It was about two weeks before I return to Indonesia yet I have not done any personal projects so far. One week before the arrival training, I had a meeting with my volunteer coordinator, Matias Lamoro. We were advised that SYnergia had been appointed by the Municipality of Braga to work in the summer camp that would take place from 21st June till 05th July 2016. He was asking if we would like to organize an activity with kids. Knowing that I had not had any personal projects, I then proposed to organize a environmental-theme drawing activity with kids and the idea was immediately supported by my coordinator. As it was a small-scale project, it did not require too many things to prepare.
One day after arrival training, I was picked up by my coordinator and we went to the school to organize some activities including my drawing activity. The first thing we did was to help kids make a thank you postcard that will be given to the sponsors of Festa da Primavera. I also took part in this activity almost three months ago.
When they finished their postcards, my volunteer coordinator talked to one of the teachers to explain what they were going to do next. The kids then drew and wrote some messages for the Indonesian kids to look after the environment. When I get back to Indonesia, I will give those postcards to some schools which Green-Books (the environmental NGO I work with) used to provide some aid.
Most of Indonesian kids do not get enough environmental education at school. Parents also do not care about the environment thus exacerbating the situation. I am aware that this is a small project but hope this will have an impact in my community
Jerry Conney Otey – Indonesia