29/11/2018
From the 20th to the 26th of November 2018, our Interactors set of for Bintan, Indonesia for our Interact Overseas Service Learning Programme. The week spent doing service was a meaningful and valuable one for our Interactors as they were challenged to push their boundaries and step outside of their comfort zones.
In many rural areas, waste water from toilets and washing areas is typically released untreated into the environment due to the lack of infrastructure for sewage treatment. This could potentially result in many people falling severely ill from the contaminated water.
Hence, the Interactors worked tirelessly to build Safe Water Gardens (SWG) for two households in the village, providing them a safe and environmentally-friendly system for wastewater treatment. Working in the village, side by side with the locals, was a great opportunity for our Interactors to interact with the locals and immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life, all while improving the lives of the villagers, and the environment in a meaningful and sustainable way.
After finishing the Safe Water Gardens, our Interactors were also presented with an opportunity to teach English to the students of Yayasan An-najah school. After the lessons with the students, we had a celebration for everyone born in the month of November!
Overall, this trip was very enriching and eye-opening, bringing about many fond memories and strong bonds forged between our Interactors. We hope to be back in Indonesia again for next year’s OSLP to continue our service!