IPB University Students Spread Inspiration by Presenting Australian Converts who have 40 Years of Teaching Indonesian Culture and Language
IPB University students who are members of Pondok Inspiration received a special visit from a teacher from Australia, Vicki Richardson. The figure who has only converted to Islam for three years at the Al Hasan Banyuwangi Orphanage was invited to visit one of the Pondok Inspiration fostered communities, the Young Men’s Gang and orphans in Cikarawang Village, Bogor.
This activity is a collaboration between Pondok Inspiration, Bahasa Kita and PT Paragon Technology and Innovation. The activity was attended by 15 assisted mothers and 10 orphans.
This activity took place excitingly and was filled with exchanging stories and inspiration between the young women’s gang and a figure who was the Director of the Indonesian Institute-Australia (Representative of Indonesia in East Java). The Perjaka Gang is a community that was formed because of the concerns of Siti Zulaedah, the founder of the Perjaka Gang, because many residents around her are widows but do not have useful activities. Then, this community was formed in 2014 at the initiative of the Student Creativity Program-Community Service (PKM-PM) team from Pondok Inspiration.
“Why is Ms. Vicki still healthy and enthusiastic at her current age?” asked Nuri, a member of the Boys’ Gang.
“Tips for staying healthy and fit are lots of movement, meeting lots of people, interacting with lots of people and reducing negative thoughts. Even though we have lost a husband, make sure we have people who always support us, such as our family and children,” answered Vicki, an inspirational figure who has dedicated her 40 years to teaching Indonesian culture and language.
Even though age has already spoken, this figure is still passionate about travelling alone, even Indonesia-Australia, to continue learning and teaching.
The conversation between the girls from the Young Gang and this figure who devotes himself to education is getting more and more exciting. Not only sharing stories, sharing jokes and selfies, too. The girls of the Young Boys Gang were happy and found the mother figure of Vicki Richardson.
The activity continued by sharing with orphans in Cikarang. The children were very happy to meet this nurturing mother figure and teacher. They tell each other about the goals they want to achieve.
“You have to be passionate about learning. Don’t be afraid to keep learning, let alone learn English. The most important thing is to speak and listen. So from now on you can start speaking and listening a lot to increase your vocabulary in English”, advises Vicki who is dedicated to providing learning for children.
Vicki, a resident of Australia, has given hope again to the girls from the Young Boys Gang in Cikarang Village, with her story of meeting many Indonesians as a spark of encouragement for local residents. It is hoped that this activity can continue and inspire many people. (*/Rz) (IAAS/AMR)
