The weaving classes in the SOS Children's Village Flores Maumere,…

The weaving classes in the SOS Children's Village Flores Maumere, Indonesia.

Even for Indonesian standards, Flores is poor. Poverty dominates the Regency of Sikka, where the SOS Village at Waturia, Maumere, belongs. Most inhabitants are peasants - a hard lot in a region where nine months go without rain; traditional fishermen are not better off. Here is what I found out about Flores and how SOS Children is helping there.

Education being expensive in relation to income, many children drop out of school early. However, jobs are rare. So we have to think of ways to secure our children's future under these particular circumstances. Besides motivating them to strive for a good formal education, it is vital to teach them as many practical skills as possible. But at least, each child has to master one particular skill to support his or her living and make a contribution to society.

Sewing. Other activities have been restricted for the time being. But of course, our Florenese still do sports and they won't stop singing, alone or in choirs!

Furthermore, this year, they have been responsible for the entire production and distribution of the Internal News Magazine of the Indonesian SOS Villages. Training at the Workshop is the new one among the projects; the other ones were practised before.

Vocational Skill Training is organized and coordinated by a new staff member with related experiences. Educators and other co-workers are involved according to their talents, skills and interests, like a driver who is a graduate from a technical school, handymen, gardeners, a couple of mothers and aunties. Hence, these co-workers will develop their own skills as well, for the good of the children as well as for their own satisfaction. First, space had to be found within the Village compound and adapted. (Of course, these rooms are not up to professional standards yet and there will have to be some improvement in the future). Tools and utensils stored away were checked, repaired, and listed; new ones will have to be bought.

At the Workshop, vocational training started in the beginning of March. Although essential equipment and tools were lacking, the boys began working with what was available. The Village's family-houses were examined to find out what needed to be repaired or replaced, because most household utensils are more than ten years old. The boys are engaged in one of the three departments on Thursdays and Fridays for three hours in the afternoon. During the first 15 minutes they are given instructions and then they go ahead and practice! The grownups make sure that work is done in a cheerful atmosphere; it shouldn't be considered a burden but rather a game. The fact that the boys can witness the result of their efforts right away, gives them a feeling of achievement.

Traditional Weaving, Sewing as well as Farming were reorganized. If you can sew, you can always earn some money in this country. Traditional Hand Weaving is part of the cultural heritage. Traditional textiles are much in use.

As for Farming, in order to foster the children's love for their environment, they will be led in the cultivation of various saplings, like fruit trees, mahogany, teak, and others. As to Fishing, our students from the Vocational School for Fishery are to create and maintain two marine aquaria, one of which is to embellish the Office. Besides, they will cultivate mangrove saplings, because mangrove is a great habitat for fish and a safeguard against tsunami waves.