It’s Hari Merdeka, our 65th Independence Day!
Let’s pay tribute to the brave heroes who have allowed us to stand as one strong independent nation today. It is time for us to uphold the sanctity of togetherness as one nation and keep the peace that we have gained 65 years ago.
Our visit to Sumba Island had a great impact on our lives. Even though Sumba Island’s scenery left us speechless, we were stunned to see how the locals lived. When we visited the traditional Sumbanese Village, the poor living conditions they were experiencing brought tears to our eyes.
These villagers have the warmest hearts. They are all incredibly friendly and wonderful. They even extended an invitation for us to visit their homes so we could view how the bamboo houses are set up and what were inside. The bamboo floors of the hut are where the residents sleep without pillows or mattresses. Their kitchen lacked ventilation and was located in the center of the house. Being invited in was such an honor and privilege, and the whole thing left us feeling quite humble.
Avidity International had embarked on a special one-week AvidOutreach Program. We are proud to have facilitated the Program for;
. 15 dedicated staff
. 57 enthusiastic students consist of;
. 36 girls and
. 21 boys
The People of Sumba Hospitality Foundation Ibu Inge De Lathauwer, a remarkable woman who recognized the need to assist young Sumbanese, launched the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) in the year 2016. The organization she founded gives 60 children an opportunity to attend their hospitality school each year in an effort to break the cycle of poverty for the people of Sumba.
These children come from unfathomable poverty and many of them have already lost one or both parents. Their will to learn and their determination to achieve and escape the cycle of poverty is evident in their burning desire to do so.
The Training of The Youths of Sumba Hospitality Foundation Through our avidOutReach Program, we had the opportunity to provide the Sumba Hospitality Foundation’s students and staff with empowerment through the delivery of a one-week leadership and personal development program.
The program’s modules, which included Leading in Customer-Centric Culture, Coaching, Effective Communication in Hospitality, The CorporateAthlete, and Managing Generation Gap, were designed to engage and motivate the participants.