Meanwhile, Qaid C. (Year 11), together with his brother, independently organised a Grocery Donation Drive to support underprivileged families in Negeri Sembilan, just in time for Deepavali. I’ve also heard they are planning a musical charity performance featuring both boys on piano and violin to raise additional funds!
I asked them to write about their experiences:
“Hi, my name is Masanao Y. I am currently in Year 11. Last half term, I went to Jakarta. While I was there, I visited a slum with a local guide who conducts slum tours. I was both excited and nervous because it was my first time visiting a slum.
However, it went really well! The guide explained many issues and problems in the country, and it helped me understand more about them. It also benefited me to speak with the locals because some people are not able to speak English, which I struggled with a lot during my visit to the Cambodian slum for charity.
It was really great to hear that for public school, education is free and in fact, most of the children in Jakarta do go to school, which I was so surprised about.
What impressed me was that, despite living in a slum, many people still have a strong interest in education. But he also told me that it is only for Jakarta because in the countryside there is no school; this is caused by a few things, such as not enough transportation development to the countryside.
Over there I did some charity work at the same time. By cooperating with the coordinator of the slum, I went to the local tempeh (a traditional Indonesian food) and tofu factory, bought food, and distributed it to the people in the slum. One thing I felt was really amazing was that adults gave food first to children.
In conclusion, most of the things I experienced were completely new for me compared to Cambodia. It also reminded me again of how fortunate I am. I really appreciate the local people who taught me so much. I also appreciate my mum, who helps me make YouTube videos and always supports me, and of course a big thank-you to Mr Richardson for giving me the opportunity to write about my experience!
Mr Matthew Richardson
Propert Housemaster