Save 50 Youth with Regenerative Agriculture

It was a historical moment: Our first graduation at Rumah TLF since it was officially opened in March 2017. The were 36 students of Batch 27 from the Basic Program that celebrated this memorable day.

Graduation is not goodbye, it is just ‘see you later’ as everyone is welcome anytime at Rumah TLF. We also had to say so long to Dianne, our AVI volunteer who has become part of our family for one year. Her assignment as English teacher and curriculum development volunteer has come to an end. It was sad to let go a family member but we know we will see her again. Thank you Ibu Di for all the joy and professionalism you have brought to the farm.

Here what Dianne says:

It was a delight to bear witness to these changes in our young people in just 100 days. What an extraordinary job the Learning Farm does! The staff work so hard and such long hours to support our students and ensure their stay is rewarding and memorable. The board and donors are also dedicated to visioning and implementing change for those less fortunate with the intention of improving the situation of all Indonesians.

I was welcomed so that I felt part of a big extended family that will always have a place in my heart. I have learnt a lot during my time here, most of which is intangible such as the deep way of caring for community, deep respect for each other and the importance of relationships above all else.

I hope I have been able to give back at the same time to improve The Learning Farm to improve their English curriculum and their capacity to implement and teach the program themselves. I hope the students are more comfortable with the English language and realize its imporance as a tool for global communication. I hope they realize that the world is a bigger place and we are all the same, sharing the same aspirations and tribulations. As Nona would say “The world is your oyster”.

Meet Shona, a 21 year old girl from Flores. She is the first girl to be elected as Batch Leader in TLF history. She was initially elected as Head of her Ordo (group of 10) and then her ordo nominated her for Batch Leader. She was then elected by her fellow students as well as the staff (facilitators) as the Batch Leader.

The election was held a week after the batch started. Each ordo nominated one candidate. There are 4 of them all together. Each of them had to deliver a campaign speech on their vision and mission as a batch leader.

All staff and students have equal rights to vote. An anomymous voter said that he voted for Shona because she delivered a good speech and that she has the calm attitude as a leader. Another mentioned that it is time for girls to prove that they can also lead. Shona herself says “It is a huge responsibility that has been trusted to me. I appreciate their faith inme and I will do my best to unite this group to become a solid batch.”