Projects
The ILC currently runs the following on-going projects:
Weekly English classes
Weekly environmental classes
Weekly health and hygiene classes
Regular beach cleans
We have recently opened up the afternoon sessions for local children to come and join in with the international students in their extra curricular activities, such as art workshops, bushcraft, singing and dancing. We have been lucky enough to have some specialist visitors volunteering their time to come and teach all the children about their particular craft, which has been wonderful. As well as opening up all the children’s eyes about different skillsets and opportunities, it has also begun to help us achieve one of our main goals: to unite the children of Delah, Rote, to learn, explore and play together.
The ILC is also collaborating with Swim-in-aid (supported by Swimdo) to help enable an introductory water safety and rescue class for local children. The class teaches children how to manage themselves effectively in the water, and how to help others who are in trouble.
We are currently working with a local lady, Ibu Victoria, who is coming to the centre once a week to teach the children about traditional ikat weaving. Local Indonesian children are invited to attend alongside the local International kids, and it has so far been a great success. It’s wonderful to see so many of the younger generation being engaged in learning together about this skillful traditional craft.
Moving forward the aims are:
- to introduce more of the much sought after cultural exchange sessions, with local elders showcasing traditional skills such as, sasando playing and speaking the local dialect. As with the current Ikat workshops, we hope to bring local expat children alongside the local Rotenese children to learn about these together.
- to start a volunteer-led children’s life savers course, similar to “Nippers” in Australia.
- to train all staff and volunteers in first aid, and eventually be able to roll this out to the wider community as a course open to all.
