Background: Surabaya Blind Children Community was established by Mr.Prof.Dr. M.Soetopo, the first Indonesian Minister of Health in 5th March 1959. The aim of establishment this foundation is to solve the problem of blindness in Indonesia which has not been taken care seriously and as a result of of high incidence of blindness will continue to prevail. Their loss of sight doesn’t mean that they loss their right to receive the equal education as the other sighted citizens do. They have the right to expect the opportunity to develop their talents and become useful citizens to gain the ability to work.
The foundation has blind school levels from kindergarten (10 students), a primary school (38 students) and junior high school (24 students) and located in Surabaya city. We would like to host foreign volunteers because we believe that their interaction with the children, during education and vocational classes and other activities will be of great benefit as our students have little or no chances to meet people from other cultures. The intercultural dimension that their presence will generate will also be welcomed and valued by the local staffs. The support that the volunteers will give to our teaching staff, particularly those teaching English, will be invaluable.
Work: The volunteers will build wall along the small canal in the school area in order to avoid the landslide as well as to protect the blind children from endanger. The volunteers will also helping teacher in giving training on physical activities of the disabled students like making simple handicrafts, playing music, doing simple sport etc. Volunteer influence on students is expected to create a sense of knowledge of other realities of the disabled kids and other cultures in a way that improves their own perception of themselves and what they can achieve. Also to open the mind of international volunteers that the disabled students also need attention to face their future. It will also give opportunity for the international volunteers about the treatment that should be done by the families of blind children.
Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to the education activities of the disabled students related with Indonesian culture and customs in general.
Leisure Time: During free time, the volunteers will have the chance to visit the diverse tourism attraction in Surabaya. Volunteer may visit Madura Island, handicraft making centre or traditional market.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in the school (basic conditions, sleeping bag and mat needed) and cook their own meal.
Location: Blind Children Foundation in Surabaya
Terminal: Juanda International Airport, Surabaya
Special Requirement: none
Participant fee: 185 € or 2.400.000 IDR/camp