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Art
Of Living Service Projects-Background
The
Art of Living Foundation
(AOL), in Jakarta is active in various community service
projects. Our volunteers work
closely with the
community and respective
local authorities in identifying
worthy social programs.
The
objectives of these service projects are to bring immediate relief and long-term
benefits to the selected communities. For AOL members, our social
work inculcates in us our deep sense of belonging and oneness with
our society.
AOL
aims to raise the publics’ awareness of the under
privilege and encourage participation in the 5H programs.
The 5H program is an integrated approach to uplift the lives of
individuals and communities and bring about social transformation.
In
Indonesia, we adopt the "5H Program" as an
integrated initiative to bring about change. These
programs include Housing, Health, and Hygiene. (education
in) Human Values and Harmonious Living in our diverse society.
Some
current examples of our foundation’s work here
are, providing monthly harelip rehabilitative surgeries for
3-4 children.
Annually,
we adopt school children in the
National Foster Parenting Program. We undertake major
schools rehabilitation projects in Balaraja
Timor, and Tanjong Priok.
AOL
provides periodic free medical camps. And, when necessary, carry
out relief by implementing a “Sembako Murah” - cheap basic
foods program to give needy communities immediate relief.
AOL
has monthly visits to Orphanages, Old Folk Homes, Hospitals,
Hospice, Prisons and Asylums to care for the different sections of
our communities.
AOL
School Project
The
AOL school project is a community service program under the 5H
banner. Through these
school programs, the selected community benefits immediately by
obtaining proper housing for the schools.
AOL
will sustain our involvement to continually work with these
schools. First, AOL will work with the schools to
set goal oriented academic standards for the schools to
achieve in national exams. Future assistance is linked to
achieving these standards
We
will then introduce
school children and their communities to the importance of
civic consciousness and Hygiene,
introduce a smoke & drug free schools-Health, the use
of street plays & Art Excel courses for education in Human
values and Harmonious living.
These are the long-term goals of bringing desired changes.
We
are now at the first stage of our project. In 1999 and 2000, AOL
has completed two schools in Balaraja Timur Desa Kresik, a remote
village outside Jakarta. The conditions of these two schools were
appalling, with dilapidated buildings. Schooling for the children
was frequently interrupted with the unpredictability of the
weather. These two schools are now properly housed and at a cost
of RP 200,000,000 (abt US $20,000)
This
year AOL selected schools in the Tanjong Priok areas, based on
recommendations from the local authorities. At present two schools
are selected, Sekolah Mas Intan and Sekolah
Daya Putra.
Change
Program at Sekolah Mas Intan.
Sekolah
Mas Intan is a secular primary school established in 1962 in the
vicinity of the busy Tanjong Priok Port.
There are about 200 school children from nearby areas
attending this school. 80% of these school children are from lower
income families whose parents work as laborers in the Port areas.
The school children pay a monthly school fee of Rp 8,000/-
(about USD 1/-) for those that could afford fees.
The Schoolteachers are paid a salary of about Rp 70,000/-
(USD7/-)
The
school main building has a severe fractured
wall. The building was in disrepair & was
tilting to one side. The fractured wall
poses a hazard to the welfare and safety of the school
children and teachers. In addition, the school was prone to
flooding as the level of the school compound was below the
drainage system. The school has no proper sanitary facilities and
clean pipe water.
AOL
initiated changes by re-building the whole school with proper foundation and
ventilation. All building materials that are in good
condition are recycled for use. The level of the school compound
was dug out and raised 40 cm to avoid flooding. The school floors
are tiled and school compound nicely fenced. The schools are
provided with a small library and proper tables and chairs.
Clean
water is piped through with a
water storage tank. The school now has functioning toilets
and septic tanks to handled
sanitation.
This
project commences on Guru Purnima day-
5th July 2001. At present 80% of this school
is now completed and schedule for re-opening on 20th
August 2001.
After
this project we will start the next renovation at Sekolah Daya
Putra to repair the extensive damage to the roofs ceiling and
floor. Part of this school structure
The
Future Is Now-Be A Part
Apart
from implementing the physical changes to these schools, AOL
volunteers will begin active involvement and interact
directly. We will program and start introducing the more subtle
change initiatives by organizing the other 5H elements in these
schools.
AOL
believes these School projects are “BEST SEVA” projects. A
project that gives multiple benefits, a seva of Excellence and not
convenience, Sustainable service projects and properly Timed as
the community are in need.
Be
a part of this BEST service program, to participate financially or
in anyway contact Meenu
at kusum@cbn.net.id or webmaster@infotech.co.id
. Pls. be free to check out the service programs through your
friends or by visiting the schools directly.
Jai
Gurudev
(for
AOL Jakarta)
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