From August 29 to September 2, 2024, Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel Harrison embarked on a meaningful journey to Indonesia as part of the Help the Children 2024 project, an initiative focused on improving the lives of underprivileged children in Malang and Batu. Their trip, filled with impactful activities, brought together a global community of rotary clubs and individuals dedicated to service.
The journey began on Thursday, August 29, with Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel travelled to Singapore before heading to Indonesia. On Friday, August 30, they arrived in Surabaya and joined a convoy of 10 vehicles, escorted by local police, for the drive to Malang. Along the way, the group exchanged banners and stopped for lunch, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow rotarians and local hosts.
The first stop in Batu was at four of the ten partner schools in the region. The group, greeted by a vibrant street procession in the picturesque countryside surrounded by rice fields and mountains, delivered essential supplies, including school clothing and equipment. After the formal handovers and entertainment by the local community, the day concluded with an official reception at Batu’s City Hall, where local dignitaries warmly welcomed the visiting Rotarians.
The following morning, the group visited the Bhakti Luhur orphanage, home to over 500 children with disabilities, cared for by Roman Catholic nuns. Another 1,500 children are supported in other centers outside Malang. The group was treated to heartwarming performances by the physically and mentally challenged residents. Following the entertainment, the visitors toured the campus, which also serves as a home to 500 carers, teachers, and spiritual guides. They explored classrooms, therapy rooms, and vocational training areas where children are taught skills such as batik cloth making—an activity that especially caught the interest of First Ann Rachel.
They also visited the Global Grant project (GG2454428), which focuses on intensive training for 45 speech and occupational therapists. This initiative, designed to upskill the therapists working with the children, will benefit not only the Malang center but also 70 smaller locations across the country. Pres. Keith, First Ann Rachel, and representatives from RC Malang Central, RC Kuching Central, RC Singapore, RC Rizal West, and partners from Taiwan engaged in productive discussions with the nuns, ensuring the project’s success.
In the afternoon, the group visited more partner schools in the Malang area, where the Help the Children project reached 1,500 children, provided teacher training, and supported vocational skills training for parents. The commitment to education and support for families in these communities was evident through these efforts.
Later that day, the group had the opportunity to visit the site of a hospital under construction by the Isk Tolaram Foundation, spearheaded by Mohan Vaswani’s family group. This three-story structure will house clinics for eye surgery, dialysis, special needs therapy, and diagnostics. The discussions around the future of this hospital emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare in the region.
The evening was a grand celebration, hosted by Rtn Mohan Vaswani and his wife Kawita at their beautiful home in Batu. The gathering was filled with speeches from participants, marking the culmination of an inspiring weekend of service and collaboration.
On Sunday, after a farewell brunch hosted by the Vaswanis, attendees made their way to the airport. Some traveled to Malaysia, Bali, or Singapore, while Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel connected through Singapore overnight, arriving home at 6:30 am on Monday morning. Despite their exhaustion, they returned with a deep sense of fulfillment, having been part of a project that brought real change and hope to the children and communities of Indonesia.
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