Sharing, not always with your wealth

A Follow-up Activity at Hafara

Giving does not mean to receive back and sharing does not always with our wealth. These words encouraged students of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta to visit Hafara for the second time on November 20, 2015. Hafara is an institution that takes care psychotic patients, street children and psychiatric disorder persons in Yogyakarta.

This institution is located far from the bustle of the city, giving touch of serenity, doing care and delivering a specific mentoring because the teaching methods in Hafara is of course different from the general way. Mr. Bowo, the head of Hafara has some experiences as a resident before he founded this institution. His experiences to live on street, which often clashed with Satpol PP (civil police officers) brought him to a concern feeling and taught him to share with some volunteers in Hafara. Even, the Hafara’s shelter uses local village's treasure ground.

The residents of Hafara itself was already familiar with the students of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta coming there at that time. It was depicted from enthusiastic smiles of a psychotic old man and woman and their caregivers when they welcame the students. "It’s been for a while since the first time you visited here." It was the first greeting from their lips. The atmosphere was getting cheerful when they interacted with the students by playing, singing, doing gymnastic and watching a movie together.

Although just simple things were done together, it made them happy. From the expression of the residents, students realized that their presence was very meaningful. “Time, love and attention were kinds of giving, even just simple things, it is meaningful”, said Indah who coordinated the group appreciated the students’s involvement.

Imelda, a nursing student of STIKES Bethesda shared her skill and knowledge by measuring blood pressure of the residents. "For a long time no one checked the blood pressure of the residents. Thank you for helping us”, said Mrs. Widya, the head of Hafara caregivers.

When they were watching Boncengan, a 15 minutes movie, the atmosphere became quiet. Although their eyes looked empty but they kept staring at the screen in front of them. After the movie was over, one student retold the story in simple words. In a brief, the film taught us not to do cheating when we want something.

After the activities were completed, the students left Hafara while the sky was getting dark. They asked students to come again someday. This visit taught us how we should keep sense of caring to others and do something for our community, as the spirit of Community Development Training: Elderly and Homeless that was held a few weeks ago. Hopefully it will bring a reflection for a meaningful life. (ITM)