Local people receiving packages at one of the schools
Schools managed by the Catholic Education Foundation of Ricci in Tangerang, in Banten province, have reached out to needy Muslims by distributing basic necessities ahead of the Eid al Fitr holiday. With help from teachers, students of all ages distributed around 2,000 packages containing rice, sugar and instant noodles. All these items were provided through fund-raising efforts by the students. According to Ignatius Ponijo, head of the foundation’s education operation desk, social activities like this demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to serving people living around its schools. This event was aimed at encouraging students to serve and befriend others. “It is important to pay attention to others,” he said. The foundation also hoped that students will be individuals who always thank God for the gifts they receive. “They should share these gifts with others,” he suggested. “As an educational institution, we care for those in need,” said Saturnimus M. Nage, one of the organizers. One of the students, Yudith Bernadette Ayu Putri, 16, said the event provided a good moral lesson. “It taught me about empathy,” she said. Naswan, 57, who received one of the packages, said the distribution of the gift would make Eid al Fitr a bit more special in the sense that it demonstrated how community spirit can transcend religious differences. Related Reports: Atambua youths develop social awareness