Rotary takes books to Indonesia
Woy Woy Rotary Club member Ms Vicki de Carle made a recent trip to Indonesia to distribute text books and school uniforms to disadvantaged children.
Ms de Carle was accompanied by fellow Rotarian Ms Julie Turnbull from the Gosford Rotary Club to the small island of Nusa Penida off the east coast of Bali.
Ms de Carle said the donation of books and uniforms was made possible through the Woy Woy Rotary Club and a Rotary District Grant.
"These children had never had text books before and were literally jumping for joy as they were handed their new books," Ms de Carle said.
"Several friends accompanied us on the trip and had an unusual but rewarding time.
"Lucky for all of us, Julie is fluent in Bahasa Indonesian and was able to interpret for us.
"The only transport available was a rickety truck with a couple of planks tied to the back as seats, creating sore butts the following day for our Aussie volunteers.
"We travelled over bumpy roads on a very hot day to be greeted by 90 very excited children at the Batumadeg Primary School.
"The teachers and headmaster were as excited as the children.
"As well as text books, each child was given a small parcel of pens and coloured pencils. "Some skipping ropes and crickets sets were handed out and the kids soon were competent with these."
Ms de Carle said the group of volunteers heard of some heart-wrenching stories of struggle and survival and considered how they could further help.
"A father approached us asking for us to help his boy go to school.
"This boy had a club foot.
"He couldn't walk unaided and the family couldn't afford an orthopaedic boot for him, so his dad carried him everywhere.
"Julie is a physiotherapist and examined his foot and worked with the father as to how we could get this child to school.
"It was decided that with crutches he could attend school.
"Julie has since sent crutches from Australia and the child is preparing to start school.
"Also, while we were at the school we noticed, sitting on the edge of the playground, a young girl about 11 years old, filthy dirty and sad, watching the other kids receiving their school books.
"After some discussion with the other children and teachers, we discovered that this child had no parents and was living with a family, working in the field for her board.
"How can you walk away from this beautiful forlorn child... you just can't.
"We enrolled her in school and arranged for her to get a uniform and the books she needed to start her education.
"Wayan Miri doesn't know how old she is and has never attended school.
"Throughout the day she realised the enormity of what was happening to her and her smile grew and grew.
"She had a cut on her hand and we cleaned and bandaged that.
"New clothes were purchased, food arranged for her host family and school uniforms organised."
Ms de Carle said she left the island with mixed emotions.
"None of us could forget the look on Wayan Miri's face as she realised that she could go to school with the other children, yet we didn't want to leave her," Ms de Carle said.
"The urge to nurture and protect children is powerful and I think everyone in my group wanted to scoop her up and bring her home.
"Helping children is one of the most rewarding things we can ever do and I am so grateful that I was born in this amazing country with the ability to help others less fortunate."
Press release, 11 Dec 2009
Vicki de Carle, Woy Woy Rotary Club