KUCHING: 26 Lodge International School prefects from Years 9 to 11 (aged 13-16) visited Yogyakarta for a Humanitarian trip recently, accompanied by two teachers.
The students visited and volunteered at Komunitas Rama Domus Pacis Puren (an old folks’ home specifically for retired Roman Catholic priests) and Panti Asuhan Putri Muhammadiyah Pakem (a girls’ orphanage).
They brought cash donations amounted RM2,573 that they had raised themselves, and goody bags containing secondhand clothes, books, and bags which they had collected prior to the trip.
The students took the girls from Panti Asuhan Putri Mummaditah Pakem on a day trip to the picturesque Taman Sari (Sultan’s Water Castle). They were able to interact with each other and to learn more about the local culture.
The students were also brought on an educational tour of local UNESCO Heritage sites, including the breath-taking Prambanan and Borobudur temple complexes, and a local museum where students learned about the fascinating Javanese culture.
The students also got the opportunity to take a scenic jeep ride up the famous Mount Merapi, where they had a close-up view of the terrain and the native flora and fauna of the area.
Teachers-in-charge Alvin Chen and Ilbeth Lim said that this trip was a great opportunity for students to see life beyond their social circle, and to take part in an experiential learning process as they immerse themselves in a different culture.
“At Lodge School, we prize character as well as academic excellence, and experiences such as these are invaluable in supplementing and enhancing students’ education,” they said .
Year 11 student Denise Ling, Prefect Board Head of Community Service, said that before the trip, they spent a lot of time collecting funds from their friends, neighbours and teachers, as well as packing all the donated goods.
“We had to learn a lot about time management and collaborative teamwork, but it was so rewarding to see how much happiness our preparations brought to the people,” Denise said.
Jong Da Min, a Year 10 student from Korea said it was fascinating to learn more about the traditions and culture of Yogyakarta, and in return, they prepared performances from their own cultures for the locals that they visited.
“We were grateful for this opportunity to meet and interact with people from such different walks of life, and it helped us develop a new perspective,” Jong added.
Lodge International School extends its thanks to Komunitas Rama Domus Pacis Puren and Panti Asuhan Putri Muhammaditah Pakem for their hospitality and hopes to organize more humanitarian trips for students in the future.
They are also thankful to the participants’ parents who had supported the trip and its objectives in every way.
