On 24th August 2019, Wiwied opened the 122nd, 123rd & 124th Libraries at SDN Jurangmangu Timur 03, SDN Jurangmangu Timur 01 & SDN Pondok Ranji 02 South Tangerang, sponsored by Singapore Olympian swimmerMr. Desmond Koh and his environmental activist wife Mrs. NadyaHutagalung.
We were greeted at SDN Jurangmangu 03 with a performance by their students. they performed a contemporary inspired Ondel Ondel dance from Jakarta.
Mr Desmod Koh then gave a speech telling the students of his inspiration to help build libraries. When he was little, Desmond would visit the public library in Singapore every week with his mother, and it was an important and good memory for him. He has continued this tradition with his wife, Nadya and their daughter and wishes to allow children to have the opportunity to experience the joy he left as a child during his library visit.
The second school we went also presented a stunning performance, Ampar Ampar Pisang dance from South Kalimantan, and also welcomed us with a song they composed themselves. They had been practicing their dance for only a week and yet produced an amazing outcome. The principal of the school, Ibu Sri Mulyani, also gave an inspirational speech about what it means for the school to have a library and computers to support the children education and also how grateful they are for the donation.
Once the library was opened, a Q&A was held. The primary school children asked questions about Desmond’s swimming days and how and why Kinar Pustaka Foundation started building libraries.
Kinar Pustaka Foundation founder, Ibu Miriam “Wiwied” Subowo, cut the nasi tumpeng that the principal of SDN Pondok Ranji 02, Ibu Napsiah, presented to celebrate the ‘birth’ of Kinar Pustaka Foundation 124th library.
Mr. Desmond Koh & Mrs. Nadya Hutagalung
About Desmond Koh:
Desmond Koh is a former competitive swimmer from Singapore and represented the nation in numerous international competitions including the Olympic over a period of more than 10 years including 5 years as National Captain. He also swam the marathon swim for charity …
About Nadya Hutagalung :
A well known personality and influencer, and a UNEP global ambassador.
