When it comes to development-personal stories always trump numbers. This principle was reinforced to me this week when my colleague managed to fundraise over $1000 in a single day in support of a Refugee in Indonesia who needed pre-natal health care.
Clearly, statistics like the one above does not convey the human cost of the flooding or the disruption and impact on the lives of everyday Jakartans. Without further adieu, let me tell two personal stories...
Story Number 1
Earlier today the 'Banjir' came to my neighbourhood of Senopati, overflowing the canal and pouring onto the street. My morning routine was quietly disrupted, as my Ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver was forced to divert his trip two blocks down the road as he dropped me off at the Busway (This is how i get to work everday). As I stood waiting patiently for my bus to arrive, I amused myself by watching cars, motorbikes and pedestrians attempt the flooded crossing. After 40 minutes waiting, it occured to me that there werent going to be any buses today. Bidding farewell to the aluminium cage of the transjakarta-bus stop, I once again relied on the kindness of Ojek drivers to get to work, who are only too keen to take my money!
Story Number 2
Yesterday, as I ventured into Cipinang, in East Jakarta, it appeared that the Banjir had all but resided. However, its footprints could still be seen. From the river flowing vociferously with renewed momentum, to the men hammering a drainage wall back into the canal, to the workers cleaning up the trash that had accumulated over the past two weeks.
It was the image of the children at ISCO Center in Cipinang who left a lasting impression.
After naively suggesting that they draw some pictures 'about the Banjir' for a Fundraising event, I was greeted with looks of torment and anguish that suggested 'the Banjir' was the last thing in the world they wanted to draw about. The real victims of the flooding in Jakarta suffer silently. Not only will nobody listen to the children's stories, they are too ashamed or too saddened to tell them. The real victims of the flooding are not those who wait too long for the bus, or who have to take an ojek to work instead.
The real victims are the children whose homes have been flooded for the past month and their schools have been closed. While some of ISCO Foundation's Education Centers are still closed, those that are safe enough to be open provide a place where these children can forget about the 'Banjir of Jakarta'.
The flooding in Jakarta continues to impact on ISCO Foundations children and its education centers.
You can help replace food, medicine, clothes, uniforms, water and textbooks by donating at www.simplygiving.com/iscofloodappeal
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