Ukarumpa

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Ukarumpa is the main center for Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in Papua New Guinea, located in the Eastern Highlands Province. It lies approximately 7 miles (11 km) by road from Kainantu in the Aiyura Valley. The population consists of a variety of Christian workers, their families and local employees. The base was established in the late 1950s by Wycliffe Bible Translators. The current population is approximately 500. The function of Ukarumpa is to serve as an operations base for translators, linguists, literacy specialists, teachers and other professionals who are mainly volunteer workers with SIL. SIL is a sister organization to Wycliffe Bible Translators, and is a world-class scientific organization with a strong emphasis on linguistic research and literacy, as well as translation.

Contents 1 History 1.1 High Society 1.2 Significant buildings 2 Geographical Notes 3 See also

[edit] History

The 99 year lease for the 500 acres (2 km²) at Ukarumpa was signed by Dick Pittman for the Summer Institute of Linguistics on October 4, 1956. Dr. Jim Dean, his wife Gladys and their children took up residence at Ukarumpa later in the month.

The ground was originally a plot of land that was disputed for ownership by the local villagers from Tairora and Gadsup. It was to settle the dispute that the Government leased this land to SIL, but this didn't stop the dispute over the land..

Originally the land was very barren with no trees or development of any sort. The missionaries planted trees which brought back birdlife. All of the buildings and roads were built by mission volunteers with financial support from their home churches.

[edit] High Society

• Hottest Couple: Thom and Jonelle
• Coolest Parents: Aunt Andy & Momma Kay
• Weirdest Kids: Sam and Katherine
• Best Youth Group Leaders: Bruce and Jenny
• Best Dessert: Patty's Lemon Cake
• Best Meal: Brian's Fajitas del Kakaruk

[edit] Significant buildings

• The Rankin Moffett memorial meeting house. Cement and tin sheet construction.
• The Saw Mill (one of the first western style buildings) - Corrugated Iron walls and roof.
• The Linguistic Centre and Library - notable architecture designed by Jack Ruth.
• Dorelo, Dean, Naz, Nipa and other children's homes.
• The old clinic.
• The "Store". Corrugated iron roof AND walls.
• The Radio Shack and telephone building.
• The engineering workshop and autoshop.
• The Ukarumpa International School
• The post office.
• The Memorial Teen Centre - (A memorial to Jackie Ruth and Ross Entz, Ukarumpa Teens who each died in vehicle accidents in 1975).
• The Printshop.
• The Guesthouse
• The Firestation next to Dodson's old house (knocked down in late 1970's).

[edit] Geographical Notes

Altitude: Approx 5200 ft. (or 1500 m )

Climate: Equatorial Highland - cool days and nights with daily afternoon rains.

Flora: "Evergreen" trees (Pine, Eucalyptus, Causarina), Coffee plantations nearby, Kunai grass covered hills.

Located on the Bae'e River. The Bae'e originates upstream from Ukarumpa and runs past the Gadsup village on to Kainantu.

[edit] See also

• Ukarumpa International School (formerly known as Ukarumpa High School and Aiyura International Primary School)