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Read about our recent visit to Lendang Nangka
Our Recent Visit to Lendang Nangka
In December of 2023 I, Zoe, and my mum ventured to Lendang Nangka to meet up with the old and new girls and spend a few days together. It had been 11 years since being back in Lombok and first meeting Sanah and her family.
​On our first day we met Arin and her friend Rifki, who generously acted as 'tour guide' for the weekend. We spent some of our time in the school where Sanah works, meeting the beautiful, bright kids that she works with in primary and senior school. We had the pleasure of visiting another senior high school and talking to some of the children keen to practice their English and learn about where we come from.
​We spent the following day with the six girls who have been sponsored through Lenka Sisters in the past few years. We had a lovely afternoon, thanks to Arin's parents, who hosted us in their beautiful garden. We shared a special meal, typically made for special Indonesian Inauguration ceremonies. And the girls shared their journey of education with us. It was surreal having us all together, coming together through our passion for education and women's rights.
We ended our time together with a day at a national park with the girls and their families. We met the new girls whom we have been communicating with; they are looking for sponsorship for the opportunity to continue their education from school to University. We felt inspired by their determination to continue to study. It was a lovely way to end our visit in Lombok; playing fun games in the park, sharing stories and enjoying a special lunch of traditional Indonesian food and snacks.​
Meeting the girls who have been connected to Lenka Sisters for some time now was very special. Hearing their stories and the journeys they have been on was interesting and seeing where the girls live and study and meeting their families and their communities was unforgettable. We felt welcomed by their families and we were overwhelmed by their gratitude. It was an experience that I will never forget.
We are so proud of each of the six girls who have worked hard with their studies to change their lives and achieve their dreams. And we are extremely blessed to have built close relationships with these special people.​​
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Recent Graduates
2023 was a big year for the girls. Arina graduated in March, and Baiq and Nisa both graduated in December. After graduating Baiq won a job working with children with learning difficulties and Nisa secured a job in the marketing and travel industry .
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Watul is currently writing her thesis and will be graduating shortly after completing this. Irma is still studying away from home in Malang on a university exchange program and thoroughly enjoying the change from Lombok.
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A year after marrying Sanah has had a beautiful baby girl. She felt determined to continue working whilst being a mother. She is employed as a primary school teacher and she is able to take her daughter to work with her, which allows her to manage both roles
She loves teaching the children and says it makes her feel empowered, working outside of the home. She is a role model for girls and women i n her village. Many of them do not get the opportunity to work outside the home.
We are continuously impressed and proud of the work and great effort that the girls have put into their studies, and how they continue to give back to their communities, creating a better future for all.
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