[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In 2008, the founders of Face This wondered whether a school can be built with the money raised with school children’s drawings? Now, ten years later, this question can be answered with a resounding ‘yes’. Duduk Atas was the first Indonesian school where this idea was successfully implemented. As part of the tenth anniversary of Face This, Pauly Ossenblok visited Duduk Atas and shares here her impressions.
A school high in the hills of Senggigi …
Duduk Atas was the first school supported by Face This. Ten years ago it was virtually impossible to reach the school. The situation is improved, however, you still need to climb a steeply ascending and now in the rainy season, slippery path to reach the school. The local government is working hard on the construction of a road. This opens for the children who are living in the village and immediate surroundings of Dudok Atas the opportunity of further education in the nearby city.
How to communicate?
The library, built by the government next to the school, is used as a kindergarten and not for what it is meant for. This shows once again that it is not sufficient to make resources available, but that it is essential to be in contact regularly. Face This works together with locals who maintain the communication between the school that is supported by Face This and the Face This team. In Lombok this is Tomi, a local who lives in Senggigi and who is in daily life tour guide. He accompanied me and introduced me to the teachers working at Dudok Atas, who showed me around.
10 years later: What has improved?
With the help of Face This, the number of classrooms could be expanded from four to six. The number of teachers also increased, from one teacher to three, plus eleven volunteers, who contribute in one way or the other to the education of 120 children. However, what is needed is a room were teachers can prepare their lessons. One of the classrooms is used for this purpose, with the result that group 1 receives education on the gallery instead of in a class room.
A schoolyard where children can play during the break without the danger that they will be run over is according to the staff another priority where Face This might be of help.
Lombok Earthquakes
As you know, massive earthquakes have devastated the Indonesian island of Lombok in recent weeks. One of the schools our foundation supports, has been hit as well. Not only the building was damaged. Also the houses of the students and the teachers are mainly destroyed. If you want to support the community, there are three ways to do that![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
