior High School to discuss operational challenges facing local educators.
The outreach visit brought to light six major structural and logistical challenges affecting education on Simberi:
1. Lack of Registration: The school remains unregistered, leaving it ineligible for Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding.
2. Housing Shortages: There is a severe lack of dedicated teacher housing.
3. Overcrowded Accommodations: Four teachers are currently sharing just two dorm rooms.
4. Water Security: The campus lacks proper tank water infrastructure.
5. Missing Facilities: Students and teachers operate without a functional science laboratory.
6. Administrative Hurdles: Broad operational arrangements for the junior high school require official resolution.
Following a final combined church service and commissioning on Sunday, the ministry outlined several recommendations for future gatherings: securing early planning and funding, expanding income-generating skills training, increasing health outreach programs, and actively following up on the concerns raised at Simberi Junior High School.
"This meeting has renewed our minds and strengthened our women. We go back to our stations with a new mindset to serve God and our communities better."
— Mrs. Selina Pawut-Topu, Chairlady, TCUWM
The TCUWM expressed gratitude to key supporters and stakeholders, including the Tatau Landowners Association(TLA) for a K2,000.00 contribution, the Bik Tabar Landowners Association, Simberi Mining Limited (for providing hospitality during the outreach), Carl Chen (St Skylines Buer), Jacky (Skylines Simberi), Kevin Trading (Konos), King Pawut, alongside local church leadership and host families.
