Greetings from SUMBA #11
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CURRENT LOCATION: Sumba, Indonesia
LOCAL TIME: 18h30
LOCAL TEMPERATURE: 26 degrees
CURRENTLY READING: Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
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Hi there,
Another ten days have passed since I wrote my last newsletter. It’s been over a month since I left Paris, and my new chapter has started!
My choice of working here in Sumba was based on one desire: doing something with an impact. And while I was thinking of elaborate projects before coming here, it became clear quite early, it should all revolve around one thing: qualitative education. Education is where it starts and where it ends.Unfortunately, Sumba lacks good schools, and teachers (apparently they are often local volunteers), resulting in youth that has not had the chance to develop their intellectual skills.
SHF is trying to do something about this, but making such drastic changes at the age of 20 years or older does result in some constraints. I was struck when last week after my class, a student came up to me saying that he felt very confused and had a question. I thought that it must be about Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Fossil Fuels and Renewable energy, as they are new and quite “complex” topics for them. However, he caught me by surprise and asked me: How do we know for sure the earth is round and not flat? My heart sank, realising that this clever student is still struggling with some of the basics, just because nobody ever told him. Being the best possible teacher for them immediately became my top priority. And even if they only retain a fraction of what I tell them, everything is better than nothing.
Reusable market bags made from old bedlinen
To reduce single-use plastic at the Foundation, I am trying to develop different solutions. For example, I have been making reusable shopping bags from old mosquito nets. This means that when the purchaser does groceries at the local market, no more plastic bags are needed. A “small step”, but with a meaningful impact. These things are also relatable and can inspire others in the market to hopefully do the same.
Talking with the garden team about plastic pollution
Clean-up of the campus with all the students
Together with Johanes, I organised a big cleanup of the campus to reorganise lots of materials that were laying around. In the morning we cleaned the garden with all the gardeners, starting with a mini-class on waste. In the afternoon, together with all the students, we cleaned up the campus. Over the past few years, a surprising amount of trash has accumulated! We sorted everything to make sure we keep what we can still use, and have a clean sheet to sort and repurpose the waste in the future.
A Sumbanese routine is starting to settle in, with dedicated time for work, relaxation, yoga, and exploring. Still trying to find the right balance, but I am getting there. With the time difference and extremely unreliable wifi, living the disconnected life (which is my favourite kind of life) is not hard at all. I do love writing these newsletters, so don’t worry I will connect every now and then!
Sunny and hopeful greetings from Sumba Island,
Hestie -x-
