Furthering Education
When Dr Derek Allen arrived on Tello Island (Pulau Pulau Batu) to set up a medical service, he met Given, who had a small grasp of the english language that he had picked up from visiting surfers to the island. Given's father had died when Given was 7yrs old, leaving Given as the eldest son of 4 children, in charge of the family and having to provide for them. Not being able to afford to finish his education, he worked very hard riding pedicabs for the equivalent of US 20cents a job and taking every opportunity to further his knowledge of the english language, including reading and studying the english dictionary. He became TroppoDoc's interpreter and with the small wage he was earning from this also, he sent his younger brother and sisters to school. He himself has also gone back to school to further his education, whilst still helping Dr Derek Allen and TroppoDoc. Given and his sister Yudi have been an immense help to TroppoDoc and it's many volunteers, not to mention the people of Pulau Pulau Batu, with their translation services and cultural advice. Unfortunately there is no provision for tertiary education in Pulau Pulau Batu and students have to move to Nias Island or Sumatera for this. This is a huge cost to their families, as not only do they have to pay for the tertiary education, they have to pay for accommodation, travel and food. Both Given and Yudi are very committed to their education and deserve a chance to be able to better their life by furthering their education and breaking the poverty cycle.
Sponsorship is needed please for Given to do a practicum taking 2.5mths at a cost of Rp3.5mill (approx US$350).
Sponsorship is also needed for Yudi to go to university in Nias, the nearest to Pulau Pulau Batu. The cost of educational fees, travel, accommodation and food for the year is Rp6.9mill (approx US$690). Note that this small amount covers one year!
Please mark sponsorship donation "Given" or "Yudi", or "Given and Yudi".
The photo shows Given in Tello.
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