Writer: IBU local volunteer at Central Sulawesi
On April 28, 2019, the people of Bangga Village in Dolo Selatan District were affected by the flash flood disaster due to heavy rains. We conducted an assessment related to the overall affected data in each shelter. Urgent needs at that time, such as clean water, proper clothing, and food items. We saw the distribution of aid scattered in the evacuation post and eventually the aid such as clothing piled up in the shelter post.
After getting funds from the “Palu Charity” activity, we and the people of Bangga Village began to move to recycle the piles of clothing to be used as craft products for flower vases and doormat. We assisted children and parents to be able to make a usable handicraft product. This activity also to ease the psychological condition of the people of Bangga Village after the flash flood disaster. We shared the information about craft products to social media and it turns out that there are people who are interested in ordering. At that point, people of Bangga Village believe that this can be a potential source of livelihood. They make several working groups consisting of three groups of women and one group of youth. They hope that this can be of concern to the local government.
From the seriousness of the activity, there were several people who donated such as scissors, nails, paints, and cement to support the making of crafts. Until now, people of Bangga Village have succeeded in selling doormat products to the City of Palu. They hope is to be able to establish a facility in Palu City to sell vases and doormat.
At one night, we asked a group of children who tried making a doormat craft, “Where do you usually get THR (religious holiday allowance)?” Then they answered, “This is it. We already got a THR. By happily sitting together, having fun with friends, and getting the knowledge of making crafts and can get money “.
