The ‘Black Summer’
What is ‘Black Summer’? ‘Black Summer’ was what they called the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season. It burnt down about 18.6 million hectares of forests, destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including 2,779 homes) and killed at least 34 people mainly in the southeast of the country. It is estimated that one billion animals have been killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction.
This bushfire crisis has taken an enormous toll on wildlife, with huge numbers (almost thousands) of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and other species being killed. These include animals such as: koalas, the Brush-tailed rock-wallaby, the Regent honeyeater, etc.
Knowing that this horrifying disaster that was affecting these beloved animals, Bina Bangsa School PIK could not just stand and watch as it took place. Hence, a student and his family who have their origins in Australia decided that they had to do something instantaneously. Ryan David Theresa is no older than eleven years and is just in Primary 5 but his determination pushed him and his family to help Australia. Ryan informed the principal of the school about this urgent matter and the idea he had in mind for Bina Bangsa School PIK to contribute to WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and the Australian Red Cross to help both the people and animals suffering in our neighbouring country.
Then for the next few weeks all the students of BBS-PIK were donating money out of their own allowances. After the donation drive was over, the Second Secretary of the Public Diplomacy of Australia from the Jakarta Australian Embassy, Ms Natassia Kaufman arrived at BBS to thank the students for their contribution of 21.887.700 rupiah which is equivalent to AUD$2300.00. Our beloved Principal, Ms Linawati also awarded a token of appreciation to Ms Natassia Kaufman.
This shows that even little children can make a big difference in this society for both humans and animals just by donating their own pocket money for a few weeks.
Written by: Katherine Grace Winata (P5 Compassion)