Rota volunteers help improve education in Indonesia.
Doha: To foster the spirit of volunteerism and service learning in Qatari society, a team of 24 Reach Out To Asia (Rota) volunteers has departed for an 8-day trip to Indonesia where they will support a Rota-built school that is delivering long-term benefits to the people and communities of the Yogyakarta region.
With project costs covered by trip sponsor, Vodafone Qatar, the volunteers will stay in the city of Yogyakarta, Java and travel everyday to work in the village of Bayat in the Klaten District where Rota supports several long-term school projects.
In May 2006, an earthquake struck Java with devastating consequences; killing 6,500 people, destroying 148 schools, damaged a further 537, and leaving more than 1,000,000 people homeless. In partnership with local partner, the Titian Foundation, Rota comprehensively rebuilt two Bayat schools to earthquake resistant specifications and supports a wide-ranging Teacher Quality Improvement program that is sponsored by Vodafone Qatar.
“Our projects in Bayat are giving thousands of young people the chance of a better education for the long-term benefit of the families and communities of the Yogyakarta region,” says Rota Executive Director Essa Al Mannai. Fostering academic exchange and understanding with local students and teachers during their visit, the Rota volunteers will facilitate five days of learning sessions in the SMP N1 School in Bayat.
“The barriers facing children in Yogyakarta are daunting. Thanks to Rota and the Titian Foundation, many Indonesian children now benefit from a high quality, effective education and the opportunity to shape their own future,” adds Essa Al Mannai.
Ensuring the Rota volunteers also increase their understanding and appreciation of the Indonesian culture and environment, they will participate in several cultural activities including a visit to the magnificent 9th-century Borobudur Buddhist Temple, attend a Kubro Siswo cultural dance and also try their hand at traditional Indonesian coconut carving.
After returning to Qatar, the Rota volunteer group will take part in a reflection event to discuss, reflect on and share their Indonesian experiences. The trip evaluation will then identify ideas for follow-up activities to maintain the ongoing relationship between the volunteers and the Rota-supported school in Bayat, as well as how to continue advocating for the needs of students in Indonesia through Qatar-based activities.
The Peninsula
