Thank you, Balls Abroad!

 

On March 2012, As Sakinah was very fortunate to receive several boxes of soccer balls, basketballs and other playing equipment from Balls Abroad in Australia. Balls Abroad, founded by Marion Sturges, a professional educator from University of Western Sydney after she attended the 2nd Asia Pacific Child Friendly Conference in Indonesia on July 2011. As the part of the conference, she went on a field visit to a childcare community center.

 

According to her, the center, which was a 'model' center, was "a tiny piece of grass with two small stark, cold buildings (library and work Centre) which serviced 100's of families." She also added that the center was situated on an old graveyard.

 

She asked the children there what they liked doing and they said playing ball. She then asked what sort of ball, just to know whether the kids liked football or soccer. However, what she heard next changed her life. The interpreter explained her that they played with shoes. These kids do not have any balls or playing equipment at all.

 

Then, she decided to ask her colleagues and friends to send her balls and playing equipment for these children. Used or new, it does not matter. Her goal is to send 1000 balls to children in Indonesia.

 

Having heard Marion inspiring goal, I spoke to her about As Sakinah and its activities. She was very interested and wanted to send boxes of collected balls and equipment to As Sakinah.

 

Long story short, here we are with our new balls! The children are very happy. The girls could not wait to jump on skipping ropes. The boys impatiently pumped the deflated soccer ball, so they can start the soccer match against each other. As Sakinah is very grateful for these presents!Thank you, Marion! Thank you, Balls Abroad!

For more information about Balls Abroad, please visit their facebook page.