Manfield’s Generosity

                 What started as a request to the Village Hall Committee to borrow some chairs and tables for a small drinks party at Stone House to raise some funds  for earthquake victims in Indonesia - Sasti  was thinking along the lines of buying some toys or books - ended with a school being rebuilt in a Javanese village, Katekan, well off the beaten track thanks to the generosity of the community.

             Having made the request ,the Village Hall Committee offered the use of the hall for a village lunch, which along with the silent auction, raffle and tombola raised approximately £1400. Donations from friends  locally and from across the UK brought the final sum to £3465.00

             Knowing Java and speaking the language undoubtedly helped  Sasti to find an attainable project, a village school which had suffered severe structural damage - the roof was in danger of falling in, ceilings were down, walls were badly cracked  and children were being taught in a tent which became so hot by ten  a.m. that lessons had to be abandoned

             Indonesia has a planning system to match anything that Richmondshire is capable of but cash in hand by-passed the bureaucracy with a few well chosen words ‘ I am only here for three weeks,  my friends would like to see a result.’  Shortages of building materials vanished  when merchants realised that they were not being asked to give credit . A contractor and eleven men had the school  repaired and working again  at the time of the ‘hand over’ ceremony on 24 July. In that time six classrooms, an office/staff room, roof and water supply had been largely restored and 80 children were back in full time education.  The success is in part due to young Indonesian engineers and  architects  who gave their time freely and refused any fees preferring all funds to go into the project. Recent emails and photographs from Andi, who was in charge of the project indicate that work is continuing with the funds remaining

             The banner that was put up for the ‘hand over day’ reads ‘ This building has been rehabilitated by Sasti and friends from England ‘ In her speech the Head teacher Mrs Atiek, thanked the English community for their commission and willingness to help people in a far away country.

             None of this would have happened without the support base given by friends in Manfield for which Sasti, Richard and the village of Katekan are immensely grateful.