nline booking accommodation platform Agoda hosted a trip to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, for 18 underprivileged children from Eastern Indonesia in mid-May.
The children, aged 9 to 11, are said to come from underdeveloped provinces, namely Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua, Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, and Alor and Flores Islands in East Nusa Tenggara.
During the three-day trip, the children were invited to travel to Komodo National Park and Kanawa Island, to give them a glimpse of 'independence.'
Melianus from Raja Ampat was among the participants. The 10-year-old boy had never imagined that he would be able to travel on a plane. Meanwhile, Yandri from Alor had the chance to see Komodo dragons, which he had previously only read about in books.
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For this trip, the company teamed up with non-profit organization Taman Bacaan Pelangi (Rainbow Reading Gardens) that works to give children in Eastern Indonesia access to books. The trip was part of its Rp 500 million (US$37,456) donation to Taman Bacaan Pelangi as well as to mark the opening of a library in state elementary school SDN Rangga Watu, which was jointly built by both parties.
Agoda country director Gede Gunawan said in a press release, “Indonesia is a vast and diverse [country] in so many ways, [namely] terrain, flora, fauna, food, language and culture. It truly is inspiring to spend time with [these underprivileged] children as they discover a part of Indonesia that is different from where they grew up.”
He also believed the trip would not only give the children a taste of independence, but also empower them to dream big, which was in an important lesson for children at that age.
“Travel is a great way for young people to gain some independence and develop themselves. They meet new people, gain new experiences and agoda is delighted to be able to help these children go through that adventure,” added Gede. (kes)
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