Since Independence Day (17th August 2018), Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia, has had Asian Games fever. All across the capital, banners and posters of support, and wishes for success decorated gateways, storefronts, and city walls. Even roads were adorned with street art.

The nation had caught the vision-proud to be hosting such an event. This collective wave of enthusiasm, may in part account for this being the best year yet for Indonesia. Indonesia’s athletes amassed 98 medals in total. 31of these were gold. Finishing in 4th place overall. Indonesia’s 4×100 men’s relay team were a particular source of pride. They won silver in the final, setting a new national record in the process.

Without needing to be an expert, most people know that a crucial element of a relay is the passing of the baton. A badly executed pass or dropping the baton can mean disaster. The principle of passing on the baton is also a significant and crucial one in our community development work.

Recently, SEEDS’ partner Yayasan Pendar Pagi (YPP) has been passing on the baton to locals by way of training. Two YPP workers, Mario and Medi, who have been using the “I Love Reading” program with children in West Jakarta for approx. 5 years, were recently trained by a SEEDS’ member to become ‘Trainers of Trainers’.

As an integral part of their own training, Mario and Medi then went on to train 2 members of the community. Mey and Sofyaan, both of whom had regularly volunteered or supported the work of YPP. The SEEDS member was on hand for support, and to co-facilitate where needed.

A few weeks later, Mario and Medi ran a1-day training for 5 teachers from a local primary school. The YPP team had been providing additional reading and maths support (via weekly “I Love Reading” and Maths Club sessions) for some of their students for the last 2 years. Both Mario and Medi were greatly encouraged by the teachers’ participation and interest. To quote Medi, “It was above my expectations.”

In the ‘relay race’ to see sustainable solutions to some of the challenges poverty brings (literacy being a major one), committed and engaged local people are needed to be invested in finding solutions. We may be the ones to run the 1st and 2nd leg. However, they are the ones most likely -and most suited- to carry the baton across the finish line.

We look forward to hopefully celebrating their success, as well as the successes of those they invest in. Maybe one day, they will also be a source of pride to the nation of Indonesia, and even beyond.