On March 3rd, 2024, we officially opened the Community Learning Centre (CLC) in North Lombok, a project developed in partnership with the Titian Foundation. EGF funded the acquisition of the required land in 2022 (EUR xx), and, in 2023, we allocated a further EUR 39,000 for the construction of the building. Construction took place throughout 2023 and was completed in early 2024. The state-of-the-art facility features an open-air classroom, a library, an outdoor kitchen, a computer room, a formal classroom, office space, and an apartment for staff and volunteers. All of this is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Alongside scholarship students, Titian staff, Titian founder Lily Kasoem, the Vice Regent of North Lombok Danny Carter, and supporters of Titian and EGF, we attended a beautiful opening ceremony on 3 March. After the students performed traditional dances, we cut the ribbon to officially open the center. Subsequently, there were several speeches (including by Isabelle and Casper) and more dance performances followed by local food. Over the following days, we stayed on the center to attend classes and build meaningful connections with our wonderful staff, students, and community.
The CLC provides a dedicated space for education, mentorship, and community development, primarily supporting students enrolled in Titian’s scholarship program. The scholarship program targets underprivileged children who have qualified for further education (senior high school), but who would not normally be able to continue their studies.
One scholarship covers 3 years of senior high school including additional activities such as English and computer classes organized from the community centre. Additionally, psychologists and other coaches are available for the students to support them in developing their career plan and teaching the students about self-worth. Most students that participate in the scholarship don't have the means to finish their senior high school period and often join their parents in low-skilled and paid jobs.
The program at the CLC's aims to change the life outcomes of these children and teaches them the value of education and all the opportunities that come with that. So far, without any exceptions, all scholarship students that joined one of the Community Learning Centers have gone to university and earn on average 1000x more than their parents do. All teachers and staff of the program life by one important aspiration: education is not a privilege, but a right. Titian Foundation is a professionally managed, voluntary organization that focuses on helping less fortunate Indonesians through the improvement of their education, knowledge, and skills. Yayasan Titian Masa Depan was established by Lily Kasoem in 2006.
Following the opening ceremony, we remained at the CLC for the rest of the week, attending classes, engaging with students and staff, and strengthening relationships with the local community. This hands-on experience allowed us to witness firsthand the impact of the Titian Foundation’s scholarship program and the important role the CLC plays in empowering students and fostering educational opportunities.
We are very pleased with the development of the CLC and remain committed to supporting its impact. Our next step will be funding 60 scholarships, we have funded one of the sixty required scholarships and are actively working to secure funding for the remaining 59. We are motivated to maintain our strong partnership with Titian and look forward to continuing our collaboration to expand educational opportunities for students in North Lombok.
