NEW YEAR! NEW SPIRIT!
There are many ways to start the New Year. Well, Realia decided to welcome 2007 with fresh spirit and optimism. We started the year with a special event; Realia Gathering and Training.
The purpose of the Gathering was to give Realia teachers the opportunity to reflect on last year’s experiences, refresh a bit from daily routines, and hopefully to be the first step toward an even better coming year. This event was also a small part of welcoming Realia’s 20th Anniversary next July. Held on a sunny Sunday, the gathering was a wonderful experience and a truly new starting point, giving us vision and motivation. Please continue reading and share some of our meaningful moments.
A SPECIAL SUNDAY
It was a rather cold morning when the Realia teachers gathered in our beloved office. But when we left to the gathering venue the sun had started to warm the sky. Our hearts were warm too, filled with expectation and curiosity of what might happen that day.
Courage and the will to change
It was quite shocking indeed when our facilitator, Mas Iwan, pulled a fifty thousand rupiah bill out of his wallet and waived it high in the air. Without saying much he challenged us to grab the money from his hand and whoever succeeded could keep it. There was silence, was it a trick? Suddenly Mbak Sitta moved forward, climbed on the table, and grabbed the bill. Everyone was quite surprised: she got the money in a zap. Then Mas Iwan asked why the rest of us didn’t try to get the money and why Mbak Sitta decided to do it. The lesson was how opportunities don’t wait for us and how quickly an opportunity could be missed. He also mentioned that most of the time it takes courage to act and to change.
I’m the winner! (And so are you)
Becoming a winner is surely many people’s ambition, but what if we can all win, and no one has to lose? That’s what happened during one of the games Mas Iwan facilitated. He divided us into three groups and asked each group to choose one letter from two he provided. The combination of letters that the groups chose would decide how many points each group would receive.
It was a challenging task. Each group had to decide within themselves which letter could bring more points while considering what would other groups do. After several rounds, Mas Iwan asked us to choose a group leader to represent us in a tripartite negotiation. Naturally, each group wanted to choose a letter that will benefit them the most. But in this game, the will to cooperate would actually bring victory to all groups.
Words of Wisdom
In a more serious manner, REALIA Director Ibu Dyah Prasetyo Hening presented REALIA’s visions and core values. Starting with a short history of the school, she recounted of how it had stood the test of time, facing all the ups and downs that came its way. She also pointed out that it would surely take more effort and courage to survive and succeed in today’s more challenging environment. This day’s training was a little part of a big plan to prepare Realia teachers to stiffer competition.
The activities in this gathering and training session focused on cross cultural awareness, communication skills, environment observation, and teamwork. These “soft skills” have been recognized as significant factors contributing to a successful teaching and learning process at Realia. Near the end of the session, we were invited to join a short discussion reviewing what we had learned and how that could be applied in our working situations, strengthening our view and encouraging even greater effort than before.
The end of the gathering was getting closer. The time was already 3.30 pm; the sun had started to move west. After a short and amusing door prize session, we closed the day by praying together. But before closing the whole thing… PHOTO SESSION
RAFTING ON THE ELO RIVER
Located close to the famous Mendut temple and Borobudur monument an approximately 45 minute drive from Jogja is the Elo River. Several tour organizers offer rafting packages at a reasonable price. The 2.5 hour rafting journey goes through challenging but safe Level II-III rapids, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Apart from the adrenaline rush experience, the Elo River also offers beautiful countryside views that can be enjoyed during the journey. The picture at left shows Realia’s students and teachers, accompanied by an experienced river guide paddling through the rapids.
DAY AT THE BEACH
South of Jogja, a string at unique beaches about the Indian Ocean, the nearest only 30 minutes from town and others reachable in 2 hour drive. The topography in the area varies from the glistening black sand with jagged limestone cliffs at Parangtritis, to the stunning white sand lined with lush green coconut palms in the Sundak area. Baron beach has a protected lagoon, safe for swimming, with protruding rocky hills on each side. Local fishermen sell their catch fresh from the sea at Depok while nearby restaurants and warungs (food stands) are ready to cook the catch at customers’ preferences.
Upper left: Realia teachers and students compete in a traditional game of Gobagsodor at Parangtritis beach.
Upper right: Posing at Sundak beach with sunset view in the background.
Left: After a day at Depok beach, our beach bunch enjoys freshly caught fish at a beachside food stand
TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday!)
After five days of lessons and hard work, an on-campus party relieves tensions. Depending on the occasion, parties vary from simple potluck dinners to dancing party, to loud music, from a semi formal farewell party to, as the Indonesians say, a “no reason party”. One of our teachers pointed out that weekend parties are one of the best ways to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures closer, to share thoughts and ideas or encourage friendly conversations. At left, staff members and students mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying snacks and drinks.
CERME CAVE
Cerme Cave is located 30 km south of Jogja close to the Imogiri Royal Cemetery. Our group began the journey from Srunggo village, walking the approximately 1.5 km distance from village to the cave, pasing scenic panoramas along the way. Sprawling 1.2 km underground, Cereme Cave contains magnificent stalactites and stalagmites that form astonishing ornament-like structures along the floor and roof of the cave. Following the subterranean river, ranging from knee to shoulder deep, our 3 hour underground journey was resounding success.
Left: A beautiful stalactite.
Right: A Realia student poses at the cave’s entrance
RUS (Realia Untuk Sekolah)
RuS (”Realia for School”) is a relief program established in April 2006 by Realia Language & Culture Center. The program is aimed at assisting the elementary education recovery process in Bantul regency, severely damaged by the May 2006 earthquake.
A part of Realia’s on-going Social Program, RuS strives to provide books and stationary for heavily damaged schools and scholarship funds for students in Bantul area.
As RuS only receives limited funds from Realia and several donors (primarily Realia students and ex-students living in Indonesia and overseas) and due to the overwhelming number of earthquake-torn schools in Bantul, the RuS program focus a few schools selected from data provided by UNICEF, OCHA and the Indonesian Ministry of Education.
Project 1: Charity Sale
At the beginning of the project, RuS received and distributed donationed clothing. When the earthquake survivors were no longer in need of clothing, RuS held a charity sale and sold the donated clothing to the public. The first charity sale was held in August 2006 in the vicinity of Gadjah Mada University Yogyakarta. RuS used the money collected from the sale to purchase school supplies such as book and stationary.
Project 2: SD Gondosuli
SD Gondosuli (Gondosuli Elementary School) in Imogiri, Bantul was selected as the first beneficiary due to the severity of the destruction there. It has 212 students, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 6. As the school building was severely damaged the children are taught in tents using anything they can find for equipment. The school has received notebooks, stationery, uniforms, and shoes from other donors, but there was a shortage of textbooks. Upon learning of the situation, RuS decided to provide Indonesian, Maths, Civics, and Science textbook, along with scholarship funds for 40 very poor students. On Saturday, August 27, 2006, the RuS team members including several Realia students delivered the textbooks and scholarship funds. The donation was received by the head of the village on behalf of the school headmistress, Ms. Alfiah.
Project 3: Wonocatur
In August 2006, RuS received a letter from one of the earthquake devastated villages in Banguntapan, Bantul, asking for assistance for the children in the village. As RuS appreciates local initiative, and despite the fact that it was not a school, RuS decided to respond. Based on a discussion with the head of Wonocatur village, RuS learned that the children needed stationery to work on their school tasks. On Sunday, September 3, 2006, RuS team members accompanied by several Realia students delivered 27 packages of stationery and notebooks to the children of Wonocatur. The donation was received by the head of the village.
Project 4: ABA Kindergarten
Rus was delighted to receive donations in many different forms. After receiving some story books for kindergarten kids and children’s stationery theRuS team surveyed several kindergartens and soon found TK ABA in Kotagede. Most of its 91 pupils were earthquake survivors who were in need of something to help heal the trauma. As a means of education and entertainment, RuS donated the books and stationery at the beginning of October 2006.
Project 5: SD Giriwungu
Giriwungu Elementary School is one of the many elementary schools in Imogiri that suffered from the earthquake. Ninety percent of the school building and facilities were destroyed. When RuS found them, they had already received many donations of textbooks, stationary, school uniforms, and funds to rebuild the school building. However, the book donation did not completely cover the needs of each class; Grade 6 students had not yet received Civic and Math textbooks. In response to the situation, RuS donated 25 Civic and 25 Math books which were very much needed since the Grade 6 students would sit on final exams in May. We also donated 20 other Popular Science books. The books were handed over on December 23, 2006.
Project 6: SD Pundung 2
As the school building of SD Pundung 2 was damaged by the earthquake and regarded as unsafe, the students studied in tents. Later, Grades 3 and 4 were moved to a residential building nearby, while Grades 5 and 6 were in an old chapel and two renovated classrooms. Many organizations had given donations ranging from school apparel to books and rebuilding funds. But textbooks were lacking at a time when the students (6 graders in particular) needed them to prepare for upcoming final exams. RuS handed over 70 Indonesian, Science, and Popular Science to help the situation. The books were handed over on December 23, 2006.
As RuS is in the process of implementing more projects, the team members welcome any contributions aimed at helping improve the situation in post-quake Yogyakarta. Should you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions concerning this charity program, do not hesitate to contact us:
realia_untuk_sekolah@yahoo.co.id
Contact Person:
Elok: +62 815 7871 4858
elok.fajarini@gmail.com
REALIA Language & Culture Center
Jl. Pandega Marta V/6 Pogung Utara, Yogyakarta 55281
Ph: +62 274 583 229
Fax: +62 274 581 053
www.realians.com
NEWS UPDATE
As of January 2007, RuS has completed six aid projects in the Bantul and Yogyakarta areas and expects that the program can continue, notwithstanding the limited funds received, since several schools in the Bantul area are still in need of aid and assistance
Realia Joins 3rd Marine Expeditionary Medical Assistance Team
On May 27th, 2006, a devastating 6.3 scale earthquake shattered Bantul district, Yogyakarta (approximately 15 kilometers south of Realia’s office) causing fatalities of more than 5,000 lives and leaving hundreds of thousands injured and homeless. Amidst the distresses and destructions following the earthquake, aid from various individuals and organizations, local to world wide, poured into Bantul in scores of forms.
The United States Marine’s 3rd Marine Expeditionary Medical Assistance Team reached the Sewon Bantul Regency on May 31, 2006 to provide medical assistance to the disaster torn district. A medical and logistic team consisting of approximately 150 marines and navy personnel immediately established field medical facilities comprised of a clinic, an x-ray facility and an operating room.
Language was the main barrier to the US team members to communicate with the non-English speaking local patients. In order to overcome the problem, interpreters were assigned to bridge the crucial communication gap between the medical team and the locals who desperately sought medical attention. Fourteen of the total 25 interpreters on the job were organized by Realia Translating and Interpretation Center.
From May 31 to June 10, the interpreters assisted US medical personnel in all medical facilities as well as in all outreach missions. One of the US Marines officers described the role of the interpreters as fundamental in the medical team’s ability to conduct operations. The main task of the interpreters was to translate information between the US military forces and local citizens. But various other tasks were also assigned, such as keeping and arranging medical records, assisting doctors in the operating room, escorting patients’ transfer from one facility to another, and facilitating meetings between US Marine/Navy officers and Indonesian Armed Forces officers, doctors, government officers and local/national media reporters.
At the end of the 11 day mission, the expedition served medical assistance for more than 5,000 patients in more than 100 outreach missions in earthquake torn villages.
Hapi (in orange shirt) comforts a patient in the O.R. during operation while explaining the patient’s condition to one of the doctors.
Realia teachers Pristi and Lilis discuss the problem of a long line of patients at the clinic with a US Marine Medical staff member.
The doctors’ instructions must be interpreted carefully and correctly in order to be fully understood by the patient. Realia teacher Elok (in red shirt, left) cautiously conveys the doctor’s instructions to a 50 year old patient during one of many surgeries performed in the facility.
The team of interpreters upon completion of the 11 day mission in Bantul. Squatting on the left is US Marine Lt. Rob Woodard