June 27, 2024, Tana Toraja – Widya Erti Indonesia (WEI) launched a sustainable village empowerment initiative in Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, by forging a shared commitment to the sustainability of rural communities. At the launch event for the Rural Resilience Initiative (RURISE) program held in Maroson Village, Tana Toraja Regency, Widya Erti Indonesia invited various stakeholders to collaborate and take joint steps toward empowering rural communities. The RURISE program is designed to develop residents’ potential through a series of activities focused on education, the development of local products, and raising awareness of environmental sustainability.
One of the main activities of this program is the Natsir Eco School (NES). NES is a free alternative English-language school serving more than 200 children from five hamlets in Maroson Village, Tana Toraja. Widya Erti Indonesia is partnering with the Natsir Eco School to develop and enhance English language skills for future generations in Tana Toraja.
“Lembang Maroson (the local name for Maroson Village) warmly welcomes the activities of the RURISE program. We see many children in Lembang Maroson who need to be equipped with English language skills. While the impact may not be immediate, we hope that in the future, the skills these children acquire here will help them achieve their highest aspirations,” said Mr. Lembang Maroson, the village head.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Widya Erti Indonesia and Lembang Maroson, witnessed by the Rembon Subdistrict Head and the Natsir Eco School Coordinator
To date, Natsir Eco School (NES) has been running English classes involving volunteers from abroad in one hamlet (Randanan). Through RURISE, this program is expanding to four other villages (Palakka, Lameme’, Rarung, and Pasang Lambe’) to reach more children in Lembang Maroson, Tana Toraja Regency. Instructors in these four NES classes will use the Volunteach approach—an approach that combines volunteering, education, and tourism, also known as voluntourism. These volunteer teachers, known as “Volunteachers,” come from both within Indonesia and abroad; all will contribute by teaching English and staying in homestays that will be developed in the village.
“Under the theme ‘Toward Global Impact Through Local Strength,’ we believe that the spirit of local community development will have a positive impact on the community in Lembang Maroson. Through education, the development of local products, and environmental awareness, we are confident that the community will become more empowered, self-reliant, and capable of inspiring the global community with these sustainable initiatives,” said Rieni Handayani, Chair of the WEI Foundation.
Local Product from Lembang Maroson
RURISE also focuses on developing community-based local products to increase residents’ income, one of which is through processed chocolate products. Piong Cokla’ is expected to serve as an alternative source of income for residents in Lembang Maroson, as well as a source of funding for the English classes to ensure their sustainability. In this way, the children involved can reap the full benefits of their education.
The invited guests expressed their delight at this collaborative effort. The Rural Resilience Initiative (RURISE) program received a positive response from various parties, including the Tana Toraja Regency Government’s Department of Community Empowerment and Village Affairs; the Australian Consulate General in Makassar; the Rembon Subdistrict Head; and the Head of Maroson Village. In addition, the local residents in attendance were very enthusiastic about their active involvement moving forward.
Andi Palloan, Secretary of the Tana Toraja Regency Government’s Office of Community Empowerment and Lembang
“We at the Tana Toraja Regency Government strongly support this program and hope it will continue to grow and provide long-term benefits for the people of Tana Toraja Regency,” said Andi Palloan, Secretary of the Community and Village Empowerment Agency.
Moving forward, this program is open to participation from various stakeholders: the government, companies, NGOs, the community, and others. This will help realize the vision of self-reliant and competitive villages for the well-being of rural communities.
