The children of Haray, an extremely remote village in East Sumba, were so happy to receive footballs donated by our Australian friends at Rotary International. Fair Future also organised medical check-ups for over a hundred children to promote healthy living and prevent malaria. This heartwarming gesture has made a significant difference in their lives.
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In Haray, East Sumba, Rotary’s gift of football brings joy to children while promoting health and malaria prevention.
This new “Photo of the Day” shows you the unadulterated joy of the children of Haray, a remote village in the far south-east of East Sumba, in the Mahu sub-district, where we have been working for the past few years when they received an unexpected gift: footballs donated by our colleagues at Rotary Australia. This event was extraordinary for these youngsters, who are usually deprived of toys and sports equipment such as balls. The palpable joy shown in this photo can be compared to having experienced a splendid Christmas party.
Children in East Sumba usually lack proper shoes and pitches to play on. Therefore, receiving a football was an extraordinary experience, perhaps the first time they had ever done so. This newfound joy brought together both sexes and caregivers to rejoice in the event by playing together with these new toys.
One of our campaigns, which aimed to promote healthy living and prevent malaria, became the site of a pleasant event. Using the event to provide medical care, we conducted health checks on over a hundred schoolchildren in Haray. This initiative of our Primary Medical Care program considered their well-being.
For now, however, the focus is on the footballs. The euphoria these young people feel is a rare phenomenon in this remote, roadless region where visitors are few. This simple gesture added an unforgettable moment of happiness, solidarity and enthusiasm to their lives – a memory they will undoubtedly cherish for years.
Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 5th of September 2024.
