Ukarumpa
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Ukarumpa Eastern Highlands,Papua New Guinea |
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| Population: | 500 |
| Main languages: | English |
| Elevation: | 1,500 m (4,921 ft) |
| Coordinates: | |
| Location: | 11 km from Kainantu |
 Aerial photo of Ukarumpa in the 1970s |
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Ukarumpa is a gated community and intentional community that 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 employees. The base was established in the late 1950s by Wycliffe Bible Translators. The current population is approximately 1000. 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 International 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.
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[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.[citation needed]
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 donations.[citation needed]
[edit] Teen Life in Ukarumpa
There is an international school on the center, and the Teen Centre, a place for teens to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights, and eat dinner. Teen Centre also provides paying jobs for the teens.
Many people grow up there and learn to love it. Many of the missionaries currently living there grew up there and returned to where they felt was home.
Others, however, do not. For security reasons, there is a razor-wire fence surrounding the center. The internet use is censored and monitored. A curfew is in effect every night and you are not allowed to walk between 11pm and 6am.
[edit] Significant buildings
- The Rankin Moffett memorial meeting house. Cement and tin sheet construction. This building is the meeting place for church meetings, school productions, movie nights, and anything else that might need a stage and/or lots of seating.
- 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, Teen Manor, Rhema, ECP, Townsend, Lutheran and other children's homes. These are also called "Hostels." They are where the youth stay when their parents move to their villages to translate the Bible or do other missionary work.
- The clinic.
- The Store. Its name is actually "SIL Members Store" but since it is the only store in Ukarumpa it is generally referred to simply as "the store." Corrugated iron roof and walls.
- The radio shack and telephone building (now called "CTS").
- The engineering workshop and auto shop.
- 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). (Almost) every Friday they serve burgers and other traditional fast foods.
- The Printshop.
- The Guesthouse
- The Fire station next to Dodson's old house (knocked down in late 1970s).
[edit] Geographical Notes
The complex is at an altitude of approximately 5200 feet (or 1500 m). The climate is Equatorial Highland; there are cool days and nights, with daily afternoon rains between November and March.
The flora are primarily Evergreen trees (Pine, Eucalyptus, Causarina); there are also Coffee plantations nearby, and Kunai grass covered hills.
The complex is 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)
