Un viaggio tra le Suore della Carità di Santa Giovanna Antida in Indonesia

During my visit to my family, I had the pleasure and opportunity to visit the communities of the Sisters of Charity in Mandrehe, Nias, as well as those in West Kalimantan, namely Sintang and Pontianak: during these visits, I was also able to see for myself the progress of the projects supported by the Thouret ETS Foundation. A Trip to Mandrehe, Nias I sincerely thank the Lord for enabling me to experience serenity and safety on the journeys that took me to the island of Nias, where I encountered and admired the missionary work of the three nuns currently serving in the community: Sister Kristina, Sister Yuspina and Sister Bona. Our three sisters’ ministry on the island of Nias has experienced significant growth and development, producing impressive results. Their presence and tangible witness have a profound impact, particularly in the field of children’s education as well as in promoting the values of charity and service to others within the local community. At the st. Jeanne Antidea Nursery School, I admired the discipline, joy and cheerfulness with which the children marched in an ordered manner in their blue-and-white uniforms: the atmosphere among them is lively and disciplined at the same time. Education is delivered in a very dynamic and creative way, and the school’s atmosphere is highly stimulating, also thanks to the cheerful wall paintings, which help to create a learning environment suited to children. Everything is the result of a harmonious and cooperative partnership among the sisters as well as with their fellow teachers and colleagues, working together to improve education for the children of Nias. The community formed by these three sisters reflects a strong sense of sisterhood, characterised by deep mutual understanding and support. The spirit of loving service is firmly rooted in each sister and becomes key towards the development of the mission of the Sisters of Charity in Nias – a journey that has yielded very inspiring results. With their dedication and commitment, they have achieved significant accomplishments that have touched the hearts of the people of Nias.

Travel to Sintang We went to the st. Jeanne Antide Nursery in Sintang via the Sintang–Putussibau passing through the villages of Serbabu and Jerora Satu in Sintang District, Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan. The village is situated in the Jerora Satu area and can be reached from the centre of Sintang via the main road to Putussibau. Kindergarten has just resumed the activities after a long holiday.

The main purpose of wearing uniforms in nursery schools (TK) is to serve as an engaging visual tool for introducing various types of work and inspiring children’s dreams from an early age. Here is an overview of the key objectives and benefits of professional clothing activities in early childhood education: • Understanding the roles and functions of different professions • Visual education: this helps children gain a concrete understanding of the visual identity of a job through the uniforms they wear. • Broadening horizons: it introduces children to fields of work beyond their primary family environment. • Understanding duties: these activities serve as a bridge for teachers to explain the responsibilities of each profession. • Psychological and character development • Fostering ambition: stimulating children’s imagination and motivation to achieve their future goals. • Developing empathy: appreciating all types of work and the services provided by workers in the local community.

Santa jeanne Antide Hostel (Foyer), Sintangg

Currently, there are 43 young girls living in the Foyer, coming from various villages some distance from the town of Sintang. Every year, the number of young girls asking to be accommodated in Our Student Residence is increasing, and particularly so this year. Sister Siwi is currently in charge; she supervises the girls and supports them in their daily lives, including activities such as cooking, eating, gardening, exercising, studying and praying. This approach to guidance and holistic formation is very much in line with the needs and requirements of the local population, particularly those from neighbouring areas and even further distances, to the extent that we have stopped admissions due to the limited space available, as we are unable to accommodate all requests. We hope that, in the future, adequate buildings and facilities can be constructed to sustain growth and offer opportunities for better development. Sintang is known as a district that lives in harmony with nature: the local government and various associations promote numerous activities in support of young people, women and the environment. The Sisters of Charity are involved in many of these initiatives

Supadio Community, Pontianak.

Upon arriving at this community, I had the joy of meeting not only the sisters from the Pontianak community but also those from the Temarang community: Sister Leaty, Sister Mery and Sister Marsi. These young sisters are full of enthusiasm and a desire to live out their mission to the full. What impressed and amazed me greatly was the fact that they travelled by motorbike to Pontianak and then back to Temarang, covering a distance that took about 10 hours! Thank God, their journey went smoothly and they arrived back at the community safe and sound, although they were certainly very exhausted. Today, in Temarang, the sisters run a nursery school and a medical clinic. The Pontianak community works in the areas of pastoral care for people, catechesis, ‘ecological’ prayer, and supports and leads groups of mothers and young people. My visits to Nias and Kalimantan have confirmed that the seeds of charity sown by the Sisters of Saint Jeanne Antide in this mission are growing in abundance. The children’s joy and the sincerity of heart found in the sisters’ communities are a living testimony of faith. May God increasingly bless every step of the Sisters of Charity’s mission in Indonesia. Sr Erica Niati