Reflection on the 58th Anniversary of Pingit Social Village

On October 19-26, 2024, Pingit Social Village (PSP) held a series of activities to commemorate Pingit’s 58th anniversary. The theme this year was “Togetherness in Joy.” Pingit administrators and volunteers reflected on the joy they experienced while holding teaching and learning activities at PSP. The spirit of the theme was expressed in three main activities: (1) free health checks, (2) people’s competitions, and (3) a night of vigil.

Free Health Check

Saturday (10/19/2024), volunteers collaborated with the Realino Primary Clinic to organize free health checks for the elderly and residents around Pingit. The health services provided include uric acid, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks. The examination was continued with personal consultations by doctors at the Realino Primary Clinic. After the examination, the prescription obtained from the doctor can be exchanged for the medicines provided.

The residents’ enthusiasm for participating in this activity shows the high need for personal health. This event reminds the community that attention should be focused on the productive age and the elderly, who are often neglected. As reflected in the closing prayer of the event, “[…] serving them, the elderly around us, who are rarely noticed by society,” this event carries a message about the importance of paying attention to the welfare of the elderly as an essential part of society.

People’s Race

Sunday (10/20/2024): In addition to free health checks, Pingit’s 58th anniversary was also enlivened by a folk competition for the residents’ children. Although the implementation was postponed due to rain, the enthusiasm of all those present did not fade. After the weather cleared, the volunteers immediately prepared for competitions based on age categories. Kindergarten children competed in eating crackers and colored straws. Younger elementary school children played straw relay and bottle nails. Older elementary school children played cardboard shake and newspaper relay in line.

When the weather cleared, the enthusiasm of the children and residents grew even more intense until the competition was completed smoothly. The activity ended with the excitement of playing water volleyball. The happiness radiated from the children and residents, which was a memorable memory for the volunteers. Not forgetting, the children and residents received snacks that the committee had prepared. Although tired, the volunteers were grateful because they could carry out their duties well to create a memorable experience.

Night of Vigil 

Saturday (10/26/2024): The peak of the series of activities for Pingit’s 58th anniversary was celebrated with a night of vigil. We were very impressed with the enthusiasm of the volunteers, who gave each other time for one month to prepare the children’s performance. Practicing the performance with the children was a challenge we overcame well.

On the day itself, volunteers and residents of Pingit helped each other to prepare the stage and tent for the night of the vigil. This was a valuable experience where all parties cared about each other to help each other make the series of events for Pingit’s 58th anniversary a success. The joy culminated on Saturday, October 26, 2024, the night of the vigil.

Togetherness is one of the things we got during our activities in Pingit. After about a year of meeting the residents and children, we felt a sense of closeness and familiarity with them. At the beginning of our time as Pingit volunteers, we always saw the enthusiasm of the children we accompanied. After accompanying them for a long time, we learned various stories of Pingit children, from their family conditions to their struggles. In addition to meeting multiple children’s stories, we also met Pingit residents who were friendly and sensitive to being involved in activities in Pingit.

In addition to the children and residents of Pingit, we also feel comfortable with the Pingit administrators and volunteers. We often share stories and experiences that bring joy. We are very grateful that each volunteer also has the sensitivity to help each other. One of the fruits of that sensitivity is the success of the series of activities for Pingit’s 58th anniversary.

Contributor: Adelia Dwi Maharani, Alessandra Josephine Lie Saragih, Lidwina Paskarylia Shinta – Volunteer Pingit