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 (€13,542.00), and, in 2023, we allocated a further €39,000.00 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.
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 three years of senior high school, including additional activities such as English and computer classes organized from the community center. Additionally, psychologists and other coaches are available to support students in developing their career plans and teaching them about self-worth.
Beyond scholarships, the CLC serves as a hub for broader community empowerment, reinforcing Titian’s long-standing commitment to improving education, knowledge, and skills for underprivileged Indonesians. The center runs classes and workshops on a wide range of topics, including hygiene and sanitation, literacy, sewing and embroidery, English, and start-up entrepreneurship.
Cultural education is another key focus of the program. The CLC provides trainers who encourage students to engage in activities representing their cultural heritage, such as traditional music and dance, as well as the weaving of traditional fabrics.
We are very pleased with the development of the CLC and remain committed to supporting its impact. Our next step will be funding thirty scholarships; we have funded one of the thirty required scholarships and are actively working to secure funding for the remaining 29. 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.
More on the Titian Foundation
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. She was the catalyst behind the USD 1.6 million project to rebuild Lamreh Village in Aceh that was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. The TitianFoundation’s work is centered around a core belief in the importance of education, for young people through access to proper schooling and for communities through community empowerment.
