Projects

The ILC currently runs the following on-going projects:

• Weekly English classes

• Weekly environmental classes

• Weekly health and hygiene classes

• Regular beach cleans

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.

The younger international children are currently undertaking an inquiry based unit of work called “Pollution Solutions for Rote Island”, during which time they have inevitably started to realize the problems caused by plastic in the environment. They were lucky enough to have an amazing guest to come in and speak to them who has dedicated her career to researching, highlighting and working with governments all over the world about this problem. Jo Royle is a pioneering explorer, business woman and campaigner and she came and talked to the children about her voyage across the Atlantic on a boat made entirely out of recycled plastic bottles.

Future aims for the ILC:

- to introduce more of the much sought after cultural exchange sessions, with local elders showcasing other traditional skills such as, sasando playing and speaking the local dialect. We hope to bring local international 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.