Bogor (Indonesia) - A congress of the teenagers grown up with the program of long distance adoption
31st october 2011
No one is too poor to help other people.
The meeting with the elder adopted children was held during 22-23 October 2011 in a Franciscan School in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. It was attended by 38 teenagers from all over Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Bandung, Jakarta, Padang, Medan and Banda Aceh. This is the first time for the children to know each other. They realize that they are one family in the community of Sant’Egidio. Happiness and joy were showed on their faces and words.
After 8 years managing the program of long distance adoption in Indonesia, we start to see some children become elder. Some of them go to university, some other children not, they have to work. But from all children, the most important thing is that they realize who they are and how they do for their future. This is the main point that we tried to focus on. Besides, we shared also the info about Sant’Egidio and the knowledge of university and working life.
We are the architects of all challenges in our life. Everybody has the chance to grow. Never give up! As the family of Sant’Egidio, no one will be forgotten. A new hope appeared with Sant’Egidio.
All the children tried to reflect on their life. Children were separated in six groups to have a more intensive reflection. They shared deeply. Whatever they are now they want to rise and fight for a better future. Everybody is meaningful. The experiences of the friends become a spirit for them and also for the friends of the community. They also made concrete commitment for the near future.
Time was too short. They have to take their buses back to each destination. They were grateful and wish to have such meeting next year.
Indonesia, Childhood, Distance Adoptions
CHANGE LANGUAGE
Solidarity Actions of the Community of Sant'Egidio are made thanks to volunteer work and are financed by collections, contributes, donations, both public and private. 
