Simple technology, complex logistics: how would Kopernik, based in Ubud, distribute 800 Nazava water filters to schools spread across Indonesia, from Papua in the east to Sumatra in the west, and six more islands in-between?
A crucial component: volunteers! When I joined Kopernik earlier this year, I put a call out for volunteers across Indonesia to help support our Drink Up Indonesia project. Who put their hand up? Let me introduce you to two of them.
MEET ADIT
First, meet Aditya Mahardhika: we call him Adit. He is our volunteer in Bangkalan, a district on the island of Madura, East Java. With his help, we were able to distribute 100 Nazava water filters to 20 schools in just five days!
In the midst of writing his thesis and preparing for commencement, Adit generously made time to volunteer.
HE SAID, “AS A BANGKALAN NATIVE, I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO SOMETHING FOR MY COMMUNITY, I FEEL THAT I HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY.”
Thanks to Adit’s help, more than 2,000 students in Bangkalan can now drink safe, clean water at school.
But what exactly did Adit do? Firstly, he helped introduce Kopernik to schools where the water filters were needed. He also provided a storehouse for the filters, prior to distribution. Over five big days, he helped me to distribute the water filters to schools and teach students and teachers about the importance of clean water. And perhaps the most fun role:
“TAKING PHOTOS OF THE KIDS IS PART OF MY JOB!”
Adit said that volunteering had opened his eyes to new experiences he otherwise never would have had – visiting many schools in Bangkalan for the very first time, and seeing for himself what the conditions are like for the students.
MEET NIKEN
Our second volunteer is a pretty lady named Niken Resti Pratiwi who lives in Bandung, West Java. Niken loves helping people around her, especially kids, so when a friend invited her to volunteer with Kopernik, she immediately said yes.
“I DIDN’T HESITATE AT ALL,” SHE SAID HAPPILY.
Just like Adit, Niken helped us to contact schools and arranged the schedule for the safe drinking water campaign and filter distribution.
On arranging the schedule, she revealed:
“WHAT’S MOST INTRIGUING IS THE WAITING—IT TOOK SOME TIME FOR THE SCHOOLS TO CONFIRM WITH US. IT’S LIKE WAITING FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO LOVE YOU BACK, BUT IN THIS SITUATION, THE LOVED ONE IS THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.”
My favourite experience with Niken was when we visited Batununggal 3 Primary School. As we sat and chatted with the headmaster, a young face suddenly popped up on the other side of the window pane, with a brave line handwritten on a piece of paper: 'Hey, pretty, can I know your name?'
It was the class prefect. As the headmaster chased him away, Niken and I just couldn’t stop laughing.
After my week in Bandung, Niken told me:
“THANK YOU FOR ASKING ME TO JOIN KOPERNIK!”
Niken, it is us who should be thanking you! With your help, just like in Bangkalan, we successfully distributed 100 Nazava water filters to 20 schools in Bandung. And more than 800 students learned about the importance of drinking safe, clean water for a healthy life.
Great times, great laughs, great experiences. But don’t just take my word for it. Adit has some advice:
“IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE, DO VOLUNTEER YOURSELF FOR KOPERNIK!”
More than 4,000 students in Madura and Bandung can now enjoy safe, clean drinking water at school
Students learned about how simple water filter technology makes water safe to drink
Over five days, we distributed 100 Nazava water filters to 20 schools in Bangkalan district
At one school, a bold class prefect asked for Niken's phone number!
