Here we are! While most people may describe 2021 as “the second year of the pandemic”, it was much more than that for us. It was the year we embraced life and sought to learn and grow through all that it brings. 

Embracing Farewells, with Gratitude

In Roshan, we often say to our refugee friends that “we love you so much, we want to see you go.” Across both Roshan and Bersama communities, we said bittersweet farewells to refugee friends and families as the doors of resettlement or other pathways finally opened to them. In May, we also bid farewell to a beloved colleague, Brandon Baughn, who served as Roshan Program Director for four years, as his family transitioned back to the US. We let go, overflowing with gratitude for the many good people that pass through our doors and knowing that they remain a part of our “extended” family through the stories and encouragement we continue to exchange across time zones. 

Embracing Farewells, with Gratitude

In July, Indonesia overtook India as the global epicenter of the deadly delta variant surge that swept across the world. In August, we grieved as we witnessed the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, a home country to over 50% of refugees in Indonesia. Despite the looming uncertainties brought about by these events, we strengthened our resolve to keep moving forward. The LIFE team pressed through 2021 with in-person activities, and boldly opened a new, sixth preschool center in August, to keep learning accessible for over 400 children in waste-picker communities. Even without a new Roshan Program Director in place, the Roshan team pushed diligently through a second year of remote learning for over 150 students. Meanwhile, the YICF team recruited two new colleagues, Caitlin Howe and Jane Lee, who pushed through many logistical hurdles to move to Jakarta from the US and join the Roshan team. 

Embracing Uncertainty, with Resolve

For our Bersama program, 2021 was perhaps the toughest year as the volume of data labeling work flowing to our community dropped dramatically, affecting our 80+ Indonesian and refugee participants both economically and mentally. Yet, the team remained empathetic, patient and dedicated to doing what was possible each day: personally reaching out to community members, keeping all learning activities running, and delivering exceptional performance in data labeling projects, no matter how few or small.

We entered 2021 with a sense of curiosity and humility, recognizing that the year ahead may be more challenging than the previous. In many ways, this turned out to be true. Yet, we embraced what life brought our way, and emerged with an even deeper sense of gratitude, resolve, and patience. We kept our eyes fixed on our mission, ending the year with nearly 700 participants from some of the most underserved communities in Jakarta, all moving steadily toward brighter futures through Roshan, LIFE, or Bersama. And we never could have done this without the many partners and supporters who continued to pour generously into our lives and work throughout the year. 

Whether you are a partner, participant, volunteer, or staff member: thank you for embracing and sharing life with us. We cannot wait to see where this journey leads in 2022.

" ... we strengthened our resolve to keep  moving forward."